NOVA Online | Secrets of Lost Empires | Pharaoh's Obelisk

Khufu Pyramid: View from the Top
(click and drag in image, left or right, up or down)

You are now standing atop Khufu, 449 feet above the plateau. Until early in this century, this pyramid was the tallest building on earth. The wooden surveying tripod at the summit indicates the original height of Khufu, which was 481 feet. The top stones have since fallen off or been removed. Note the graffiti that has been carved into the stones by previous visitors, some dating back to earlier centuries.

Other things to look for as you navigate around the summit are the Sphinx, Khufu's boat pits, Khufu's Queens' Pyramids, Greater Giza and Cairo, and, of course, Khafre's Pyramid. Climbing Khufu is prohibited, so enjoy this rare and beautiful view.