It’s not like someone carved “Built in 2560 BC, duh” on the front gate. (Though that would have saved a lot of debate.) Instead, archaeologists used radiocarbon dating on organic materials found inside the pyramid, like charcoal and wood from old construction fires. They also studied ancient records and star alignments.
The pyramids are so precisely aligned with the stars that you’d think it was planned by a celestial GPS. Spoiler: it was planned by humans who watched the sky like we watch Netflix. The result? A time capsule that’s still standing, proving that “built to last” isn’t just a marketing slogan.
A Little Perspective on Time
If the entire history of Earth were a 24-hour day, humans have been around for only the last 30 seconds. The pyramids were built about 18 seconds ago on that clock. So, yes, they’re ancient, but in the grand scheme of the universe, they’re practically fresh-faced.
Still, 4,500 years is a lot of time. That’s longer than the Roman Empire, the British Empire, and every TikTok trend combined. The pyramids have seen empires rise and fall, languages change, and fashion go from loincloths to skinny jeans. And they just sit there, looking majestic and slightly smug.
