Pyramids of Ancient Egypt Task Card

Pyramids were built to house the tombs of the Pharaohs. Images on the inside walls of the Pyramids tell us about the lives, beliefs and history of ancient Egyptians. The first pyramid was the Step Pyramid, and only 150 years later King Khufu built the largest pyramid of all - The Great Pyramid. This task card will allow us to learn more about three key pyramids. Click on the image below for an aerial view of the pyramids. Click here for more virtual tours and information.

The Great Pyramid

The Great Pyramid was built over a 20-year period by the Egyptian pharaoh Khufu. It is built from approximately 2 million blocks of stone each weighing more than two tons. Over 4000 people worked on the pyramid at any time. It is amazing that without the use of the wheel, iron tools or levels, the NW corner of Great Pyramid was built only 1cm lower than the SE corner. It is almost exactly square and its walls run exactly NS and EW. A general overview of this amazing structure can be found here. The Great Pyramid is still the largest stone building on Earth.

The Khafre Pyramid

Khufu's son, Khafre, who ruled from 2520 - 2494 B.C, built the Khafre Pyramid. This second largest pyramid is located at the Giza complex that also includes the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, a Mortuary Temple, and a Valley Temple. Click on the pyramid above to see an amazing 360-degree view.

Read this brief introduction and overview of Khafre's Pyramid. While you are there, click on the links for “images” and “map”.

Mastabas and the Step Pyramid

In the beginning of the Old Kingdom, the tombs were made of mud brick and were called mastabas. A mastaba was a flat-topped building on top, and a mummy chamber 12 to 24 m below.

Then King Djoser charged his taty, Imhotep, with planning his tomb. Imhotep made the first stone building in the world, the first pyramid. – the Step Pyramid.

It was 125m by 104m and 61 m high made of limestone taken from the desert. The steps allowed the king to take his place among the star gods. It was not as aesthetically appealing as traditional pyramids that may account for the few that were built. Click here for more information.

Complete the following activities:

•  Create fact sheets for 2 famous Egyptian pyramids. You can also choose pyramids that have not been discussed above. Use relevant facts and appropriate images. Be sure to include how, where, why, and for whom they were built.

•  Describe a commonly accepted theory as to how the ancient Egyptians, without the use of modern technology, were able to create such magnificent pyramid structures. Include pictures or diagrams where appropriate. This link may help you but there are others you can find as well.

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