The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the Ruins of Memphis and the Giza to Dahshur Pyramid Complex in Egypt as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1979.
Ruins of Memphis & the Giza to Dahshur Pyramid Complex – A World Cultural Heritage Site in Egypt
Memphis was the capital of Egypt approximately 3000 years before Christ. The ruins of the capital Memphis today are located 19 km south of Cairo, on the west bank of the Nile River. This city was founded by King Menes, with a population of over 30,000, making it the largest settlement in the world at that time.
Among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, only the Pyramids of Giza still exist today. Although they are no longer intact and have lost many layers of white limestone casing, and although many parts of the pyramids’ exteriors have cracked and crumbled, the grandeur of the Giza Pyramids remains largely unaffected. Rising amid the vast desert, the Pyramids of Giza astonish all who have seen them. Even today, scientists are still amazed and puzzled by how the ancient Egyptians managed to create such monumental structures.
In fact, Giza refers to a plateau in ancient Egypt, chosen for its expansive view towards the Nile Valley and situated on the west bank—an area often associated with the setting sun and death. Additionally, the region’s white limestone formations provided a solid foundation to support the immense weight of the structures. The Giza plateau also had an abundant supply of raw materials needed for constructing the solid cores of these grand edifices. Ancient Egypt actually constructed more than 80 pyramids over a span of 100 years, with the largest pyramids located at Giza, making this plateau the most significant of its kind in the region.
The large pyramids from Giza to Dahshur remain relatively intact when viewed from the outside. However, due to the effects of weather, climate, and the passage of time, they have inevitably suffered damage such as erosion and deterioration…
The Pyramids of Giza were built by three kings of the Fourth Dynasty: Khufu (also known as Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaure (Mycerinus). The Pyramid of Khufu (circa 2551-228 BC) is the largest and is also referred to as the Great Pyramid. At over 4,000 years old, it is the tallest structure ever built in the world. The Pyramid of Khufu is unique for its complex internal arrangement. It consists of three chambers: the lowest chamber is made from the bedrock beneath the pyramid, while the two upper chambers are constructed within the pyramid. The King’s chamber is aligned with granite blocks, containing a sarcophagus made of the same material. Above the King’s chamber are five relieving chambers, roofed with massive granite beams designed to deflect the weight of the pyramid away from the burial chamber ceiling. In the Grand Gallery leading to the King’s chamber, the terminal end is supported by corbel beams. Narrow shafts, approximately 20 cm² in cross-section, lead from the two upper chambers and align with the Orion constellation and stars on the horizon, assisting the soul of the deceased king in its journey to these stars.
The chambers within the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure are located below ground level, excavated from the bedrock. The Pyramid of Khafre contains only two simple chambers with a sealed ceiling, while the Pyramid of Menkaure has a series of rooms and passages that, while smaller, are more complex, with some being decorated…
At Saqqara and Dashur, notable pyramids include the Red Pyramid, Bent Pyramid, and Step Pyramid.
The Red Pyramid at Dashur was constructed during the Fourth Dynasty for Pharaoh Sneferu between 2640 and 2620 BC, named for the color of its stones. It is the first true pyramid and serves as the tomb of Pharaoh Sneferu. Currently standing at 104m, it is the third tallest pyramid and the third largest (by volume) of all ancient Egyptian pyramids.
The Bent Pyramid is also located at Dashur, near the Red Pyramid. This is the second monumental structure of Pharaoh Sneferu, illustrating the early period of pyramid construction. The lower part of this pyramid was built with an inclination of about 58°, the middle section at about 54°, but the top has only 43°. Built on soft clay ground, which could not support the weight of millions of massive stones, cracking in the walls of the pyramid was unavoidable.
The Step Pyramid is located at Saqqara. This pyramid is the tomb of Pharaoh Djoser and is recognized as the first step pyramid in Egypt, built around 2650 BC. The construction model is a mastaba—a type of burial tomb in the form of a flat, rectangular mound with sloping sides. The original structure was intended to be a square mastaba but was expanded into a four-stepped pyramid and ultimately completed as a rectangular pyramid with six steps.
The Pyramid Complex at Abu Rawash is located a few kilometers north of the Giza pyramids. Currently, only the notable Pyramid of Djedefre remains, albeit in ruins. The Pyramid of Lepsius has only a mound made of mud bricks. The original height of the Pyramid of Djedefre was 67m, but it has suffered significant damage and now stands as a heap of stones.
The Pyramid Complex at Abusir includes historically valuable remnants due to their considerable age (some pyramids date back approximately 4,000 years). The Abusir Pyramid Complex is located on the left bank of the Nile, between the Giza and Saqqara pyramids. The Pyramid of Sahure, standing at 48m with a square base measuring 78.5m on each side, dates back to the Fifth Dynasty of ancient Egypt and is known to be the oldest pyramid in this complex. It was constructed on a foundation lined with at least two layers of white limestone quarried from the Maasara quarry. The core sits atop six layers of limestone, notably, this pyramid does not have a perfectly square base like others, and the corridors leading inside form steps. The courtyard in front of the pyramid features 16 intact red granite columns inscribed with the royal name of Pharaoh Sahure.
From Giza to Dahshur, there are many other large and small pyramids, most of which have suffered some degree of damage due to time and climate. All these pyramids form a unique complex of tombs, becoming an iconic image of Egypt. The pyramids and the surrounding stories still retain many mysteries, captivating not only tourists but also scholars who continue to explore. When Egypt is mentioned, undoubtedly the first thing that comes to mind is the pyramids and the mysterious tales of the pharaohs, which is why this area is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world.
