Features

• The valley of Giza contains four structures important to Egyptian history: the Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Giza also contains many smaller tombs and temples.
  
  

Significance

• The pyramids of Giza weren't only built as monuments; they were built as tombs for the pharaohs and their families. The pyramids were part of a larger complex that included temples, houses for priests, and barracks for workers. These massive monuments have lasted thousands of years as testaments to Egyptian history and culture.
  
  

History

• Fourth Dynasty pharaohs Khufu (ruled 2589 to 2566 BCE), Khafre (ruled 2520 to 2494 BCE), and Menkaure (ruled 2490 to 2472 BCE) commissioned the building of the pyramids between 2589 and 2460 BCE. Khafre was also responsible for the Great Sphinx.
  
  

Geography

• Giza and its monuments are in northern Egypt, near Cairo and close to the Nile River.
  
  

Fun Fact

• Until 1889 when the Eiffel Tower was erected, the Great Pyramid of Khufu was the tallest structure in the world.