Questions and Answers
What was the purpose of the pyramids?
To protect the Pharaohs and his treasure so they can keep their items in the afterlife.
Provide 3 descriptions about the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
- The height (over 40 stories); 2) The base is 13 acres; 3) Each corner of the pyramid points to one of the cardinal points.
Why do we not hear much about Sneferu?
He didn't build the large pyramids; his mistakes taught everyone to build the pyramids - his sons and grandsons built the large pyramids of Giza.
Describe Sneferu the person.
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What was the method of moving the limestone blocks?
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How many pyramids were built in Egypt?
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What is a common myth about how the pyramids were built?
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Why did people want to build the pyramids?
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What happened to the Nile during spring?
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Why was flooding of the Nile so important?
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List 3 crops the Egyptians grew through irrigation.
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Why was it dangerous to die in a foreign land?
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Why was it so important to protect the mummy?
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What were the first tombs called to protect mummies?
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Why was it almost impossible to stop tomb robbers?
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How long did it take to build the step pyramid, and how many workers were involved?
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Why did the pyramid collapse?
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What was the problem with Sneferu's second pyramid?
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What is the name of Sneferu's second pyramid?
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What did the priests leave for Sneferu hundreds of years after he died and why?
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Who is Sneferu's most famous son and what did he build?
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What happened to Cheops' mummy?
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How did all things move in ancient Egypt?
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On what side of the Nile were pyramids built, and why?
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When did the pyramid building age end?
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Study Notes
Purpose of Pyramids
- Designed to protect Pharaohs and their treasures for the afterlife.
Great Pyramid of Giza Size
- Height equivalent to over 40 stories.
- Base covers an area of 13 acres.
- Each corner aligns with a cardinal direction.
Sneferu's Historical Impact
- Less recognition due to his role in early pyramid construction.
- His design trials influenced successors, leading to the construction of the larger Giza pyramids by his descendants.
Sneferu's Personality
- Characterized by a "nerd" appearance with a receding chin.
- Depicted as kind and approachable.
Construction Techniques
- Limestone blocks were moved using sleds and rollers.
Pyramid Count in Egypt
- Over 70 pyramids were built throughout ancient Egypt.
Pyramid Construction Myth
- Common myth claims that pyramids were constructed by slaves.
Motivation for Pyramid Building
- Thousands employed during flood season for income and to honor the Pharaoh for the afterlife.
Nile River Spring Flooding
- Seasonal flooding helped to irrigate fields.
Importance of Nile Flood Season
- Flooding enriched the soil, maintaining fertility and protecting against desert encroachment.
Egyptian Irrigation Crops
- Commonly grown crops include flax, grains, and vegetables.
Risks of Dying Abroad
- Dying in foreign lands hindered mummification and proper burial, preventing access to the afterlife.
Mummy Protection Significance
- Protecting the mummy ensured that the Pharaoh could exist in the afterlife; disturbance by robbers posed a threat to this existence.
Early Tomb Structures
- The earliest tombs designed to protect mummies were called mastabas.
Tomb Robbery Challenges
- Robbers often dug into tombs from below, sometimes comprising even individuals involved in construction.
Step Pyramid Construction
- The step pyramid took two decades to build and required thousands of workers.
Sneferu's Early Pyramid Failures
- His first pyramid collapsed due to structural failure of outer casing rocks under the weight.
Bent Pyramid Issues
- The second pyramid, known as the Bent Pyramid, faced stability issues from excessive weight on walls.
Final Pyramid of Sneferu
- The Red Pyramid is recognized as Sneferu’s third successful pyramid.
Permanent Offerings to Sneferu
- Priests left bread and beer at his tomb to ensure his ongoing existence and prosperity after death.
Notable Descendant
- Sneferu’s most famous son, Cheops, constructed the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Cheops' Mummy
- Cheops' mummy was stolen by tomb robbers.
Movement in Ancient Egypt
- Long distance transport was achieved by boat, while donkeys were used for shorter distances.
Pyramids and the Nile
- Pyramids were situated on the west side of the Nile, symbolizing death as this was where Ra, the sun deity, rested.
End of Pyramid Age
- Era of pyramid building concluded with the demise of the last of Sneferu's line.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the purpose, construction, and historical significance of the pyramids in ancient Egypt. Discover facts about the Great Pyramid of Giza, Sneferu's contributions, and common myths surrounding pyramid construction. This quiz will challenge what you know about one of history's most fascinating architectural achievements.