The Great Pyramid of Giza held the title of the tallest man‑made structure on Earth for roughly 3,800 years, remaining the dominant landmark on the horizon from its completion in the Old Kingdom until medieval Europe surpassed it.
Construction
The pyramid, built as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) during Egypt’s 4th Dynasty, was completed around 2580–2560 BCE and originally rose to about 146.6 metres in height, a scale that made it unrivalled in the ancient world.
Duration and loss of the title
The Great Pyramid’s long tenure as the world’s tallest structure ended in the early 14th century when the central spire of Lincoln Cathedral in England was completed circa 1311, a milestone that finally exceeded the pyramid’s height and closed its millennia‑long run as the tallest building.
Historical significance
The pyramid’s extraordinary longevity as the tallest structure highlights both the advanced engineering of ancient Egypt and the relative rarity of very tall constructions until the Gothic cathedral and later architectural traditions enabled taller vertical achievements.
Legacy
Beyond its record height, the Great Pyramid remains a lasting symbol of ancient technical skill and social organisation, continuing to shape our understanding of prehistoric monumental architecture and its cultural importance.