The Great Pyramid

It goes by many names: the Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Cheops. But one thing is certain – the Great Pyramid is the crowning marvel of Ancient Egypt. It’s conceived as an unparalleled tomb for Pharoah Khufu in 2551 B.C. and completed just over 20 years later. Now some 4,500 years old, it’s the only Wonder of the Ancient World that remains standing. We reveal the history of engineering behind this enduring ancient megastructure.

The history of engineering the Great Pyramid of Giza – also known as the Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Cheops – the crown of Ancient Egypt.

More than 2 million stones must be quarried and moved to build this Great Pyramid. To succeed, Khufu has to unite and organize a whole ancient Egyptian civilization and apply engineering principles never before seen. Using an army of citizens and slaves, these stones are placed meticulously in position. The giant tomb is built on a totally horizontal base aligned precisely with the stars.

This documentary delves into a history of architecture that has challenged archeologists and historians alike for millennia to unearth the extraordinary feats behind this triumph of Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty. A Canada – UK International Treaty Coproduction produced with the assistance of the Rogers Cable Network Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Production Services tax credit and Film Incentive BC in association with National Geographic Channel and History Television.