09/11/2026
The Pyramids of Giza didn’t always look like this.
When the Great Pyramid of Khufu was completed more than 4,500 years ago, its rough stones were covered in smooth, fine white limestone. The pyramid would have looked bright and polished, gleaming in the Egyptian sun.
Much of that limestone came from Tura and was transported to Giza by boat, something we know from the Diary of Merer, an ancient record from Khufu’s reign.
Over time, earthquakes dislodged some of the casing stones, while much of the remaining limestone was removed and reused for construction in Cairo.
You can still see what remains of this original casing near the top of the Pyramid of Khafre.
The pyramids we recognize today are incredible, but imagine standing here when they were still covered in brilliant white limestone.
And a special thank you to Will Foucheaux for sending us these incredible photos from Egypt, and for your service in the U.S. National Guard. Thank you, Will!
