Can you climb the pyramid?

The pyramids are one of the greatest human-made wonders of the world. You cannot help but admire the majestic construction of this ancient site. But are you allowed to climb them?

Egypt’s antiquities and protection law ban people from climbing the pyramids. Climbing monuments and smuggling antiquities are not allowed. It will result in severe fines and jail sentences of up to three years.

The banning of climbing the pyramids of Egypt were imposed to preserve the monuments. It is essential and reasonable to protect some of the remaining wonders of the ancient world. It also aims to protect people from being in danger. Climbing one of the pyramids is very dangerous as well.

How illegal is it to climb the pyramids?

The preservation and protection of the pyramids are essential in Egypt. The pyramids, monuments and other antiquities are protected by law. Under the country’s antiquities protection law, someone scaling the pyramids will be punished.

So, how illegal is it to climb this ancient wonder?

Egypt regulated and considered all Egyptian antiquities as the property of the state. Any act like climbing and smuggling antiquities is deemed to be illegal. There was a corresponding punishment when one caught climbing the pyramids. Based on the recent amendment of the country’s antiquities protection law, imprisonment awaits—no less than a month in prison. Also, a fine will be imposed on whoever climbs the pyramids.

The law extends to whoever enters the pyramid secretly and commits obscene acts at the sites. They will forever be banned from entering Egypt once caught doing these acts.

When it comes to research and studies, Egypt allows climbing the pyramids. The person who intends to conduct research must secure the necessary permit and license.

When was climbing the pyramids banned?

Did you know that climbing it was an ultimate challenge then?

People can climb the pyramids as a form of personal accomplishment then. Those who have visited Egypt have unique stories to tell as they were able to climb the pyramids.

The government banned in the 1960s climbing the pyramids of Egypt. The complex, in general, is an ancient site. Thus, preserving and protecting it from wear and tear is equally crucial to the state. The Egyptian state law now prohibits any act that may harm and wear down the pyramids, like climbing.

The increasing number of tourists presents a severe threat to the antiquity of pyramids. Egypt wants to protect these wonders, yet they need to safeguard the tourists as well.

Since the pyramids were constructed many years ago, the pyramids’ outer layer is not safe to climb. The surface of the pyramids is now uneven, and the original coating is already stripped off. It will pose a severe danger to whoever tries to climb the pyramid.

Can you go inside the pyramids?

If climbing the pyramids is now prohibited, are tourists allowed to go inside it?

The government permitted tourists to enter the three great pyramids of Egypt. The three pyramids are accessible to the visiting public. Once you secured a ticket pass, you can go inside these pyramids to see their wonder.

Seeing the pyramids will bring you in awe and be mystified by the hidden secrets of the construction. The pyramids are magnificent structures of crucial archaeological importance, thus worthy of visiting. The intricate designs, hieroglyphs and artifacts unearth secrets of the ancient world.

Indeed, Egypt carefully selected zones where tourists allowed access inside. You cannot forcibly break into the internal tunnels and chambers inside the pyramid. It is inappropriate and irresponsible to break into zones not allowed for visitors. When you visit the pyramid, always be mindful of the heritage site’s rules and policies.

What was the purpose of Egyptian pyramids?

Egyptians believe in the afterlife. Pyramids are built for religious purposes. In ancient times, especially in Egypt, people thought that there was life after death. Pyramids are made to serve as burial sites of Egyptians when they die.

Afterlife on earth, a second life will resurrect as an ancient belief. The second self, called ka was believed to emerge when people die. Once the physical body left the earth, ka then joins eternal life.

Ancient Egyptians constructed the pyramids to prepare their loved ones for eternal life. Most of the greatest and tallest pyramids in Egypt were made for their leaders and rulers. They made sure that the second life must be abundant. They put treasures and amulets in the coffin as they believe that the dead can bring these to the afterlife.

The infamous pyramids in Egypt are found in Giza. The smaller ones were at the Nile Valley. Ancient Egyptians also honour one of their greatest rulers as they build Sphinx near the site. The Sphinx was sculpted to stand watch over the pyramid and burial chamber. The human and lion sculpture of the Great Sphinx of Giza showed duality, human and divine.

Which is the best pyramid to go inside?

Pyramids were tombs and burial sites of prominent figures of ancient Egypt. It is the final resting place of royals, pharaohs and kings who ruled the country.

At the beginning of the dynastic era, royal tombs were carved. They were covered with rectangular structures called ‘mastabas.’ It is from this structure the pyramids originated.

Egypt was considered one of the richest and influential civilizations in the world. During that period, the construction of ‘mastabas’ evolved into a pyramid, as we know it today.

Since then, pyramids in Egypt were constructed in honour of the deceased leader and ruler. It became a traditional way to honour a great ruler. Thus several pyramids came into existence.

Yet, what pyramid stands out among the rest? What is the most recommended pyramid for tourists to visit?

