Recent civil unrest in Egypt caused a slump in tourists visiting the country but as news emerges that archaelogists have discovered evidence of new pyramids that is all about to change.

US Egyptologist Dr Sarah Parcak from the University of Alabama used infra-red satellite images taken of the desert in Egypt to find a mass of hidden treasures. Evidence of 17 underground pyramids, more than 1000 undiscovered tombs and 3000 settlements has been unearthed. The NASA satellites, orbiting 435 miles above Earth, were equipped with cameras which are able to pinpoint objects smaller than three feet in diameter on the earth’s surface. The infra-red images were used to highlight different materials under the surface. The Egyptians used mud bricks which are much denser than the surrounding sand, therefore researchers were able to locate the buried buildings and tombs. It is believed that only about one percent of the wonders of Ancient Egypt have been discovered, but now, thanks to Dr Parcak’s pioneering approach it is hoped that more and more ancient wonders will be unearthed.

Dr Parcak believes these underground pyramids were covered by Nile silt and that there could be a lot more sites waiting to be discovered.

Saqqara

Excavations have started in Saqqara where the new the new pyramids were discovered and have already confirmed that two of the buried structures are pyramids.

The BBC are to screen ‘Egypt’s Lost Cities’ on May 30th which follows Dr Parcak as she makes her ground breaking discovery.

There are more than a hundred pyramids known in Egypt, many of which are in a state of disrepair. These ancient pyramids were built as burial places for kings and queens and it is believed that they represented a stairway for the king to ascend to the heavens. The earliest pyramid was the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, built over 4,600 years ago at Saqqara, overlooking the ancient capital of Memphis. The largest pyramid ever built was the Great Pyramid at Giza which was built for King Khufu. The Giza Plateau is also home to two

Sphinx

 other large pyramids which, as with the Great Pyramid, have valley temples and mortuary temples connected by causeways. Also found at Giza is the famous 73 metre long Sphinx. The pyramids and the Sphinx are a major attraction for visitors on their cheap package holidays to Egypt.

There are many travel deals to Egypt available throughout the internet, not only for discovery the country’s ancient history but also for the amazing beach resorts and diving opportunities in the beautiful Red Sea.

When most people think of Egypt, they think ‘pyramids’.  A tour of Giza is a must when visiting Egypt. The Valley of Giza is located just outside of Cairo on the west bank of the Nile.

Giza Pyramids

In the Valley of Giza the three largest pyramids are The Great Pyramid of Khufu, The Pyramid of Khafre and The Pyramid of Menkaura, all dedicated to a different king of Egypt.

THE GREAT PYRAMID OF KHUFU

This is the most famous pyramid in Egypt. Built for the pharaoh Khufu, the base of this pyramid covers an area of about nine acres and stands 449ft high (originally 479ft).
This pyramid was built with 2.3 million stone blocks made entirely from limestone, each weighing between 2 and 15 tons.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu

Until the 19th century, this was the tallest structure in the world and is the only one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’ still standing.

THE PYRAMID OF KHAFRE

Built for Khufu’s son Khafre, this pyramid measures 707ft on each side and was originally 471ft high.
The limestone and granite blocks used to build this pyramid each weighed about 2.5 tons.
This pyramid was built on higher ground than The Great Pyramid, giving the

Sphinx

 illusion that this pyramid is taller!

It is believed that The Great Sphinx, near to Khafre’s pyramid, is a royal portrait of Khafre. The Sphinx was built from soft sandstone and has only survived because it has been buried in the sand many times during its lifetime. The body of the Sphinx is 200ft long and 65ft tall. Part of  sacred cobra on its head and its nose have been destroyed but all in all the Sphinx is still well intact.

THE PYRAMID OF MENKAURE

This is the smallest of the three pyramids and was built for Khafre’s son Menkaure. Each side of this pyramid measures 356ft and was originally 218ft high.

 
There are also three small pyramids in the valley which were built for three of Khufu’s wives and several flat topped pyramids which were built for his favourite children.

If you are looking for bargain holidays to Egypt, there are always great offers throughout the internet, you won’t be disappointed.

There are many holiday websites offering direct holidays to Egypt, an opportunity not to be missed!