Cairo Pyramids

About the Pyramids

Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt, known for its ancient pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and rich Islamic heritage. The city combines ancient wonders with modern urban development, featuring the iconic Giza pyramids and historic Islamic architecture.

Standing on the Giza plateau on the west bank of the Nile, the three large pyramids were raised during Egypt's Fourth Dynasty around 2600–2500 BCE for the kings Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, roughly sixteen centuries before the Fatimid general Jawhar founded al-Qahira in 969 CE. The city later grew westward until Giza became part of the Cairo metropolitan area, so the tombs now sit at the edge of its suburbs. UNESCO listed them in 1979 as part of "Memphis and its Necropolis," and they remain Egypt's main tourist draw, with the Grand Egyptian Museum built nearby. Herodotus's claim that Khufu used slave labour is disputed; evidence points to organised, paid work crews.