The three pyramids in the Gaza plateau are believed to be tombs for three kings--Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus--that lived during 2575 to 2465 B.C., which was during the fourth dynasty. Inscriptions inside the pyramid place Cheops as the pharaoh that reigned at that time.
Archaeologists have discovered thousands of ancient tombs, artifacts, temples and settlements around the Giza Pyramids. They continue to find new discoveries.
Herodotus, the Greek historian, guessed that 100,000 slaves built the pyramids in the Giza plateau. However, researchers now believe the pyramids were a public project in which everyone provided food, supplies and workers to complete.
Many of the stones used to build the Pyramids of Giza came from quarries that were up to 500 miles away, which left Egyptologists wondering how they were able to move the stones. They also believe the stones were hauled up ramps using ropes of papyrus twine. The ramps are believed to have been made from mud, stone, and wood.
The three Pyramids are surrounded by cemeteries that are owned by royal families and attendants of the Kings. These "mastabas" cover the entire plateau.
