The last standing Ancient Wonder of the World

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is also the last one standing. It is a work of human engineering and construction that rivals any structure built in the last few hundred years in size and scale. Its construction, however, has always been a source of contention among academics due to its massive size and near-perfect proportions.

The Great Pyramid of Giza was completed around 2560 BCE for Pharaoh Khufu (or Cheops) of the Fourth Dynasty. It is one of three large pyramids in the Giza Necropolis, which is located in modern Cairo, Egypt. The Great Pyramid is the largest of the three pyramids and is part of its own smaller complex, which also includes three smaller pyramids built for Khufu's wives.

It took about 20 years to complete, and scholars have several theories about how and by whom it was built. Some theories point to slave labor, but it appears more likely that Egyptians lent their efforts, working during the times of year when the Nile was flooded and farm work was impossible. It would have been a kind of public service. At around 4500 years old, it’s kind of crazy that you can get so up and close to it, but indeed you can. Its surrounding pyramids and Sphinx are no less impressive, and it’s truly worth being on every single human’s bucket list.