Few global landmarks command the recognition of the Pyramids of Giza, an ancient burial complex with a history spanning nearly five millennia.
The Great Pyramid of Giza stands as the sole surviving wonder among the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In 2007, a global poll involving 100 million participants recognized it as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Many individuals harbor aspirations of visiting these magnificent pyramids, alongside Egypt’s myriad other historical monuments, venerable temples, and ancient artifacts. This desire was certainly present for me.
However, my recent exploration of Egypt’s numerous pyramid sites revealed a somewhat anticlimactic truth – one that, in hindsight, should have been readily apparent: The experience of venturing inside them is not particularly enjoyable.
Egypt is documented to possess 138 identified pyramids, inclusive of the Giza complex. During a dedicated day last December, I embarked on an expedition to explore as many of these structures as feasible.
My itinerary encompassed the Pyramids of Giza, in addition to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Pyramid of Unas, the Bent Pyramid, and the Red Pyramid.
The initial pyramid I accessed was the Red Pyramid, situated within the Dahshur necropolis. Its designation stems from the distinctive reddish hue of its limestone blocks. Ranking as the third-largest pyramid in Egypt, entry into its burial chamber is granted at no additional cost beyond the admission fee for the complex.
(Harrison Jacobs/Business Insider)
Conversely, gaining access to the interior of any of the Pyramids of Giza necessitates an additional expenditure of US$10-15 per person, on top of the standard entry ticket for the site.
It is crucial to acknowledge that these monumental structures were never intended for human habitation. Their primary function was that of tombs, meticulously designed to both honor the deceased and safeguard their worldly possessions from potential pilferage.
My descent into the pyramid involved navigating a steep, narrow passage that extended downwards for several hundred feet, culminating in a brief horizontal corridor.
Upon reaching the base of the incline, the visual exit point receded from view. Fortunately, my visit coincided with a less crowded period, allowing me to move aside for only a few fellow tourists ascending as I proceeded downwards.
As I encountered them, a realization dawned: my egress from the pyramid might prove to be a rather protracted affair.
(Harrison Jacobs/Business Insider)
With a larger influx of visitors, it is highly probable that the sensation of confinement would be significantly amplified.
After traversing the horizontal passage, I entered the principal chamber, a geometrically triangular space characterized by a stepped ceiling ascending to a height of 40 feet (12 meters).
At this juncture, the pervasive odor and oppressive heat began to take their toll. Despite visiting on a relatively cool winter day, the interior of the pyramid remained stiflingly warm and close.
The most disconcerting element was the pervasive smell of mildew. I found respiration challenging and resorted to covering my mouth with a scarf to mitigate direct inhalation of the moldy air. My coughing persisted.
Given the palpable claustrophobia and the overwhelming scent of decay, the endeavor of entering the pyramid scarcely felt justified.
(Harrison Jacobs/Business Insider)
Within, the environment consisted solely of constricted passageways and vacant chambers, some of which bore the unfortunate marks of graffiti left by bygone explorers and tomb raiders.
In stark contrast to the tombs found in the Valley of the Kings, these chambers lack the vibrant, intricate ancient murals that one might expect to admire.
Anything of significant historical or artistic value has long since been removed by marauders, excavators, and museum curators. No human remains, sarcophagi, or funerary artifacts remain.
(Harrison Jacobs/Business Insider)
I took a cursory look around the chambers, momentarily appreciating the subtle thrill of occupying a pharaoh’s colossal tomb. Following this brief experience, I made haste to exit the pyramid in pursuit of breathable air. Despite the fact that the tomb is equipped with ventilation, my coughing continued even as I ascended.
Subsequent to my visit to the Red Pyramid, I engaged in conversations with fellow travelers who had opted to pay the supplementary fee for access to the Pyramids of Giza.
Their accounts indicated that the interior of those pyramids presented a similar vista of brickwork and cramped passages, with the sole distinguishing feature being a significantly higher volume of visitors.
Consequently, I opted against further exploration.
This article was originally published by Business Insider.
More from Business Insider:
