As if all these discoveries weren’t enough, archaeologists and scientists have also uncovered 17 more pyramids. They used satellite technology to detect hidden structures underneath Earth’s surface, and they found 17 pyramids around Giza. But that’s not all; they also revealed over one thousand burial sites hidden underneath the sand in the area thanks to their infra-red technology.
Crews on the ground are already studying and examining two of these newly discovered pyramids. Even though new pyramids are still being found, the oldest one remains the Pyramid of Djoser.
The Structures Surrounding the Pyramids
Today, it seems like the pyramids stand isolated in a desert area with nothing surrounding them, but it wasn't that way back in their heyday, as many structures encompassed the grand pyramids. However, the pyramids were still essential town structures, despite being surrounded by Necropolis, the allegedly smaller tombs. It’s kind of eerie when we think about it since Necropolis translates to the City of the Dead.
Other structures and buildings in the area included religious buildings and temples for honoring the king. The staff who worked in temples and looked after the kings also lived close by. The majestic Great Sphinx of Giza is also situated near the pyramids.
Who Built the Sphinx?
Just like the pyramids, the Sphinx carries a similar mystery. No one claims to know who constructed it and why exactly it was built. Two theories examine who was behind building the Sphinx. Some maintain that Khafre was the one who created the Sphinx and the second-largest pyramid. If this was correct, it would suggest that the Sphinx was built around 2500 BCE.
But some archaeologists and scholars hold that the Sphinx is older than Kharfe and that it was commissioned by his father Khufu; he was the one who ordered the building of the Great Pyramid.
The Oldest Pyramid
The oldest of all known pyramids, the Pyramid of Djoser, is believed to be built during the 27th century BC. Unlike the Great Pyramid which is surrounded by burial sites and graves, the Pyramid of Djoser is enclosed by a courtyard and numerous ritual embellishments. The structure has sustained a lot of damage, as weather conditions severely corroded it.
Unlike other pyramids, the Pyramid of Djoser also features a smaller pyramid edifice known as the mudbrick structure, which comprises multiple complexes. Inside this pyramid, we will find a burial chamber, but, surprisingly, archaeologists did not find a body inside it when the pyramid was discovered. There is some indication that the pyramid may have been used as King Djoser's tomb.
A Structure Taller Than the Pyramid of Giza
The Pyramid of Giza held the title of the world’s tallest structure for a total of 3 871 years. In other words, it took humanity approximately 4,000 years to construct a new building taller than the pyramid. The next tallest structure that came close was the Lincoln Cathedral in England, which was built in 1311. What’s even more surprising is that the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids in 20 years, but building the English Cathedral took more than 200 years to build!
If we look at the Cathedral of Lincoln now, we wouldn’t consider it to be taller than the impressive Pyramid at Giza. Nonetheless, that’s because the Cathedral’s central spire collapsed in 1549, after which it was never reconstructed. This Cathedral was the world’s tallest building for a total of 238 years, but its importance lies in the record it broke!