The Sphinx


The deserts of Egypt are full of mystery. Construction of The Great Sphinx is in itself a mystery, some would say a bigger one than the pyramids. When it comes to the Sphinx there is a division in the archeologist community itself. Some credit it’s construction to Khafre, the one who commissioned the building of the second largest Pyramid. It is believed that some of Sphinx’s feature match his, so it could have been made in his likeness.

The Opposing View

On the other hand, there are some who believe that the Sphinx was built before Khafre and was built by his father Khufu. Then there are those who believe that the Sphinx was built much before the time of Khufu too as the face of the Sphynx shows damage, possibly caused by water. It is thought that Egypt was not always a desert and received good rain around 6000 BCE.

Afterlife Goodies

Egyptians were a firm believer of life after death. They were so sure of it that when they buried themselves they buried along objects the dead might need. These objects ranged from jewelry to those of daily need. The most basic necessity was buried with every ruler- food.
Apart from this, one other object that was discovered in every ruler’s tomb was a small statue. The Egyptians believed that this statue came to life in the afterlife of course and served the pharaoh. In one uncovered tomb, 400 such statues were discovered.

Destruction- Failed


According to history, Al- Aziz, a Kurdish ruler and the second Sultan of Egypt, for some reason wanted to destroy the pyramids. He even tried, but failed- the task was not easy.
The proof of this destruction project can be seen on the Menkaure’s Pyramid- a sizable chunk has been slashed from it. But this was the maximum Al-Aziz’s plan could do.

Could Be Seen From The Moon


The Great Pyramid is literally a jewel. According to the scientists, if the Pyramid is covered in reflective limestone it can be seen from the moon.
The Egyptians have called the Great Pyramid, Ikhet. In English, this translates to- ‘glorious light’.

68 Degrees Inside


You’d think that in the scourging heat of the desert the pyramids too would be boiling. But surprisingly, the inside of the pyramids are cool. The temperature inside the pyramids is maintained at about 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
The air shafts inside the pyramids help to maintain coolness inside.