What is the Purpose of Pyramids in Ancient Egypt?
The prowess of pyramids in ancient Egypt have long been a source of fascination to humanity. Many countries have pyramids, yet none can compare to the grandeur of those found in Egypt. Built of bricks and stones, and sealed at the surface with a smooth limestone swathe, the purpose of these pyramid remains a mystery. Depending on whom you ask, the purpose of the pyramids changes.
To start, Ancient Egyptians viewed the pyramid as a deity itself. To them, the pyramid represented a solid gateway to heaven. It was believed that the Pharaoh would be able to ascend after his death through it and straight to the afterlife. To signify that, Pharaohs placed their treasures and valuable items – such as hieroglyphics and religious texts – inside these monuments.
The Pyramid of Giza, the largest and most renowned of the ancient pyramids, is actually a tomb of Pharaoh Khufu. It is believed to comprise of around 2,300,000 blocks of stone, and is 146 meters tall. Historians think it was built over a 20 year period, and it is estimated that it would have taken over 2 million working days to construct it.
But it is not just mere tombs and monuments. Historians believe the Pyramids were also used to determine the orientation of the stars. Astronomers used the pyramid to establish pointed stars throughout the night sky. It was used as a scientific tool, to calculate the location of the stars in the sky during the day.
The Egyptians also viewed the Pyramids as magical structures. According to recent studies, the Pyramids of Egypt were built such that they were actually pointing towards particular stars. It is also believed that the interior was built to carry the King’s soul to the afterlife, a great chamber tucked away in the middle of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The symbolism of the pyramids is deep-rooted in Egyptian culture, ranging from political to religious. It was believed that by building the great pyramid, they were building a bridge between humans and gods. This was a belief of Pharaohs, that leads them to strive for greatness in life; and risk everything striving to reach the afterlife.
In all, the pyramids of Egypt remain an integral part of history, standing as a much-needed reminder of the greatness and opulence of the Pharoah of old. From their religious and scientific symbolism, to the fact that they were immensely difficult to build, the pyramids of Egypt remain an impressive testament to human engineering, and show the great lengths to which ancient Egyptians will go for their beliefs.
Political Significance of the Pyramids in Ancient Egypt
In the eyes of the Ancient Egyptians, Pharaohs were divine. Building monumental structures like the Great Pyramid of Giza was part of the Pharaoh’s goal to exert political power and influence over the people. Constructing a grand palace or monument was seen as a symbol of authority; it established the Pharaoh as an unquestionable leader and revered figure.
These monuments were also seen as a source of status and admiration among their people. Ancient Egyptians believed that the monuments were created to commemorate the ancestors of the Pharaohs, and to be remembered by the people in generations to come. This is why the Pyramids of Egypt were built to be as grandiose and awe-inspiring as possible. The implications of these monuments were to make a statement, and to show all that the Pharaoh of Egypt was powerful and of divine status.
The Great Pyramid of Giza was believed to be a staircase to the stars. It is no surprise that the Pharaoh would use his immense power to create structures that seemed almost impossible to build. But the Egyptians were not content only with constructing the grandiose monuments. They employed advanced engineering to ensure the effectiveness of the structures.
It is believed that the Egyptians employed complex mathematical calculations and used primitive surveying techniques to determine the orientation of stars and the positioning of the Sun. The Egyptians were also experts in geometry and stone-making, and used this knowledge to build their monuments. This was to ensure that the Pyramids of Egypt could stand the test of time – to be remembered by the people long after the Pharaoh had left this world.
In all, the Pyramids of Ancient Egyptians were meant to carry the legacy and might of the Pharaoh, and establish their authority. But beyond that, the pyramids were ancient works of art; testament to the grandeur of the Ancient Egyptians, and a reminder of the immense power the Pharaohs wielded over their lands.
Legendary Nature of the Pyramids of Egypt
The Pyramids of Egypt are often associated with mystery and legendary tales. There are various stories and theories on the origins of the pyramids and the builders that created them. Some believe that Aliens from outer space were the designers behind such grandiose structures, while some believe these were crafted with the assistance of powerful beings.
