Egypt pyramids - the Land of Wonders
It is believed that the pyramids smooth and angled sides are known to symbolize the rays of the sun and were specially designed to help the pharaoh’s souls ascend to heaven and associate with the God, particularly the Sun god known as Ra. At that time, it was believed that when the kings die, a part of their spirit, also called as Ka, remained within their body. In order to properly take care of their spirits, the corpse of their king was mummified. Everything that the king might need in their afterlife, including the vessels of gold, food, furniture, other offerings like food etc. were placed along with the corpse. The Egypt pyramids became the focus of a cult for the dead kinds that were supposed to continue to live well even after their death. The riches were not only provided for the kings but also to those of their relatives, priests and officials that were buried alongside them.
None of the pyramids have been more celebrated than the Great Pyramids of Giza. This one is located on a plateau on the western bank of the river Nile, now on the outskirt of modern day Cairo. The largest and oldest amongst the discovered pyramids, the Great Pyramids is the only surviving structure out of the ancient time seven wonders of the world. The pyramid was build for Khufu, the successor of Sneferu and the second king amongst the eight kings of the 4th dynasty. Though king Khufu is known to reign for around 23 years, yet little is known about his reign except the grandeur of his pyramid. Its measurements have made it the largest known pyramid in the world.
In fact, three small pyramids that were built for the Khufu’s queen, are also lined up alongside the great pyramid and another tomb that is found nearby the pyramid contains an empty sarcophagus of his mother, Queen Hetepheres. All the pyramids in Egypt are surrounded by rows of Mastabas that are believed to bury the relatives and the officials of the kind in order to accompany and support him after his life. Such great is the story of these pyramids that it calls people towards it till now and see the glamorous side of the ancient history once again.