Task Card 6 - The Pyramids
Pyramids were built to house the tombs of the Pharaohs. Images on the inside walls of the Pyramids tell us about the lives, beliefs and history of ancient Egyptians. The first pyramid was the Step Pyramid, and only 150 years later King Khufu built the largest pyramid of all – The Great Pyramid. This task card will allow us to learn more about three key pyramids. Click here for virtual tours and information.
The Great Pyramid was built over a 20-year period by the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu. It is built from approximately 2 million blocks of stone each weighing more than two tons. Over 4000 people worked on the pyramid at any time. It is amazing that without the use of the wheel, iron tools or levels, the NW corner of Great Pyramid was built only 1cm lower than the SE corner. It is almost exactly square and its walls run exactly NS and EW. A general overview of this amazing structure can be found here. The Great Pyramid is still the largest stone building on Earth.
The Khafre Pyramid
Khufu’s son, Khafre, who ruled from 2520 – 2494 B.C, built the Khafre Pyramid. This second largest pyramid is located at the Giza complex that also includes the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, a Mortuary Temple, and a Valley Temple. Click here to see an amazing 360-degree view of this pyramid and other amazing structures.
Read this brief introduction and overview of Khafre’s Pyramid. While you are there, click on the links for “images” and “map”.
Read this brief introduction and overview of Khafre’s Pyramid. While you are there, click on the links for “images” and “map”.
Mastabas and the Step Pyramid
In the beginning of the Old Kingdom, the tombs were made of mud brick and were called mastabas. A mastaba was a flat-topped building on top, and a mummy chamber 12 to 24 m below.
Then King Djoser charged his taty, Imhotep, with planning his tomb. Imhotep made the first stone building in the world, the first pyramid. – the Step Pyramid.
It was 125m by 104m and 61 m high made of limestone taken from the desert. The steps allowed the king to take his place among the star gods. It was not as aesthetically appealing as traditional pyramids that may account for the few that were built. Click here for more information.
Then King Djoser charged his taty, Imhotep, with planning his tomb. Imhotep made the first stone building in the world, the first pyramid. – the Step Pyramid.
It was 125m by 104m and 61 m high made of limestone taken from the desert. The steps allowed the king to take his place among the star gods. It was not as aesthetically appealing as traditional pyramids that may account for the few that were built. Click here for more information.
Activities
Start by downloading the assignment criteria here. If you will write only by hand then please download the PDF, if you want to fill in as much as you can on your computer then download the Word document. Have fun!
Assignment PDF
Assignment WORD
1. Create a travel brochure for any Egyptian pyramid. You may choose pyramids that have been discussed above or find another of your choice. Use relevant facts and appropriate images. Be sure to include how, where, why, and for whom they were built. You will need to find and reference your own appropriate research for this assignment (15 marks total - 10 for content, 5 for style)
2. Describe, in detail, how we think Ancient Egyptians built pyramids. Include at least 5 pictures or diagrams to go along with your description. You will need to find and reference your own appropriate research for this assignment (10 marks total - 8 for content, 2 for style)
Assignment PDF
Assignment WORD
1. Create a travel brochure for any Egyptian pyramid. You may choose pyramids that have been discussed above or find another of your choice. Use relevant facts and appropriate images. Be sure to include how, where, why, and for whom they were built. You will need to find and reference your own appropriate research for this assignment (15 marks total - 10 for content, 5 for style)
2. Describe, in detail, how we think Ancient Egyptians built pyramids. Include at least 5 pictures or diagrams to go along with your description. You will need to find and reference your own appropriate research for this assignment (10 marks total - 8 for content, 2 for style)
Photo Credits
All photos are provided courtesy of M.M.