The Pyramid of Chephren at Giza stands against the blue desert sky. The pyramids of Egypt are among the oldest and most famous archaeological sites.
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Early tourists ascend this pyramid with native guides. Though most tourists don't wear dresses when they visit, the Pyramids at Giza remain just as popular today.
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Summertime crowds swarm around the Sphinx and the Pyramids at Giza every year. How do all these visitors get there?
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Though it's only a few miles from downtown Cairo, some visitors choose to hire a Bedouin guide and approach the Pyramids at Giza by camel. But it's much easier to arrive by car.
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The Pyramids of Giza are not lonely desert buildings. In fact, tour buses can drive right up and park in front of the pyramids. See how close the Pyramids are to Cairo in the next image.
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Pyramid lovers are concerned by the gradual encroachment of Cairo, Africa's largest city, on these ancient grounds. What's the view like on top?
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These three lucky visitors sit atop the Great Pyramid. For its rich archaeological heritage, the surrounding area is just as valuable as the pyramids themselves. See a view at street level next.
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In 1999, Egyptian Culture Minister Faruq Hosni, defended the architectural integrity of the Giza Pyramids in the wake of the contest to elect the new seven wonders of the world. And don't forget the Sphinx!
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Besides having its nose destroyed, over the centuries the Sphinx has suffered gradual damage from groundwater, wind, and modern air pollution. Take a look at the Bent Pyramid in the next photo.
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The Pyramids at Giza not only show the height of Egyptian architecture -- they've stood the test of time.
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Visitors tour the famous Temple of Luxor in Egypt.
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A tourist looks at an alabaster statue of the pharaoh Chephren at the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in 1996.
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Pyramids of Giza on the Nile, Circa 1900
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Researchers believe that King Tutankhamen's rule began sometime around 1330 B.C. when Tut was only nine years old. The Egyptian pharaoh died before he reached 20; his remains were interred in this gilded sarcophagus.
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Archaeologist Howard Carter and an assistant examine the coffin of Tutankhamen with little regard for the "curse."
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The discovery of the Rosetta Stone unlocked many mysteries of Egypt. Egypt's historical records and monuments were inscribed with hieroglyphics (like those pictured above) a language no one -- Egyptian or foreigner -- could read until the stone made it possible.
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This temple honors Queen Hatshepsut, one of the most powerful pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
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The exquisite, invaluable mask of King Tut
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King Tut's burial chamber consisted of several rooms.
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Mummification wasn’t just for men. Here lies Queen Nodjmet, the wife of High Priest Herihor (1080-945 B.C.), in April 2006, at Egypt’s Cairo Museum. She died a long time after her husband and carried the title “Mother of the King.”
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There are more than 100 pyramids in Egypt, constructed as tombs for the Pharaohs.
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Hieroglyphics and images of ritualistic animals and objects adorn an Egyptian manuscript found amongst the swathing of a mummy.
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Egyptian men and women had the same legal rights but unequal social standings.
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This rented camel catches its breath near Egypt's Giza pyramids. The country's uprising in January 2011 has taken its toll on the tourism industry, which accounts for 6 percent of its gross domestic product and supports up to 10 percent of the population.
You've seen pictures of some of the greatest Egyptian pyramids, now check out our list of 10 Egyptian landmarks that aren't pyramids.
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