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Pyramids of three Kings spanning three generations, Khufu’s (2566 BC ) the largest, his son Khafre (2532 BC ) second, and his son Menkaure (2472 BC ) the smallest, constructed in the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. An estimated willing work force of 20,000 to 30,000 men took approximately 25 years to construct the two larger Pyramids at Giza, using ramps and rollers to move the large 2 ½ ton granite and limestone blocks into place. These gradually sloping ramps, built out of mud, stone, and wood were used as transportation causeways for moving the large building stones to their positions up and around the four sides of the pyramids. A brilliant white casing limestone from Tura, across the river, provided the final outer layer for the Giza pyramids. The outer casing stones have disappeared from all three pyramids except the very top of Khafre. This is thought to be due to natural erosion and human intervention; the precious white limestone was taken in the 9 th century A.D. by the Caliphs to help build the city of Cairo. |
Plate # 19
"Three Kings "
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Photographs © Umbro '2004'. All Rights Reserved. |
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Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure shot from North East atop a queens pyramid, Giza Plateau. Egypt, 2002
Silver gelatin print. |
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