There are also stories about the ‘Hall of Records’ supposedly hidden away inside the Great Pyramid of Giza. Speculations and theories on what is hidden behind the walls of this structure has kept the world captivated for centuries. Some believe that the Hall of Records is a hidden chamber where the Pharaohs stored their valuables and magnanimous treasures, while some believe this to be a hub of knowledge and secrets.
Such intense speculation and speculation surrounding the Pyramids of Egypt only increases its level of popularity and awe amongst viewers. The mysteriousness associated with these structures has kept people captivated and interested, leading to the rise in the popularity of Egyptology and the study of Ancient Egyptian civilization.
The famous Egyptologist and archaeologist, Howard Carter, discovered the ‘Treasure of Tutankhamun’, an amazing view of the magnanimous state of Ancient Egyptians. It is also believed that Carter had stumbled upon an underground corridors connecting three Pyramids; which to this day remain a mystery.
In more recent times, the Pyramids of Egypt still garner plenty of attention. Tourist come from all over the world to witness the grand structures, and the mystery that surrounds them. There are still questions about the purpose of the Pyramids of Egypt, and it is through such continuous fascination that our knowledge of this ancient civilization will grow further.
Purpose in Ancient Egyptian Culture
The Pyramids of Egypt were not only monuments of awe-inspiring grandeur, but were also incredibly influential in the culture of Ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians believed that by building grand monuments like those Pyramids, they were able to bring closer to gods and thus achieve immortality in the afterlife.
The Egyptians strongly believed that after death, the Pharaohs and notables would ascend to the afterlife and live forever. This is why pyramids were also referred to as the ‘Houses of Eternity’, because the construction of such grandiose monuments were seen as conduits to the afterworld. This could be related to the unique way in which these monuments were constructed – for the Pharaohs, they seemed very close to the heavens.
The works of the Pyramids were seen as divine works, and the symbols used to construct them had an extensive religious significance. Animals were often used to depict the various aspects of the gods, and were used to make sacrificial offerings. These offerings were associated with an offering to the gods, and were seen as divine acts of reverence and respect.
Pyramids were also a source of knowledge, it is thought that the Pharaohs consulted oracles and divinities on a regular basis. This would be done at special shrines inside the Pyramids. This would give the Ancient Egyptians insight on the best way to rule their kingdom and how to ensure prosperity and peace in their society.
In Ancient Egypt, these monuments served many purposes; from political, religious to social. They were used to express divine acts, as well as create a sense of grandeur. In more modern times, these structures can teach us much about the culture of Ancient Egypt and its sophistication. We can learn more about the structure and functionality of these pyramids through the archaeological and historiographical sources.
Purpose of Pyramids in Present Day
In present times, the pyramids continue to be sources of knowledge and imagination. Researchers across the world look for new ways to explore the mysteries behind them. Objects such as hieroglyphics or statues have been found inside the pyramids, providing us with a significant amount of information on the life and times of Ancient Egyptians.
Today, the pyramids are viewed as heritage sites of immense importance. They are seen as the physical embodiment of the Ancient Egyptian civilization. Governments across the world are investing heavily in the preservation and protection of the Pyramids of Egypt to ensure future generations can experience and appreciate the structures.
The Pyramids of Egypt have become very popular tourist destinations. Millions of people visit each year to explore the monuments and learn more about the culture and history of Ancient Egypt. The Pyramids of Egypt are also one of the Wonders of the World; and remain as a testament to the grandeur and opulence of the Pharaohs of old.
Today, the use of the Pyramids goes far beyond its original purpose. Students today learn about the Ancient Egypt and its culture, as well as their great achievements in engineering. The painting, sculptures and hieroglyphs found inside and outside these structures give us an insight into the lives of the Ancient Egyptians, and the practices that occurred during the Old Kingdom.
In all, the purpose of the Pyramids of Egypt has evolved significantly over time. While the original purpose of these monuments may never be known for certain, what remains is the fact that these Pyramids continues to fascinate people from around the world and remain symbols of greatness and imagination.
