No one likes pyramid schemes—except for the ruling class in ancient Egypt who some 4,000 years ago constructed colossal pyramids to house their mummified pharaohs in preparation for their journey to the next world. The Egyptian priests were serious about their funeral arrangements—eschewing the “you can’t take it with you” minimalist philosophy by packing a deceased pharaoh’s worldly possessions into numerous hidden burial chambers. Ironically, these treasures have been plundered over the centuries.
Visitors traveling to these architectural marvels built for the ancient, mummified elite, usually make a beeline straight to the four most famous sights: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure and the awe inspiring Sphinx. The Great Pyramid, the largest of the pyramids of Giza, is the only one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing.
Nearby is a pyramid-adjacent village discovered in 1990, that lends further credence to the belief by many historians that it was not slaves who built the pyramids, but rather a willing, and very large, workforce. As excavations revealed, the estimated 10,000 pyramid workers who built these giant tombs received a considerably humbler send-off than the deceased pharaohs for whom they built these massive structures.
And while there is a lack of biblical significance in these feats of engineering, there lingers a centuries-old mystery as to exactly how they were built without the benefit of modern engineering know-how or construction equipment.
More conventionally, historians with a different timetable in mind maintain that it was not just willing workers, but also Hebrew slaves who were conscripted to build the pyramids. Though pyramids are not mentioned in the Bible, a Jewish historian name named Josephus wrote, “They [the Egyptian taskmasters] set them [Hebrew slaves] also to build pyramids.”
What will hold spiritual significance for the faithful are the numerous sacred sites in Egypt. After all, Egypt is one of the most mentioned locales in the Bible: it was where the Israelites were both enslaved and then liberated; where the patriarchs sought help during a time of famine; where Moses was born; where he received the law on Mt. Sinai; and where Jesus took refuge from Herod.
No matter what their belief about the afterlife, present-life visitors to the pyramids will be awe-struck by the sheer magnificence of these other-worldly structures that have baffled historians, architects, engineers and scholars alike.
Recently, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism unveiled plans for a multi-million-dollar revamp (delayed by COVID) of the 4,500-year-old Giza Pyramid Complex. The refurbishment will include a new visitors’ center, a restaurant, a cinema featuring—among other films—documentaries about the pyramids, convenient food trucks and free Wi-Fi. The latter feature means the instant ability to share pyramid photos and videos with family and friends back home.
Experience the ancient architectural wonders of the Giza Pyramids in a country with numerous sacred sites including where the Israelites were both enslaved and liberated and where Moses received the Law on Mt. Sinai. Email Cindy at cindy@israeladvantagetours.com or visit www.israeladvantagetours.com to make your trip of a lifetime a reality!