UNCLE RAYS NOTES First Great Pyramid Built As Kings Mummy Tomb Old records show that two kingdoms used to exist in ancient Egypt. One covered the mighty delta which the Nile River had built up through the ages. In this delta, with its rich soil, the farmers raised excellent crops. The modern city of Alexandria is a large seaport in the delta area. The other kingdom stretched southward along the valley of the Nile. The yearly flood of the river helped the people to grow crops. They saved some of the flood waters in reservoirs to moisten the soil during dry parts of the year. The city of Cairo, capital of present day Egypt, stands in the old time valley kingdom. United 6,000 Years Ago The two kingdoms were united 6,000 years ago. The first ruler of both kingdoms seems to have been Menes (pronounced Mee ness). Several pieces of picture writing go back to his time. A golden ornament with the name of Menes has been found. We also have jewels, stone vases and copper dishes which were made during, or about, the period of his reign. Menes enjoyed a long time on the throne. An ancient historian left a record which states that he was king for 62 years. About five centuries after the death of Menes, the famous Step Pyramid was built. Rising to a height of 190 feet, this is believed to be the oldest stone building in the world today. It was prepared as a tomb for the mummy of Menes. Ordered Great Pyramid Later came the powerful ruler who ordered the building of the Great Pyramid of Gizeh. His name was Khufu (pronounced Koo foo) but the Greeks called him Cheops. The Great Pyramid once rose to a height of 481 feet, but the tip was broken off (probably by an earthquake) and the present height is 451 feet. Next after Khufu came King Khafre (pronounced Kah fur). His tomb, known as the Second Pyramid, had an original height only 10 feet less than that of Khufu. The Second Pyramid has lost less of its tip, and now is almost the same height as the Great Pyramid. The Great Pyramid, however, has a larger base, covering almost 13 acres of ground, and ranks as the largest of the pyramids. UNCLE RAY