The Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx, located in the Arab Republic of Egypt (currently), specifically in Giza Governorate, is one of the most renowned statues in the country. It is also recognized as the largest and oldest statue globally, measuring approximately seventy-three meters in length and nearly twenty meters in height. Notably, its distinctive form features the body of a lion and the human head adorned with a royal headdress. The statue is carved from a single piece of limestone and is estimated to have taken about three years to complete. Approximately one hundred workers were involved in its construction, employing copper chisels and stone hammers. According to studies and observations, it is believed that the sculpture was created around 2500 BC during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre.
The Egyptian Pyramids
Egypt is home to numerous pyramids, among which three are particularly significant:
- Pyramid of Khufu: This pyramid is recognized as the tallest man-made structure until the 19th century, standing at approximately one hundred and forty-seven meters. It weighs around 5.75 million kilograms and is also known as the Great Pyramid. Notably, it consists of around 2.3 million stone blocks.
- Pyramid of Khafre: Situated to the southwest of the Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, also known as Chephren, is the second largest in the country. Constructed by Khafre, son of Khufu, it may appear taller than the Pyramid of Khufu due to its elevated location; however, it is, in reality, smaller.
- Pyramid of Menkaure: The Pyramid of Menkaure is the third pyramid and is the smallest among them, rising to approximately sixty-seven meters. It was built by Menkaure, son of Khafre.
Location of the Egyptian Pyramids
The pyramids are located in the northern part of the African continent, specifically to the north of the Arab Republic of Egypt, near the Giza area. They are situated on a rocky plateau on the western bank of the Nile River. Recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, they were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.