pyramid

Construction with a square base and four triangular faces; it served as a tomb for the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, represented here by the pyramid of Cheops.

shaft

Narrow passage used by the workers to exit the pyramid after blocking the ascending passage at the conclusion of the funeral rites.

air shaft

Ventilation shaft leading outdoors.

entrance to the pyramid

Point of entry into the pyramid.

relieving chamber

Series of five chambers designed to ease the pressure exerted by the stone blocks on the king’s chamber.

king’s chamber

Funeral chamber that housed the pharaoh’s sarcophagus.

grand gallery

Large passage leading to the king’s chamber.

queen’s chamber

Unfinished chamber thought to be the king’s second chamber; it was probably abandoned because the access passage was too narrow for the sarcophagus.

underground chamber

Unfinished chamber located at ground level, believed to be the king’s chamber; it was built in case the pharaoh died prematurely.

descending passage

Passage leading to the underground chamber.

ascending passage

Passage leading to the grand gallery.