The Old Kingdom: Pyramids

Menes unites Upper and Lower Egypt

Egyptians build the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza

The Sumerians create the world’s first writing system

King Tut dies

They were believed to ensure a good afterlife.

They were used for storing food.

They were places for public gatherings.

They were used as prisons.

It covers more than 13 acres at its base.

It was built to honor Pharaoh Khufu.

It is made of over 2,300,000 blocks of stone.

It was built in the New Kingdom.

Architects designed the pyramids

Surveyors made measurements

Masons cut the limestones into building blocks

Artists painted the outside walls

The government paid workers in money.

As many as 100,000 workers may have been needed to build a pyramid.

Historians are certain how the pyramids were built.

Wages were paid in goods such as grain.

They used cranes and pulleys.

They floated the stones on the Nile during flooding.

They used brick ramps and strong sleds.

They rolled the stones on logs.

They believed the pharaoh controlled everyone's afterlife.

They wanted to attract tourists.

They used the pyramids as storage for food.

They wanted to compete with other civilizations.

By writing magical spells and hymns on the tomb

By building larger pyramids

By burying treasures with the pharaoh

By painting the walls with hieroglyphics