Khufu's majestic pyramid towers over the Great Sphinx and the smaller queens' pyramids.
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were the greatest architectural achievements of all time. And yet how these legendary monuments were built has remained shrouded in mystery. From the world's largest pyramid in Egypt to the lighthouse of Pharos — the very first skyscraper — they were all massive construction projects, laying the foundations for all architecture and sculpture that followed. Of the Seven Wonders, only one is still standing today: the Great Pyramid of Giza. Built 4,500 years ago, it remains the tallest stone structure on Earth.

How did the Egyptians build it? This was a society that hadn’t even entered the Iron Age. The only tools available to them were copper saws, simple measuring devices and, of course, massive manpower. The great Greek historian Herodotus wrote that it took 100,000 men to construct the Great Pyramid of Giza. But Herodotus had massively underestimated the skills of the ancient Egyptians.


During the Middle Ages, the Great Pyramid's smooth limestone facing was stripped off, exposing the massive granite blocks, which weigh on average 2½ tons each.
The ancient Egyptians were among the most skilled builders in history. What they constructed on the platform at Giza was a feat of engineering that would remain unsurpassed for millennia. Not until the 19th century was the Great Pyramid superseded in height by the spires of the Cologne Cathedral.

Recent findings at the pyramid site reveal it took only 20,000 men — one-fifth of the number believed by Herodotus — to construct Pharaoh Khufu’s great tomb. They worked 10-hour days for 23 years in order to complete the pyramid in time to receive Khufu's mummy. In history Khufu is remembered as one of the world’s great tyrants and taskmasters — but has history portrayed him unfairly.


A guide crouches down in one of the passageways leading to the interior of the Great Pyramid.
Far from working his men to death, Khufu took care of the builders working on his tomb. They were housed and paid well; fed a rich diet of beef, bread and beer; and had doctors and entertainers to care for their physical as well as mental needs.

In Building the Impossible: The Great Pyramid of Giza, you become the architect of the Great Pyramid. Under Khufu’s watchful eye you must house, feed and minister to your 20,000 workers. Using only the same tools as were available 4,500 years ago, you must construct a pyramid; you must trade your linen for gold for the tip; you must remember to buy arsenic to strengthen your copper tools; and you must conserve your valuable wood supplies, building only what is necessary. In addition, you have the ability to build barracks, ports, bakeries for vital infrastructure to ensure the successful construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Can you build the Great Pyramid of Giza before time runs out? The challenge awaits you.


Pictures: The Purcell Team/Corbis | K.M. Westermann/Corbis | Charles & Josette Lenars/Corbis |