The Mysterious Origins and Construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza remains one of the most enigmatic and awe-inspiring structures in human history. Its origins and the methods of its construction have been subjects of both academic study and popular speculation for centuries. This article delves into the history, construction, and the implications of the Great Pyramid's creation, challenging popular myths and presenting the most widely accepted theories.

The Relevance of Carbon Dating

In 1984, Mark Lehner conducted carbon dating on the Great Pyramid of Giza, which revealed a construction date of 3800 BCE. This finding immediately invalidated long-held beliefs about the origins of the pyramids, challenging the claims of those who believed they had a comprehensive understanding of ancient Egyptian society. As such, any theory attempting to explain the pyramids must incorporate this evidence.

The Relevance of Ancient Texts

Freemasons believe that the Great Pyramid was built by Enoch, a figure mentioned in the Torah in Isaiah 19:19. According to this text, the pyramid is described as the 'pillar of Enoch,' which is believed to be a prophecy of Moses' role in releasing the Israelites from slavery. While these texts provide interesting cultural insights, they do not provide historical evidence for the pyramid's construction.

Egyptian Pyramids: A Brief Overview

Built during a time when Egypt was one of the richest and most powerful civilizations in the world, the pyramids – most notably the Great Pyramids of Giza – are some of the most magnificent man-made structures in history. These structures reflect the unique role that the Pharaoh or king played in ancient Egyptian society. The pharaoh was believed to be chosen by the gods to serve as a mediator on earth, a position of immense power and authority that extended into the afterlife.

The Pharaoh and Ancient Egyptian Society

During the third and fourth dynasties of the Old Kingdom, Egypt enjoyed tremendous economic prosperity and stability. The Pharaoh held a unique position in society, believed to be somewhere between human and divine. He was considered a mediator between the gods and the people, and his rule was integral to the prosperity and stability of the kingdom. After his death, the Pharaoh was believed to become Osiris, the god of the dead, while his successors took on the role of Horus, the falcon-god who protected the sun god Ra.

The Early Pyramids: Foundations of the Great Pyramid

From the beginning of the Dynastic Era in 2950 BCE, royal tombs were carved into rock and covered with flat-roofed structures known as mastabas, which were precursors to the pyramids. The oldest known pyramid in Egypt was the Step Pyramid built at Saqqara for the third dynasty’s King Djoser around 2630 BCE. This pyramid, known as the Step Pyramid, evolved from a traditional mastaba into a more ambitious structure featuring six stepped layers of stone, reaching a height of 204 feet (62 meters). The Step Pyramid was surrounded by a complex of courtyards, temples, and shrines, where King Djoser could continue to enjoy his afterlife.

The Great Pyramids of Giza: Monuments to Eternity

No pyramids are more celebrated than the Great Pyramids of Giza, situated on a plateau on the west bank of the Nile River, near modern-day Cairo. The oldest and largest of the three pyramids at Giza, known as the Great Pyramid, was built for Pharaoh Khufu around 2589 BCE. It is the only surviving structure out of the famed Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramid’s sides average 755.75 feet (230 meters) and its original height was 481.4 feet (147 meters), making it the largest pyramid in the world. Three smaller pyramids built for Khufu’s queens are lined up next to the Great Pyramid, while a nearby tomb contains the empty sarcophagus of his mother, Queen Hetepheres.

Who Built The Pyramids?

Popular belief in history held that the pyramids were built by slaves or foreigners forced into labor. However, recent archaeological evidence suggests otherwise. Skeletal remains excavated from the area indicate that the workers were likely native Egyptian agricultural laborers who worked on the pyramids during the time when the Nile River flooded the surrounding land. Approximately 2.3 million blocks of stone, each averaging about 2.5 tons, had to be cut, transported, and assembled to build Khufu’s Great Pyramid. The ancient Greek historian Herodotus wrote that it took 20 years to build and required the labor of 100,000 men, but later archaeological evidence suggests that the workforce was actually around 20,000.