10 interesting facts about the Pyramids of Giza

Egypt's Pyramids of Giza are a wonderful sight to witness as one of the world's most renowned but enigmatic wonders. But, honestly, how much do you know about this world-famous location? Take a look at these 10 fascinating facts – some of which you may already be aware of, while others you may not – however keep in mind that they only scratch the surface!

1. While the Giza plateau's three pyramids – Cheops (The Great Pyramid), Chephren, and Mycerinus – are the most well-known in Egypt, more than 130 additional pyramids have been uncovered across Ancient Egypt.

2. The Pyramids of Giza are the oldest and only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that has not been destroyed. The Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Statue of Zeus at Olympia — all of which are no longer standing – were originally included on this list, as were the scattered remnants of the Temple of Artemis in Turkey.

3. The Great Pyramid is supposed to be made up of approximately two million stone pieces weighing between two and fifty tons, yet how they were carried is unknown. Historians believe that around 100,000 individuals were employed in the construction of the Giza Pyramids, and that they were not slaves as previously assumed, but rather paid laborers.

4. All Egyptian pyramids, including those on the Giza plateau, are located on the west bank of the Nile River, where the sun sets every evening, symbolizing the afterlife.

5. The Giza Pyramids were previously encased in a white casing composed of gleaming limestone that was polished to reflect the sun's beams. Unfortunately, the casings have steadily vanished over time as a result of earthquakes loosening them and causing them to crumble to rubble or being cut away and used to construct new structures.

6. Despite the oppressive heat that pervades Egypt, the temperature within the pyramids remains constant at 20 degrees Celsius, which is the average global temperature.

7. Despite the fact that hieroglyphics are linked with Egypt and the pyramids, no writing or hieroglyphics of any type have been discovered within the Great Pyramid of Giza.

8. Inside the Great Pyramid's main chamber sits a granite coffer, which appears regular until you realize it's composed of one solid block of granite that's far too big to fit through the route you just squeezed through. As a result of this discovery, historians and archaeologists think the Great Pyramid was erected around the coffer rather than having it hauled within.

9. The building of the cornerstones of the pyramid's foundations is a superb illustration of how the Egyptians were ahead of their time. These were revealed to be designed in a ball-and-socket design to withstand earthquakes and thermal expansion.

10. It is said that the Great Pyramid formerly possessed a swivel door that, despite its weight of up to 20 tons, could be easily pulled open from the inside but was too flush to be detected from the outside.