The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid on the Giza plateau in Egypt, has been the object of scientific and archaeological study for over two hundred years. In this modem era of discovery, it is the last of the seven ancient wonders of the world, and the only one remaining. The Great Pyramid is singled out from all other pyramids. It is the oldest, and by the superior construction techniques over all the other pyramids, makes it appear that the Egyptians didn't make it. They tried to imitate this one, but they never were able to come close. More probably, whoever built it had divine help and planning. The Egyptians say that the Pharaoh Cheops, or Khufu, built it because of a Cartouche, or Kings Signature Symbol that was found inside. All the pyramids in Egypt are covered with writings and paintings, filled with statues and gold, all except one, The Great Pyramid. In this respect it is silent, except a few "quarry marks" found over the top of the kings chamber.
The Great Pyramid was built during Khufu's reign (2551 bc-2528 BC) to serve as a tomb when he died. Vandals and erosion have stripped away some of the Great Pyramid's outer material, and some of its uppermost levels have been dismantled. When it was built, the Great Pyramid was 145.75 m (481 ft) high. Over the years, it lost 10 m (30 ft) off its top. It ranked as the tallest structure on earth for more than 43 centuries, only to be surpassed in height in the nineteenth century AD. It was covered with a casing of stones to smooth its surface (some of the casing can still be seen near the top of Khefre's pyramid). The sloping angle of its sides is 51 degrees and 51 minutes. Each side is carefully oriented with one of the cardinal points of the compass, that is, north, ...