The Great Pyramid of Giza: History, Myths, and the Role of Ramses II

The Great Pyramid of Giza, an enduring symbol of ancient Egyptian engineering and culture, stands as a testament to the sophisticated achievements of the Old Kingdom of Egypt. Built for the Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops), the structure was constructed around 2580–2560 BCE, marking the beginning of the Fourth Dynasty. This ambitious project predates the biblical figures of Moses and Joseph by many centuries, challenging the often intertwined narratives of biblical history and ancient Egypt.

Timeline Context

Joseph: Traditionally thought to have lived during the 18th Dynasty around 1700 BCE. This places him over 150 years later than the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Moses: Often placed in the 13th century BCE during the reign of Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, who ruled from 1279–1213 BCE. Thus, Moses lived approximately 500 years after the completion of the Great Pyramid.

The Role of Ramses II

Ramses II: Known for his extensive building projects and military campaigns, he is perhaps most famous for being the Pharaoh of the Exodus in the Bible. While Ramses II did not build the pyramids, he is associated with several periods in ancient Egyptian history, including the time of the Israelite oppression. The cities of Pithom and Ramses (also known as Rameses), mentioned in the Bible (Exodus 1:11), were built during his reign, leading to speculation about his involvement in the biblical narrative. However, there is no direct archaeological evidence connecting Ramses II to the events described in the Exodus narrative. Some scholars suggest that Ramses II is sometimes identified with the Pharaoh of the Exodus due to the mention of these cities, but this claim lacks concrete proof.

Summary of Historical Context

Historically, the Great Pyramid of Giza was built long before the supposed era of Joseph and Moses. Ramses II, while a significant ruler of ancient Egypt, is not directly connected to the construction of the pyramids. By the time of his reign, the Great Pyramid and other nearby pyramids were already ancient monuments, remnants of the grandiose architectural achievements of the Old Kingdom.

Contemporary Perspectives

Many modern scholars question the existence of biblical figures like Joseph and Moses, often considering them figures of faith rather than factual historical figures. The Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, is primarily a religious text rather than a comprehensive historical record. There is no concrete evidence that supports the existence of either Joseph or Moses as real people. Similarly, while there were eleven pharaohs with the name Ramses, none of them is linked to the construction of the pyramids. Ramses II, the most famous of these pharaohs, reigned from 1279 to 1213 BCE, long after the peak period of pyramid-building.

Conclusion

Understanding the history of the Great Pyramid of Giza and its connection to figures like Ramses II and biblical characters is essential for grasping the complexities of ancient Egyptian civilization. It is crucial to distinguish between religious narratives and historical facts, separating the fantastic tales of biblical history from the verifiable evidence of ancient Egyptian history.