Giza Necropolis

The Giza pyramid complex, built during the Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt (c. 2600-2500 BC), houses the Great Pyramid of Khufu (481 ft/147 m), the Pyramid of Khafre (471 ft/144 m), and the Pyramid of Menkaure (213 ft/65 m). The Great Sphinx, carved around 2500 BC, guards the eastern approach. Originally clad in polished limestone that reflected sunlight brilliantly, the complex also includes mortuary temples, cemeteries, and a workers' village. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, it has been systematically studied since Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign of 1798-1801.