View of the Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre and the Sphinx (4th Dynasty) by Alexandra WoodsMacquarie University
The pyramids at Giza and the surrounding monuments have fascinated people around the world for thousands of years. Scroll through photos, illustrations, and more to unearth facts about these Egyptian wonders.
The Pyramids (1843) by MÜLLER, William JamesBristol Museums
Great Sphinx of Giza
Constructed around 2500 BCE, the Great Sphinx is a 240-foot-long statue made of limestone. The half-man half-lion stands guard in front of the pyramids, all massive mausoleums built for the pharaohs. The face of the Sphinx is believed to be that of Pharaoh Khafre.
Khafre, who ruled Egypt during the 4th Dynasty, built the second largest pyramid at the necropolis, but many details about the construction and purpose of the Sphinx remain mysterious. This 1843 depiction was painted in oil by British artist William James Müller.
Gezicht op de Sfinx en de piramiden van Gizeh (1898) by Heldring, L.Rijksmuseum
In 1898, Dutch minister Louis Heldring traveled to Egypt and captured this incredible photograph of the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid. He published a book of his travels in 1901. You can learn more about the expedition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Sphinx (1947) by Eliot ElisofonLIFE Photo Collection
Almost 50 years later, American photographer Eliot Elisofon snapped this color shot of the same subjects. Swipe back and forth to see if you can spot any changes to the area.
View, Cross Section, and Other Details of Cheop's Pyramid at Giza (ca. 1750) by Giovanni Battista Borra, 1713–1770, ItalianYale Center for British Art
The Great Pyramid
Also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, this titanic tomb is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. The stone exterior has eroded in the 4600 years since its construction, but when it was built, the structure was cased with brilliant white limestone.
Adventurers Club Of Denmark (1963-12) by Paul SchutzerLIFE Photo Collection
In 1963, Life photojournalist Paul Schutzer captured this image of the Adventurers Club Of Denmark dancing atop the 450-foot summit of the Great Pyramid. Tourists are no longer allowed to climb the pyramids.
By Eliot ElisofonLIFE Photo Collection
This artful 1962 photograph by Eliot Elisofon, also part of the LIFE Photo Collection, shows a caravan of camels in the foreground, backdropped by Khufu's magnificent mausoleum. Modern Egyptologists believe it took a workforce of up to 40,000 people 27 years to build.
Tap to explore
Now, there's no need to arrange an expedition to get up close and personal with the Giza pyramid complex. Click to explore the area!
Earth Observation (2012-07-25)NASA
Thanks to modern technology, we can get a bird's-eye view of the Giza necropolis. This mind-blowing photograph, appearing courtesy of NASA, was taken by a crew member on the International Space Station in 2012. For an even closer view, explore the pyramids with Google Earth.
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