Egyptian sands and Mexican jungles host some of the world's most towering structures that have stood through time.
World's Biggest Pyramids
Pyramids are spectacular structures that have kept travelers, historians, and scientists fascinated. These structures used to be iconic symbols of wealth and power. They can be spotted across the globe, from China to Sudan. However, the biggest ones can be found in Egypt and Mexico.
Great Pyramid of Cholula (Mexico)
Mexico's Great Pyramid Cholula stands at a height of 25 meters and has a volume of 4.45 million cubic meters. The construction of the structure dates back to 300 B.C. and extends through 900 A.D. in four different stages. Estimations indicate that it may have taken more than 100 million adobe bricks to complete the structural marvel.
In terms of volume, Cholula is the biggest pyramid in the world and the largest monument that has ever been constructed at this point of time. Its base alone covers four acres, which is four times bigger than that of Giza's.
Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt)
The famous Great Pyramid of Giza is roughly 147 meters tall and has a volume of 2.6 million cubic meters. This Egyptian pyramid is probably the most famous one in the world. It has remained a marveling construction and engineering icon for more than 4,500 years.
Among the three pyramids in Giza, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which is largely referred to as the Great Pyramid of Giza, is the largest. Interestingly, its construction is estimated to have taken around three decades to accomplish.
The structure consists of more than 2.3 million blocks of limestone, with each one weighing two to 70 tons. The structure's precision is quite incredible, as its sides are aligned to a compass' cardinal points with a remarkable accuracy of less than one degree.
The Great Pyramid of Giza used to be coated with a glimmering limestone white casing. The casing used to be immensely polished to the point where the sun's rays could be reflected on it.
Great Pyramid of Khafre (Egypt)
The Great Pyramid of Khafre, or the Pyramid of Chephren, comes second to Giza's three large pyramids. This pyramid towers at 136 meters and has a volume of 2.2 million cubic meters.
It was constructed as pharaoh Khafre's tomb back in B.C. 2600. Khafre was the son of Khufu.
It took roughly 20 years to build the pyramid. The undertaking was massive to the point where thousands of workers had to labor for the construction. The blocks of limestone were quarried from nearby areas then brought to the site with ramps and sledges. The workers then made use of sophisticated levers and pulley systems for lifting the huge rocks.
Red Pyramid (Egypt)
The first true pyramid ever constructed, the Red Pyramid is considered Egypt's third largest pyramid. It stands at 105 meters and has a volume of 1.69 million cubic meters.
Situated 25 miles south of Cairo at the Dahshur necropolis, the Red Pyramid gots its name from the reddish blocks of limestone that were used to build it. It comprises roughly 2.3 blocks that weigh two to 80 tons each.
RELATED ARTICLE: Are the Pyramids in Antarctic Sign of an Ancient Civilization? Here's What Geologists Say About It
Check out more news and information on Archaeology in Science Times.
