GHIZA
- The plateau of Ghiza, just a few kilometres south-west of central Cairo, is on the edge of the desert but within a stones throw of 'modern' habitation. The pyramids totally dominate the surrounding area by their extraordinary size.
The following map shows the location of the Great Pyramids in relationship to each other, the Sphinx and their surrounding temples and funerary structures. (The image is conventionaly North-South)
The largest pyramid - Cheops - is set lower than its more prominent neighbour - Chephren - and the third - Mycerinus - is considerably smaller. Originally they were covered in a smooth polished stone finish, but over the centuries this has been eroded or was used for building. Only a small section of this fair coating now remains at the top of Chephren.
The Great Sphinx had an unclear function and is partly surrounded by its own 'pit'. Over the centuries this 'pit' has frequently been filled with sand leaving only the head and shoulders exposed. The defacement of this monument which is evident today, is partly due to wind erosion and partly to the cannon of the Mamelukes using it for target practice!
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| Typical of the multitude of camels which are all around the Pyramids |
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Two of the colourful camels which are to be found near the Pyramids |
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| A view of the Pyramid of Cheops with a coach and people giving some perspective |
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Approaching the Pyramid of Chephren by road - Cheops is off to the left |
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| In the middle of the Pyramid of Chephren is the plain undecorated burial chamber |
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The Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren in the haze of an early morning |
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| The Pyramids of Mycerinus and the Queens with the desert beyond |
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Looking up to the top of the Pyramid of Cheops |
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| The size of the Pyramid blocks in comparison to people |
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Two absorbed in discussion at the foot of the Pyramid of Chephren |
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| The Great Sphinx with the Pyramid of Chephren behind it |
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The Great Sphinx with Cheops the largest of the Pyramids in the background |
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| The upper part the Great Sphinx with Cheops behind |
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A side view of the magnificent head of the Great Sphinx |
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