The Giza Pyramids are one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world, located on the Giza Plateau near Cairo, Egypt. The complex consists of three main pyramids, built during Egypt's Fourth Dynasty (circa 2600–2500 BC), along with several smaller "queen" pyramids, temples, and the Great Sphinx. 1. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) Largest and oldest Originally 146.6 meters tall Over 2 million limestone blocks used Considered a masterpiece of ancient engineering 2. The Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren) Slightly smaller but appears taller due to higher ground Still has some casing stones at the top Associated with the Great Sphinx, thought to bear Khafre’s likeness 3. The Pyramid of Menkaure Smallest one Stands about 65 meters high Known for its more complex internal chamber The Great Sphinx: A massive limestone statue with a lion's body and a pharaoh's head, likely representing Khafre Each pyramid was connected to mortuary and valley temples via causeways

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids on the Giza Plateau in Egypt. It's the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. Built during: Around 2580–2560 BC (Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Egypt) Height: Originally about 146.6 meters (481 feet), now about 138.8 meters (455 feet) due Made from over 2 million limestone blocks, some weighing as much as 80 tons

The Pyramid of Khafre (also spelled Chephren) is the second largest of the three pyramids at Giza and is easily recognized because it still retains some of its original smooth casing stones at the very top. Built by: Pharaoh Khafre (son of Khufu), who ruled during the 4th Dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom Date: Around 2558–2532 BC Height: Originally 143.5 meters (471 feet), now about 136.4 meters (448 feet) Location: Appears taller than Khufu’s pyramid because it stands on higher ground, but it is actually slightly smaller Complex: Includes the Valley Temple, a mortuary temple, and the famous Great Sphinx, which is believed to represent Khafre himself

The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three main pyramids at Giza but still an impressive feat of ancient engineering. Pharaoh: Menkaure (son of Khafre, grandson of Khufu) Dynasty: 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom Date: Built around 2510 BC height: About 65.5 meters (215 feet)

Standing on the Giza Plateau, the panoramic view stretches across the golden desert sands under a bright, wide Egyptian sky. From left to right: The Pyramid of Menkaure appears first, smallest in size but sharply defined, with its base wrapped in reddish granite. Next is the Pyramid of Khafre, seemingly taller due to its elevated position, with a noticeable cap of smooth casing stones at the top. At its base sits the iconic Great Sphinx, silently guarding the plateau with a lion’s body and a human face. Furthest right stands the mighty Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest and most imposing, with its massive blocks and slightly rougher exterior from centuries of weathering.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most mysterious and iconic monuments in the world, standing guard near the pyramids on the Giza Plateau. Appearance: A limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human, thought to represent Pharaoh Khafre Length: About 73 meters (240 feet) Height: Around 20 meters (66 feet) Age: Estimated to have been built around 2500 BC, during the reign of Khafre Then you will visit The Valley Temple of Khafre is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt and an important part of Khafre’s pyramid complex on the Giza Plateau. Purpose: Used for mummification rituals and the purification of the pharaoh’s body before burial Functioned as a key part of the funerary procession, receiving the body from the Nile and preparing it for burial in the pyramid