Ancient Giza (Gizah or Jizah; Arabic: الجيزة) is the third-largest city in Egypt and the capital of the Giza Governorate. It is located on the west bank of the Nile, 4.9 km (3 mi) southwest of central Cairo, and forms a part of the Greater Cairo metropolis. Giza is most famous as the location of the Giza Plateau: the site of some of the most impressive ancient monuments in the world, including a complex of ancient Egyptian royal mortuary and sacred structures, including the Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and a number of other large pyramids and temples. Giza has always been a focal point in Egypt's history due to its location close to Memphis, the ancient pharaonic capital of the Old Kingdom. Its St. George Cathedral is the episcopal see of the Coptic Catholic Eparchy of Giza.
The history of Giza dates back to prehistoric times, and the area was inhabited long before the construction of the pyramids. The location's proximity to the Nile River made it an attractive site for early settlers, providing fertile land for agriculture and trade routes.
Giza became the royal necropolis during the Old Kingdom period, which marked the peak of ancient Egyptian civilization. The construction of the pyramids began around 2600 BCE and continued for centuries. The pyramids served as elaborate tombs for pharaohs and were surrounded by temples, causeways, and other funerary structures. The precise techniques used for pyramid construction, the organization of labor, and the religious significance of these structures reflect the advanced knowledge and beliefs of ancient Egyptians.
Following the Old Kingdom, Egypt experienced periods of political and social changes. During the Middle Kingdom (circa 2055-1650 BCE), Giza remained a significant religious and funerary site.
Temples and smaller pyramids were built in the vicinity of the Great Pyramid. In subsequent periods, such as the New Kingdom (circa 1550-1070 BCE) and the Late Period (664-332 BCE), Giza continued to be venerated, but the focus of royal burials shifted to other locations, such as the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, European explorers and archaeologists, such as Napoleon Bonaparte and later scholars, rediscovered and extensively studied the Giza pyramids. Excavations and research revealed valuable information about ancient Egyptian architecture, engineering, and religious practices.
The Giza Pyramid Complex is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. It comprises the Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Great Sphinx, several smaller pyramids, and various mastaba tombs. Read More
The Theban Mapping Project is a comprehensive archaeological initiative focused on documenting and preserving the monuments and tombs in the Theban Necropolis, which includes the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, and other important sites on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor, Egypt. Established in 1978 by Dr. Kent Weeks, the project aims to create detailed maps and records of the ancient sites, providing valuable resources for scholars, archaeologists, and tourists interested in the area's rich history. One of the main goals of the Theban Mapping Project is the creation of accurate and detailed maps of the tombs and monuments in the Theban Necropolis.
The Funerary Complex of Khufu, also known as the Pyramid Complex of Khufu, is an ancient Egyptian archaeological site that specifically refers to the structures and monuments associated with the Great Pyramid of Giza (Pyramid of Khufu). The Funerary Complex of Khufu includes various associated structures such as temples, causeways, boat pits, and smaller pyramids for family members. Read More
The Temples of the Great Sphinx, also known as the Great Sphinx Temple (dating back to the Old Kingdom of Egypt) and the New Kingdom Temple (smaller of the two), are integral components of the Giza Pyramid Complex. These temples are situated east of the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza on the Giza Plateau. Read More
The Funerary Complex of Menkaure is an ancient Egyptian archaeological site located on the Giza Plateau near Cairo, Egypt. It is one of the three main pyramids in the Giza Pyramid Complex. The Pyramid of Menkaure and the associated structures was built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom period, around 2510-2460 BCE, for Pharaoh Menkaure. Read More
What is inside the sphinx? This is a question that has captivated the imagination of both, archaeologists and public, alike. After decades of research, American archaeologist Mark Lehner has some answers about the mysteries of the Egyptian colossus. This iconic Egyptian limestone structure, which depicts a mythical reclining sphinx and is Egypt's oldest known monumental sculpture, contains a number of secret tunnels and chambers found during various excavations and investigations.
Situated on the Giza Plateau near Cairo, it is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre (circa 2558–2532 BCE), who also built the second-largest pyramid at Giza. The Sphinx is notable for its colossal size, with a body of a lion and a human head, believed by many scholars to represent the pharaoh's divinity, strength, and wisdom. Read More
The Funerary Complex of Khafre is renowned for its connection with the Great Sphinx of Giza, a colossal limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, believed by many scholars to represent Pharaoh Khafre himself. Read More
The Giza Eastern Cemetery, also known as the East Field, is a vast burial site located on the eastern side of the Giza Plateau near Cairo, Egypt. It is part of the larger Giza Necropolis, which includes the famous pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Read More
The Museum of Khufu's Solar Boat, also known as the Solar Boat Museum or the Cheops Boat Museum, was where the reconstructed funerary solar bark of Khufu was displayed. The Solar Boat Museum, constructed to house and protect the reconstructed solar boat, was located to the south of the Great Pyramid. Read More
The Western Cemetery, also known as the West Field, contains numerous mastabas, which are flat-roofed, rectangular structures with sloping sides. These mastabas served as tombs for high-ranking officials and their families. Read More
The pyramid of Khentkaus I or step tomb of Khentkaus I is a Fourth Dynasty two-stepped tomb built for the Queen Mother Khentkaus I in Giza. The tomb, built in two phases coinciding with its two steps, was originally known as the fourth pyramid of Giza. Read More
Qar's mastaba tomb (G 7101) is located in the Eastern Cemetery at Giza. It lies to the east of the pyramid belonging to Queen Hetepheres and next to her tomb-shaft, sitting side by side with the mastaba of Idu. He is depicted with his wife with offering lists and illustrations of the funeral procession. Read More
G1-a is one of the subsidiary pyramids of the Giza East Field of the Giza Necropolis, located immediately to the eastern side of the Great Pyramid of Giza. It was built during the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt. The tomb is the northernmost of the three pyramids of the queens. Read More
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The Madain Project is an online archive of Abrahamic History and Archaeology.
Abrahamic History & Archaeology is the study of history and archaeology with respect to the three Abrahamic Faiths without considering the religious and theological aspects. The goal of Abrahamic History is to understand how and why the religious doctrines and behaviours have evlovled and changed over time. Searching for patterns in the evolution of significant cultural events such as the development of farming, the emergence of cities, or the collapse of major civilizations for clues of why and how these have influenced the three major Abrahamic religions.
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