The pyramids of Giza primarily served as burial places for Egyptian royalty, specifically during the Old Kingdom period.
The Main Pyramids and Their Occupants
- The three largest pyramids at Giza were built for three generations of pharaohs:
- Khufu: The Great Pyramid is attributed to him.
- Khafre: His pyramid is the second largest and includes the iconic Sphinx.
- Menkaure: The smallest of the three main pyramids belongs to him.
Other Burials at Giza
- In addition to the main pyramids, several smaller pyramids were constructed at Giza for the wives and mothers of these kings.
- These smaller structures highlight the importance of royal families within the Egyptian funerary practices.
Summary
In essence, the pyramids of Giza were royal tombs, primarily built for the pharaohs of the Old Kingdom and their immediate families. This practice was a key aspect of ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife and the pharaoh's divine status.
| Pharaoh | Pyramid |
|---|---|
| Khufu | The Great Pyramid |
| Khafre | Second Largest Pyramid |
| Menkaure | Third Largest Pyramid |
| Wives & Mothers | Smaller Pyramids |
