The Pyramids of Egypt are all vestiges bequeathed to us by the Egyptians of antiquity, the most prodigious and famous monuments of this civilization and in particular the three great pyramids of Giza that were the tombs or cenotaphs of the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Micerino.This construction dates back, according to great majority of scholars, to the period known as the Old Kingdom of Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Giza, built by Cheops (Khufu) is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Architectural Design
Before the Pyramids
The mastaba, almost prismatic construction, was the burial of the kings of the Archaic period in Egypt. The reasons for the evolution of the pyramids from the mastabas are not well known but we supposed that was the desire to reach significant heights to express the importance and power of the deceased pharaoh. These constructions despite its imperfection became the basis for the consolidation of new criteria for pyramids that would arise over time.
The pyramids were part of a funerary complex emerging as big monumental buildings at the time of Djoser (Zoser) pharaoh of the III Dynasty and arising during the Middle Kingdom. It was erected with mud bricks and stone cladding. Latest pyramids, although smaller and slimmer, was built during the dynasty XXV, Kush and are found in the necropolis of Meroe and Napata.
Funerary complexes usually consist of:
-The secondary pyramids, used for burial of the pharaoh's wives or as funerary monuments.
-The high temple, located near the east side of the pyramid, which served to perpetuate the memory of the pharaoh.
-The valley temple on the banks of the Nile, or a channel with a pier.
The processional causeway, which connected the temple to the valley high, decorated with bas-reliefs.
-The solar boats, buried in pits, so that the pharaoh could sail through the sky to meet the god Ra.
-The walled enclosure surrounding the pyramid and part of the package.
Harmony with nature
The royal tomb should be located west of the Nile, site of the sunset, and above the river level to avoid periodic flooding affecting the monument.They made sure that all four sides of the monument were oriented towards the four cardinal points. The Nile River was a key success factor for the construction of the pyramids and for the civilization. The location was strategically selected for the purpose.
Symbolism and Sacred Objects
The construction of a building carries a symbolism. Thus, in any society religious buildings are not designed only for the performance of rites, but also to act as centers cohesive, well-urbanism, community life ... The pyramids symbolize eternal life and continue regeneration. Similarly, in hieroglyphic the term to refer to the pyramids is mer (stairs), possibly referring to the desire to serve as the access to heaven.
The pyramids of Giza have had a special religious significance. They were thus fitting final resting places for the Pharaoh's soul—or souls, as the ancient Egyptians believed that each person had two souls: a ka and a ba.
The interior of the Great Pyramid has two such chambers, the King's Chamber, which is reached by a steep gallery, and the Queen's Chamber, some distance below it. Both chambers are now completely empty, and have been for several millennia. However, the King's Chamber, which is located close to the center of the pyramid, has long been considered to possess extraordinary spiritual power.
The Great Pyramid is thus by any measure an extremely sacred place.
How it is used by Worshippers
The pyramids were a function not only for funeral home, but also of religion, a temple dedicated to the memory of a Pharaoh that during the Old Kingdom was regarded as a god and where he could continue to protect the whole of society from the chaos and also the dangers of Life in the Nile Valley.
SOURCES
1)http://science.jrank.org/pages/11188/Sacred-Places-Great- Pyramid.html#ixzz0kXQ64iFE.
2) www.unmuseum.org/kpyramid.htm
3) www.gizapyramid.com/ : Great Pyramid of Giza Research Association
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