Zenobia visits the Great Pyramid of Giza

Zenobia on her trip to Alexandria, Egypt visit two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Let’s explore one of them today in Chapters 29, Zenobia visits the Pyramids of Giza.

Here’s an excerpt from her experience:

Very slowly, the massive monuments grew on the horizon until in the eyes of a young girl, they began to overpower her senses…

After quite a while, she saw a third pyramid appear, much smaller than the first two, now set against a deepening purple hue. She engraved the moment in her mind, sensing this could be a singular experience, to be enjoyed again only in memory.

Finally, they drew near the base of the pyramids and stopped to camp for the night. Still in awe Zenobia spoke quietly, “They are majestic Mother, and they were especially magnificent with that beautiful sunset. Have you seen them like this before?”

“No. They are always impressive, but we were blessed to see them in a special light tonight.”

They set up the tents up near the two huge pyramids, and then over half of the warriors went along for the mounted tour of the area. Zenobia rode Bethy… Zelina and daughter took the lead as the horses slowly circled the magnificent structure. “These have to be the largest and tallest man-made objects on earth,” Zenobia said in an almost reverential whisper. “Even seeing them it’s still hard to believe. It’s incredible.”

 “You said the Great Pyramid is larger?”Zenobia asked. “It looks the same height as the one next to it.”

Zelina answered, “The great one was allegedly built by a kind named Cheops, and it is higher, but only a few cubits. The second one was supposedly built by his son, but he cited it on higher ground, so from some positions it appears as high or higher.”

They drew up to the base of the Sphinx, approaching it from the rear, and slowly moved around to the front. To Zenobia, though she knew it was lifeless stone, it seemed menacing in the dark, like a colossal lion crouching, ready to pounce. She reflected irrationally that her bow and arrows, which she carried as usual, would be of no value if this creature suddenly sprang to life. It seemed possible. Finally they moved between the elongated front paws and under the head.

Greek tourist traveled around the Easter Mediterranean rim compiling a guide book of remarkable constructions to visit. “Of the original Seven Wonders, only one- The Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest of the ancient wonders – remains relatively intact.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Wonders_of_the_Ancient_World

“Although weathering has caused the structure to stand a few feet shorter today, the pyramid was about 480 feet (145 meters) high when it was first built. It is thought to have been the planet’s tallest human-made structure for more than four millennia.”  http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/07/photogalleries/seven-wonders/#/new-old-7-wonders-great-pyramid-giza-egypt_18306_600x450.jpg