After 2631 BC – 2611 BC when the first pyramid, the pyramid of djoser, was built by an amazing architect Imhotep, all the rulers (monarchs of Egypt were called Pharaohs) of Egypt wanted themselves to be buried in the pyramids after their death. Pharaohs were believed to be descendents of God’s according to some mythos and have great powers.

The Egyptians believed in afterlife so when someone died that person was buried with all things he may need in his afterlife and his family could provide. When it came to Pharaohs, there was no shortage. With the Pharaohs were buried many things from riches and treasures to clothes, from weapons to needles, delicious food and animals; everything a Pharaoh ever used and may ever need was buried with him in his tombs under the pyramids.

It was also believed that the black region in the night sky amidst the stars was a direct physical gateway to afterlife and so the pyramids were planned in such a way that they pointed in that direction. The reason behind this is believed to be easy passage of Pharaohs to the afterlife.

The construction of pyramids back in the period was also a topic of debate. Pyramids were built of stone cubes which were cut from mountains and then taken to the place of construction, often quite far away. Each block of stone weighed from 2 – 30 tons and few blocks can sometimes weigh about 50 tons ( that is more weight than sixteen elephants). Can you imagine how people could have moved blocks so heavy without cranes or trucks? Well, even back then people were smart so when they had to move the blocks they would put the stone block on a wood raft and spilled water on the sand, this would reduce friction and made it easier to move the blocks. There is another misconception about the construction of pyramids, it was believed that slaves were made to work till they died but it was not the scenario according to latest findings daily wage labourers were employed in the construction work. Another important fact it took about 200 year’s for the construction of pyramid of Giza.

Image credits : Ancient Origins, Pexels.com

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