Great Pyramids by Margie Clark

“ Great Pyramid”
The pyramids are one of the many wonders of the world. Perhaps the greatest
in all of Egypt. Reverend by Egypt as Holy Shrines for Kings and Rulers who
had served Egypt.
Located in the Valley of the Kings these massive structures dominate the
skyline with their well known design that blend into the landscape as though
they erupted from the bowels of the earth. There are many pyramids in the
Valley of the Kings but with each new creation the Pyramids became larger.
The most famous scene that is photographed more than any other is the
Great Pyramid of Giza. It measures approx 755 ft long, 450 ft high, and covers
over 13 acres. Most of these structures were grouped together much like a small
city which housed temples, chapels, & tombs. The pyramids design possibly
originated based on the peak known as al-Qurn in ancient Egypt which
dominates the valley of the Kings. The outside walls are made of stone quarried
from the surrounding landscape giving it the red color. Granite was used inside
the tombs for the burial chamber walls. Where the stone would have been
easily eroded by the elements the granite walls would have kept the inside
chambers dry and protected from the elements. The basic design remains
consistent while the interior designs vary depending on the architect. Pyramid
of Giza consisted of 3 chambers, the lowest chamber was unfinished and used as
the foundation for the structure. The King and Queens chambers are located
higher in the structure with temples inside the building to honor the Kings.
A series of raised walkways connect several of the smaller pyramids to the
larger pyramid. The outside walls are slant faced with flat tops. The workman-
ship is precise scholars disagree on how this was achieved. The priest & kings
excelled in the study of the arts and science, therefore it seems plausible that
the heavens were a source of their guidance due to the great reverence of the
Sun and Stars as seen in their artwork. Religion was a big part of Egyptian lifestyle
with belief in the afterlife. The lavish art and relics found within the tombs
attested to this belief. Art was placed in the tombs to protect the soul from evil
spirits that may try to harm or disrupt their journey into the afterlife. Art work
that depicted scenes of everyday life are painted on the walls of the tombs.
Statues placed at the entrance guarded the tomb from invaders and guided the
pharaoh on his journey to immortality. Miniature artwork of small statues
represented the servants that would continue to serve the needs of the pharaohs
in the afterlife as well as some items that they used in their lifetime. Larger items
such as boats were placed in the tombs in their belief that they would need a way
to travel the Nile on their journey. Images of the King where sculpted in many
forms from various materials to be used during ceremonies. To honor the King
upon the Kings death these items were placed in the tombs.
Regardless how all these items were made they will remain one of the most
sacred and prolific findings of artwork ever discovered and will continue to
amaze and encourage people to find beauty in all forms of art.