Well after a long day of travel, we finally reach Cairo, Egypt. Almost immediately after leaving the plane, we head over to probably the world’s best known structures: the Egyptian Pyramids.
The Sphynx and Pyramids
There are over 100 pyramid structures in Egypt. Most were built as tombs for the Pharaohs, or rulers, of ancient Egypt.
The best known Egyptian pyramids are those found at Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo. These are the ones we will be visiting. Several of the Giza pyramids are counted among the largest structures ever built by man, earning them a spot on the Man-Made Wonders of the world. After paying a fee to enter the area surrounding the pyramids. To preserve the interior, Egyptian authorities bar people from actually entering the pyramids. Despite that, the view from outside is certainly a spectacularly one. I for one, am still amazed at how these ancient Egyptians could construct such gigantic monuments which continue to exist to this day.
Later, after enough photos are taken, our group heads to the Step Pyramid complex of Djoser. This pyramid is the first of the many pyramid tombs built in Egypt. Here, limestone blocks are stacked one on top of another like legos to construct a step-like angled wall of the pyramid. Although in terms of majesty and size it does not hold up to the Great Pyramids, this one probably tops them in terms of historical significance.
The last stop in Cairo is the Great Sphinx of Giza. This giant statue of a reclining lion with a human head also stands on the Giza Plateau with the Great Pyramids. This is the largest statue in the world, standing 74 meters long and 2o meters high. This is also believed to be, by archeologists, the oldest monument. It was probably built by ancient Egyptians in the Third Millenium (BC, that is). His enigmatic expression has puzzled onlookers since travelers began to come to Cairo. The Sphynx is supposedly guarded the entrance to Thebes by forcing visitors to answer a riddle,
Which creature in the morning goes on four legs, at mid-day on two, and in the evening upon three, and the more legs it has, the weaker it be?
She strangled and ate anyone who could not answer. Hopefully, we will not meet the same fate.
To exit Egypt we hire a barge to take us down the great Nile River, the ultimate source of life in these parts.
Oediupus told me the answer to the riddlde. It was his answer that made the sphinx kill herself, so no one has to worry any more.
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I just wish the Egyptian govt would let the scientists do the sonic mapping under the pyramids (and their surrounds). There’s so much history buried under the deserts…
I am glad that you are so well informed. I didn’t know you knew Oedipus.
Very true, I still don’t know how that would be harmful to buildings that have endured ages.
Thank you for taking us on another adventure. I have always wanted to go to Egypt!
Sherry
Whilst the pyramids are truly spectacular and an amazing feat of engineering you have to acknowledge the fact that they where built with what was essentially slave labour.
Very true. And many slaves gave their lives to build these monoliths. But, they are very important historically nonetheless.
Did you bump into President Obama?