The Start of Pyramid Building
Pyramids are one of the most iconic structures in the world, and the Pyramids of Egypt are undoubtedly the most famous of them all. These historic buildings have fascinated historians and tourists alike since their construction, but how were they built, and why were they built in the first place?
It all began with King Djoser, who reigned from 2630 to 2611 BC. He was the first pharaoh to commission a step pyramid, which was designed by his architect, Imhotep. Imhotep’s design consisted of a series of levels made of limestone, which formed a pyramid shape.
Pyramid Construction
Pyramid construction was a challenging and intricate process that required a significant amount of manpower, resources and time. As such, pyramid construction was a major event that defined entire reigns.
One of the most popular theories about the construction of the pyramids is that they were built using slave labour. This, however, has been debunked by modern-day scholars who believe that instead of slaves, workers were given a significant amount of rights, as well as food, medical care and clothing. By studying the worker’s tombs, archaeologists have discovered that workers had access to medical treatments and that they ate high-quality foods like beef, bread, and beer.
Despite this, pyramid construction was dangerous, and workers were at risk of injury and death as a result of accidents or illness. Pharaohs would often earn respect from their subjects, by making sure workers received proper medical care to ensure they could stay healthy while working hard.
The Purpose of Pyramids
It might be easy to think that the pyramids were simply built to serve as mausoleums, but they had a far more profound function. The pyramid represented the pharaoh’s power and was a symbol of a powerful and secure state that stood the test of time.
Pyramids were also built to serve as passage tombs, a type of tomb that was prevalent throughout the Bronze Age. In ancient Egyptian society, there was a belief that the pharaoh’s body had to be preserved so that they could rule in the afterlife. The process of mummification was important, as it helped preserve the pharaoh’s body so that they could be reunited with their Ka, or ‘life force,’ which they believed resided in the person’s tomb with their mummy.
The Evolution of Pyramid Design
As time went on, pyramid building evolved, and pharaohs began building different styles of pyramids. The Great Pyramid of Giza, for example, is made of more than 2 million stone blocks and took around 20 years to build. It was built for Pharaoh Khufu, who was even more ambitious than previous pharaohs.
During the reign of Sneferu, who ruled from 2613 to 2589 BC, they created the step pyramid. After that, for Sneferu’s second pyramid, they invented the bent pyramid, a structure that was initially planned to be a steep pyramid but was changed halfway through construction due to safety concerns. The Red Pyramid, which was inspired by the bent pyramid, was the world’s first true pyramid and is located in Dahshur.
The evolution of pyramid design also marked the shift from the Old Kingdom to the Middle Kingdom. The years between 2200 and 2000 BC saw a decline in pyramid construction before the Golden Age of pyramid building returned in the New Kingdom.
The Legacy of the Pyramids
Although the construction of pyramids has long since ceased, their legacy continues to live on today. From being featured in blockbuster movies like The Mummy, to becoming one of the most visited tourist locations in the world, the pyramids have made their mark and will continue to captivate people from all over the world.
As our knowledge about pyramids continues to grow, it becomes clear that these structures are a lasting testament to the ingenuity, creativity, and determination of the people who built them. Despite being built over 4000 years ago, the Pyramids of Egypt remain one of the most awe-inspiring structures in the world. Uncover more information on the subject by visiting this thoughtfully curated external source. Egypt pyramids tour, dive even deeper into the subject and enhance your learning experience.
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