architecture of Egypt - antiquity - Pyramides

Egypt is one of the most fascinating countries. Starting with its ancient civilisation, its history, believes, knowledge and architecture to the modern, post-Arab Spring. Modern Egypt controls the strategic region of Suez Channel and Red Sea on the border of Africa and Asia. Over the last three millennia architecture of Egypt went a stunning transition. Despite the passing time, one may notice large influence of the history and tradition on modern Egyptian architecture. Contrary to different parts of the world, in Egypt one can compare the ancient architecture to the most modern buildings directly. The oldest of Egyptian constructions date to XXXV century B.C. and are very often superbly preserved, in particular of tombs and pyramids.

Panoramic view on Giza pyramides

Step Pyramid of Djoser

The Step Pyramid of Djoser is the oldest preserved pyramid in Egypt. Although not the oldest pyramide worldwide, Djoser pyramid is the worldwide oldest construction build from a cut stone (Caral pyramide is Peru is the worlds oldest unworked stone pyramide). Djoser pyramid was build in XXVII century B.C. and consist of six "steps" (mastabas). The construction of such a scale profs the new paradigm in the architecture and social structure of Egypt (mainly large scale manpower and material control).

Meidum Pyramid

Meidum pyramid initially was designed as a step pyramid. It was designed for the last pharaon the Third Dynasty. However, his successor turned Meidum pyramid into a true pyramid filling the steps with a limestone. The pyramid was constructed in different stages, expanded in base and height at every stage. Meidum pyramid has collapsed still in the antiquity. Due to that it is mostly known as a "collapsed pyramid". Remains of the pyramid include only the core constructed as an initial stage. Meidum site represent a transition stage, between "step" and "true" pyramids.

Great Pyramid of Giza

The great pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest pyramid in the Giza complex. It is the most known and recognizable Egyptian pyramid and represent a true pyramide style. The pyramid was build for pharaon Cheops (called also Khufu) in XXVI century B.C.  Great pyramid was the worlds tallest man made object until the construction of Lincoln Cathedral, England in XIV century. The pyramid is build from a polished limestone, on a base of an almost perfect square and is aligned to the north and south poles.  

Djoser, Meidum and Giza represent three milestones in the pyramid architecture in Egypt. From the true stone pyramid of Djoser, through Meidum site with step pyramid changed later to a classic pyramid, ending with the true pyramid of Giza.

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the winner is Egypt

World Travel Awards have been given and Egypt is on top of the winning traveling spots. Althout all political problems of Egypt this year, it was not abandoned by tourists. In category "Africa" Egypt has won in categories like Africa's Leading Attraction with The Pyramides, Africa's Leading Beach Destination with Egyptian Sharm El Sheikh, Africa's Leading Beach and City hotels, resort and villa. However, Africa's Leading Destination was in 2011 City of Cape Town in South Affrica.

Cheops pyramide, Egypt

The awards are given in categories based on their location and are grouped in continents. Awards are given since 18 years ago. During that time Egypt was the twice Africa's Leading Destination (Cape Town was awarded most often in this category).