The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex bordering what is now El Giza, Egypt. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.
The ancient Egyptians called the pyramid “Ikhet” or “Pyrramid”, which meant “the light which comes from heaven”. The Greeks called it “Khufukh”, or “The Light of Khufu”, which was a title given to priests who were high-ranking members of Pharaoh’s court.
The Great Pyramid was built around 2560 BC by Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops), who ruled Egypt during its 4th Dynasty. It stands at 146 meters (481 feet) tall, with a base measurement of 230 x 230 meters (755 x 755 feet). It took 20 years to build this huge structure.
The Great Pyramid was originally covered with highly polished white limestone casing stones, but these were stripped off in antiquity leaving only a rough outer surface that has been eroded over time.
It was built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops). His body may have been buried elsewhere but his mummy has never been discovered.