The Great Pyramid, Pyramid of Khufu, found in Giza, is the worthiest site to visit. It is the best pyramid to see and behold. It was initially constructed between 2551-2528 BCE and stood at more than 400 feet tall. It is the oldest and the tallest among the three pyramids located at Giza. It is made out of 2.3 million blocks of limestone, making its structure strong and sturdy.

The Pyramid of Khufu became more popular when Napoleon visited the tomb. According to the Napoleonic legend, the great emperor went to the Great Pyramid. He emerged pale and shaken after visiting the grave. No one knew what the emperor saw inside the King’s Chamber. It remained unrevealed and became the greatest mystery of the pyramid.

What’s underneath the Sphinx?

Another magnificent contribution of ancient Egypt to the world is the Great Sphinx. The Great Sphinx at Giza is considered one of the most incredible sculptures in the world.

The Sphinx is an old representation of a ruler as sun and lion. Traditionally, the sculpture mimics the leader’s face and is carved on top of the animal’s body. The Sphinx is usually located near the tomb of the dead leader.

In the case of the Great Sphinx of Giza, it shows that the king is a powerful force united with the solar deity. It reflects the dual nature of a ruler as human and divine.

So, what’s underneath the Sphinx?

The Great Sphinx sitting next to the Great Pyramid of Giza has a lot of stories to tell. It is facing directly from the West to the East. Some say that its location is strategically thought. It stands near the Great Pyramid.

It stands 66 feet high and 62 feet wide. The Sphinx is constructed from rocks that were built between 2558 and 2532 BC. Yet, like other mysteries in the Giza complex, the Great Sphinx puzzles scholars as well.

No one knows what’s underneath the Great Sphinx. There are claims that the Sphinx will solve the greatest mysteries of ancient Egypt. Some claim that underneath the Sphinx is a network of chambers and tunnels. It could lead to the section of Khufu, a rule that lies in the Great Pyramid.

Yet, no direct evidence that it is the link to the chamber of Khufu. What’s beneath the Great Sphinx is a mystery researchers are trying to solve. Most of them hope that the Sphinx is the way to uncover Egypt’s hidden treasures.

Why did they build the Great Sphinx of Giza?

The Great Sphinx is one of Egypt’s greatest mysteries. Until now, many scientists debated who commissioned the sculpture of the Sphinx. It is still a study on how the Sphinx was built and in honour of what king.

Many theories are circulating about the construction of the Great Sphinx. Something is sure, though, it is a reflection of what transpired in humanity in ancient times. The debate of the age and origin of the Sphinx continues today. However, many agreed that it was built around 2500 BCE.

The Great Sphinx remains to be a mystery up until now. The world’s leading Egyptologist, Lehner, believed that it was made in honour of a great pharaoh. He speculated that the Sphinx Temple, the Sphinx and the pyramid harness solar energy. They were built to prepare the pharaoh for eternal life.

On the question of who built the Sphinx, revered experts have answers. Lehner and Hawass believed that it was made for Pharaoh Khafre. He was the ruler of Egypt during the Old Kingdom. It was constructed after the Great Pyramid honouring his father, Khufu. Khafre, following the same act made by his father, built a pyramid smaller than the Great Pyramid. He added the Sphinx to safeguard the burial sites in Giza.

Yet, we must note that the origin of the Great Sphinx is an unsolved puzzle. There is a continued study up until now to fully understand the mystery behind the Sphinx.

What can you do at the Pyramids of Giza?

The Giza complex is open to the public. You can see the pyramids, especially the Great Pyramid of Giza, when you visit this part of Egypt.

It is the country’s most famed and incredible structure ever created by man. The pyramids and the Sphinx wowed visitors even in the past.

So, what can you do at the Pyramids of Giza?

Plenty of things are in store for you when you visit the pyramids. When you visit the complex, the first thing to do is get a panoramic view of Giza’s pyramids.

At the Panoramic Point, you can see six of the pyramids sitting on the Giza Plateau. You can also have a beautiful view of the Sphinx when you climb up to the viewing platform.

When you are done witnessing the pyramids’ majestic view, there are more things to do in the complex. The Solar Boat or the Khufu Ship is also worthy of a visit. You can witness the oldest and best-preserved antiquities of ancient Egypt. It is also made in connection to the pharaohs’ life.

Another thing to see in the complex is the Valley Temple. It is the place where the mummification of King Khafre. Of course, you never want to miss the place where an old and ancient way to preserve the dead was made.

If you’re tired of wandering around the complex, camels and horses are waiting for you outside. Well, it is on top of the bucket list when visiting Egypt.

The Pyramids of Giza showcased Egypt’s glorious past. It also demonstrated how ancient Egyptians believed in the afterlife. It showed how well they respect the dead and the thorough process to prepare them for eternal life.

The Great Pyramid and the Sphinx remained to be an unsolved puzzle of Egypt’s ancient times. Plenty of things could be unearthed when deeper excavation and study are conducted. Yet, as of now, let us marvel at the most incredible wonder made by man. The Egyptians are worthy of respect to be able to construct these antiquities.