When you think of Egypt, what comes to mind first? It’s hard to imagine anything other than the astounding magnitude of the Pyramids of Giza and the monumental Great Sphinx of Giza. These archaeological wonders are found at the Giza pyramid complex, also known as the Giza Necropolis or the Giza Plateau, approximately 13 km southwest of Cairo. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979, the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx regularly draw in millions of curious tourists from around the world.
Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza are made up of 3 massive pyramids, the Pyramid of Menkaure, Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Khufu, the last also commonly being referred to simply as the Great Pyramid of Giza for its immense height. All were painstakingly built during the fourth dynasty of ancient Egypt for the ruling pharaohs at the time, hence their names. No one knows for sure exactly how they were built, but one thing’s for certain: the Pyramids of Giza continue to faithfully preserve the genuine essence of Egypt.
A veil of mystery also surrounds the towering Great Sphinx of Giza that stands guard over the tombs on the east side of the Giza pyramid complex. The world-famous limestone statue of a recumbent sphinx is one of the oldest, largest, and most recognisable sculptures in the world. Most believe the sculpture’s head is modelled after Egyptian pharaoh Khafre, although the nose was subsequently destroyed for unknown reasons. Nonetheless, the Great Sphinx remains a magnificent emblem of Egypt.
