If we tend to a key cultural icon that exemplifies Ancient Egypt, the pyramid,
we may be able to answer some of these questions.
The three pyramids of Giza, were built as funerary monuments for
the kings of the fourth dynasty, in the old kingdom.
Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
And at first glance seem to be isolated feats of engineering and design.
This has lead to the popular idea that such monument were not conceived
by the ancient Egyptians themselves, but rather another alien race.
The great pyramid of Khufu located at Giza on the highest plateau is one of the most
impressive structures of the ancient world.
The pyramid itself has a base of 230 meters.
Originally, 146 meters high.
It's estimated to have originally contained about 2.3 million blocks
of stone.
In weight these blocks averaged about 2.5 tons.
The pyramids is by far the largest completed funerary monument attested from
ancient Egypt and includes many unique elements.
For example, the interior of Khufu's pyramid is more complex than
any other pyramid with numerous spanning systems employed in an extraordinary tomb.
Juxtaposed in chamber three or the King's Chamber, a cobbled ceiling in
the area where the closing blocks were stored, the grand gallery.
The pointed saddle vault used above the entrance in chamber two, the so
called Queen's Chamber.
The last, which shows a growing understanding of the dynamics of
load bearing.
However, many of these features, and more,
are the result of more than 500 years of experience and experimentation.
The architects drew inspiration from earlier templates,
learnt from past mistakes, try out different forms,
developed necessary skills, encouraged advances in technology.
All of which was enabled by state control or marshaling of resources, both material
and human to produce a grand eternal resting place for the ruling monarch.
A pyramid which became an inseparable part of the local topography.
A feature sometimes reflected in their names, Horizon of Khufu.
As it was located in the highest places on the western horizon.
Architecture as a political statement emphasizing the manifestation of power,
status and supremacy over the territory and population.
Symbolizing connection with the sacred world and
unlimited authority of the rulers.