The mystery revealed: “The secret inside the 4,600-year-old Egyptian pyramid and the journey to the afterlife of the pharaohs

The pyramids of Egypt are one of the last wonders of the ancient world. Let’s take a look inside the 4 most famous ones to see who was buried there.

The Egyptian pyramids are among the most magnificent constructions of all time. Built over 4,600 years ago, they held enormous cultural significance in ancient Egypt, as they acted as royal tombs where beloved pharaohs were buried. Sometimes, members of the pharaoh’s family were also buried alongside them in the same tomb or in smaller satellite tombs nearby. The ancient Egyptians believed that the spirit of the pharaoh remained with his body after death, and these massive monuments were a safe passage for this spirit to pass on to the next life, pointing towards the heavens.

Inside the pyramid, the Egyptians placed valuable objects such as gold, jewelry, and pottery, as well as statues of the pharaoh, which they believed he would take with him on his journey to the afterlife. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most famous Egyptian pyramids and the mythological leaders who were imprisoned within them.

1. The Egyptian pyramid of Zoser

The oldest known pyramid is the Egyptian Pyramid of Zoser, also known as the Step Pyramid, built in 2650 BC at Saqqara. Beneath its massive construction, the great King Zoser was buried in a chamber. Zoser was a king of the Third Dynasty of Egypt, known for pioneering the construction of stone buildings, monuments and temples. Unusually, 11 of King Zoser’s daughters were buried within the chamber of this Egyptian pyramid alongside him. A limestone statue of King Zoser found at the site gives some clues as to its appearance. Before Zoser’s Pyramid, mastabas were the accepted form of burial. These were rectangular structures made of dried clay bricks, covering an underground chamber where bodies were buried. Djoser’s vizier, or closest advisor, Imhotep, conceived the first pyramid-shaped mastaba for his great king, to celebrate his mastery of building construction.

2. The Great Pyramid of Giza

The majestic structure that is the Great Pyramid of Giza was built in 2589 BC to house the Egyptian king Khufu. His queen, Henutsen, was murdered alongside him. Khufu was one of the most powerful rulers in ancient Egypt, leading the majestic Fourth Dynasty of Egypt. Not much is known about King Khufu, and only a small ivory statue survives in his honour, which stands at a minuscule 7.5cm in height – in striking contrast to the scale of his Egyptian pyramid. We can glean a few tidbits from historical accounts: the Greek historian Herodotus described Khufu as an evil leader who used slave labour and prostituted his own daughter. But the Westcar Papyrus offers an alternative view, describing Khufu as a traditional monarch – kind, curious and drawn to nature and magic. Khufu spent much of his reign planning the pyramid that would secure his empire, and it is a lasting testament to his powers in harnessing the enormous human power of his people.

3. The Egyptian pyramid of Khafre

King Khafre was the son of King Khufu, so it makes sense that his Jupiter chamber was situated close to his father’s. Khafre’s Egyptian pyramid was erected in his honour around 2494 BC. Nearby, the Great Sphinx is situated next to the causeway leading from Khafre’s temple, suggesting that this massive monument was also carved in his honour. What remains of the Sphinx’s face gives us an indication of what Khafre may have looked like. Herodotus described Khafre as a supreme king, although history suggests that Egypt prospered under his reign, securing several successful trade routes.

4. The Pyramid of Menkaure

The Pyramid of Mekaure is the smallest of the three Egyptian pyramids at Giza, standing at about half the height of its neighbours. King Menkaure, leader of Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty, was buried beneath its surface. He was the grandson of King Khufu and son of King Khafre, so it makes sense that he was buried alongside his ancestors. Unlike his family, all accounts suggest that Menkaure was a kind, fair and pious leader. In 1910, a perfectly preserved statue was found in Menkaure’s valley temple depicting a young man and woman. Because of where it was found, it is widely believed to be Menkaure and his wife, Queen Khamerernebty II (she was buried in a nearby mastaba). If this statue is indeed the famous couple, it gives us an idea of their appearance and a tantalizing glimpse into the past.

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