Here is something of an archaeological brain teaser,
How did they construct the Great Pyramid at Giza?
It was erected in 2467 BC,
A stellar point in history.
It was built for Pharaoh Kufu and it took 20 years,
The architect was perhaps Hemon, his vizier, and some engineers.
In order to build it so quickly, that size and that height,
They had to lay 12 blocks an hour, both by day and by night.
They used their knowledge of the constellations,
To construct these extraordinary installations,
Ursas Major and Minor mapped the north, south, east and west,
And accuracy to less than half a degree, was their behest.
They used the merkhet, a sort of astrolabe,
And a sighting tool made from a palm leaf, called the bay.
A system of ramps and blocks lifted the slabs into space,
For this, the Pharaoh’s last, splendid resting place.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
13 Friday Sep 2013
Posted in poetry

From a distance the pyramids at Giza are one of the most breathtaking sights I have ever seen. Then standing at the foot of the mighty Cheops all you see are coke cans, empty fag packets and assortment of other litter. Then you go inside and remember why from such an early age you have always been so fascinated by this amazing civilisation.
It is just the most astonishing achievement… To get that huge construction to within degrees of accurately being exactly in line with the constellations…amazing just doesn’t cover it!
That really is a brain teaser. Quite extraordinary indeed. π
It is one of the most astounding achievements in human history…using just men and logs and blocks and tackles to build…
Brilliant!! You write on the most amazing and diverse topics my friend – it’s always such a delight to see what you are covering each day!! π π
That is sweet of you to say! Thank you so much! Any suggestions as to other historical events?
I’m a bit obsessed with the fall of Anne Boleyn – as you might have noticed if you saw some of my poems on the subject from time to time…and anything Arthurian…. but I am very content to just see what you come up with as it’s always a treat to see what avenue you choose to go down… π π
Thanks Helen – glad you enjoy it.
Seeing these pyramids are defnitely on my “Happiness List.” Such a marvel that people that long ago could construct such wondrous things. Well done, Caro, lovely, lovely poem!
Thank you Amy! They are miraculous aren’t they?
A bit of history that is still hard for us to understand. Each block weighing tons, it had to be a labor of love even for the slaves.
Absolutely true!