Who built the pyramids of Giza?
The pyramids of Giza were built by ancient Egyptian workers about 4,500 years ago for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. They were paid laborers, not slaves.
The Great Pyramid was built for Pharaoh Khufu around 2560 BC, and the two smaller pyramids for his son Khafre and grandson Menkaure. The Great Pyramid was originally about 146 meters tall and was the tallest human-made structure in the world for nearly 4,000 years.
Archaeologists have found the remains of a workers' town near the pyramids, with bakeries, breweries and cemeteries. The tombs of workers buried close to the kings suggest they were respected laborers. Skilled craftsmen worked year-round, joined by farmers during the Nile flood season.
How they did it
Workers cut limestone blocks with copper tools and moved them on sledges, pouring water on the sand to reduce friction. Ramps were probably used to raise the stones. A papyrus found at Wadi al-Jarf records boats carrying limestone along canals to Giza.
Did You Know?
The Great Pyramid contains about 2.3 million stone blocks. It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that still stands.