The Great Sphinx at Giza, Egypt is one of the most iconic and mysterious ancient
structures in the world. Despite being studied for centuries, there are still many
unanswered questions about the sphinx. Some of the mysteries that still need to
be solved and discovered include:

• The exact age of the sphinx: While it is generally agreed that the sphinx
was built during the Old Kingdom period of ancient Egypt, the exact date
of its construction is still debated. Some experts believe it could be as old
as 4500 years, while others suggest it may be somewhat younger.
• The identity of the pharaoh who built it: The sphinx is believed to have
been built by a pharaoh, but the identity of the ruler who ordered its
construction is still a mystery.
• The purpose of the sphinx: While it is generally agreed that the sphinx was
built for religious or ceremonial purposes, the exact meaning and
significance of the structure is still unclear.
• The original appearance of the sphinx: Over the centuries, the sphinx has
been weathered and eroded, and it is unclear what the original appearance
of the sphinx would have been. Some experts believe that it may have been
painted in bright colors, while others think it may have been covered in
gold leaf.
• The underground chambers: In 2017, a team of scientists announced they
had discovered a large void and a series of passages behind the Sphinx.
This discovery sparked many theories about the function of the void and
the possibility of hidden chambers.
These are some of the most notable mysteries, but there may be more waiting to
be discovered about the Great Sphinx

The post What are some mysteries still discovered about the Great Sphinx? appeared first on Book Egypt Tours.

The Egyptian pyramids are aligned with the stars due to the ancient Egyptians’ deep understanding of astronomy and their religious beliefs. The ancient Egyptians believed that the pharaohs were divine and that their souls would ascend to the stars after death. They also believed that the pyramids were the pharaohs’ final resting places and that the pharaohs’ souls would use the pyramids as a kind of stairway to the stars.

The pyramids are also aligned with the cardinal points, with the pyramid’s entrance facing true north and the pyramid’s diagonal corridor aligning with the pole star. This is thought to be because the ancient Egyptians believed that the pharaohs would need to navigate the underworld and the afterlife with the help of the stars. Additionally, the pyramid’s alignment might have also been used for practical purposes.

For example, it allowed for the accurate measurement of time and the prediction of the annual flooding of the Nile. Overall, the alignment of the pyramids with the stars was a combination of religious beliefs, practicality, and astronomical knowledge of the ancient Egyptians.

The post Why are the Egyptian pyramids aligned with the stars? appeared first on Book Egypt Tours.

The pyramids of ancient Egypt were shaped as they are because they were built to be the final resting places of pharaohs and their consorts. The pyramid shape is believed to have been chosen because it represented the ancient Egyptian concept of a stairway to the heavens, as the pyramid’s pointed shape symbolized the pharaoh’s journey to the afterlife.

The pyramid shape was also believed to have been chosen for practical reasons. The steep angle of the pyramid’s sides made it more difficult for grave robbers to break in and steal the valuable artifacts and treasures that were buried with the pharaohs.

Additionally, the pyramid shape provided a stable and durable structure that could withstand the forces of nature. The pyramid shape is also closely related to the ancient Egyptian’s belief in the power of geometry and the belief that certain shapes held religious significance.

The pyramid shape was also closely associated with the sun god Ra, which was considered the most powerful deity in ancient Egypt and the one who was responsible for the creation of the world.

The construction of the pyramids required a high level of technical skill and knowledge. The ancient Egyptians used a variety of techniques to build the pyramids, including the use of ramps, pulleys, and levers to move the heavy stone blocks into place.

The pyramid shape was constructed by laying courses of stone one on top of the other, with each course slightly smaller than the one below it.

This technique allowed the pyramid to be built in steps and the slope of the pyramid was determined by the angle of the slope of the pyramid’s steps.

The post Why are the pyramids shaped that way? appeared first on Book Egypt Tours.

The ancient Egyptians built the pyramids using a combination of simple tools and techniques that were available to them at the time. The main techniques used to build the pyramids include:

• Quarrying: The pyramid stones were quarried from nearby areas and transported to the construction site. The ancient Egyptians used copper chisels and hammers to shape the stone blocks, which were then transported using ramps, rollers, and levers.

• Laying the foundation: The pyramid’s foundation was dug into the ground to a depth of several meters. The soil was then compacted and leveled to ensure a stable foundation for the pyramid.

• Assembling the pyramid: The pyramid was built in stages, with each level slightly smaller than the one below it. The stone blocks were transported to the construction site and placed in position using ramps and levers. The pyramid was built from the bottom up, with each layer of stone blocks placed on top of the previous one.

• The internal structure: The pyramid’s internal structure, including the burial chambers and corridors, was built using the same techniques. The ancient Egyptians used copper chisels and hammers to shape the stone blocks,
which were then transported and placed in position using ramps, rollers, and levers.

• Finishing the pyramid: The pyramid’s exterior was then finished using a technique called casing. This involved covering the pyramid’s rough exterior with smooth, highly polished limestone blocks. Overall, the ancient Egyptians used a combination of simple tools, techniques, and a lot of human labor to build the pyramids. The precision and accuracy with which the pyramids were built is a testament to the skill and knowledge of the
ancient Egyptian builders.

The post What techniques were used to build the pyramids? appeared first on Book Egypt Tours.

Yes, visitors are typically allowed to enter some of the pyramids in Egypt, such as the Great Pyramid of Giza. However, access to the pyramids is limited and controlled by the Egyptian government to protect the structures and visitors. Some pyramids, such as the Bent Pyramid, are not open to the public. It’s always best to check with the specific pyramid you plan to visit to ensure that it is open
and to find out about any restrictions or requirements for entry.

The post Can visitors enter inside the pyramid? appeared first on Book Egypt Tours.

The cost to visit the pyramids in Egypt can vary depending on the specific pyramid or site you plan to visit, as well as the type of tour or ticket you purchase. The Giza Necropolis, which includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, and several smaller pyramids have an entrance fee of 360 Egyptian pounds (about 13 US dollar) for foreigners.
Other popular pyramids and sites such as the Saqqara pyramid complex and Memphis city have an entrance fee of 300 Egyptian pounds (about 10 US dollars) per person. It’s also worth noting that these prices are for access to the pyramids themselves, additional costs may be incurred if you want to enter any internal chambers of the pyramids, or if you want to take a camel or horse ride around the
pyramids. Another option to visit the pyramids is to take a guided tour. Guided tours of the pyramids can range from around $20 to $50 per person, depending on the length of the tour and the services included.

It’s always best to check with the specific pyramid or tour company for the most
up–to–date prices and to find out about any discounts or package deals that may
be available.

The post How much does it cost to visit the pyramids of Egypt? appeared first on Book Egypt Tours.