Construction of the Egyptian pyramids, illustration. This is a possible method used by the Ancient Egyptians to construct the Great Pyramid at Giza. Ramps of varying lengths depending on the height, and log rollers, were used by teams of workers to drag large limestone blocks weighing many tonnes. The ramps were removed later. The pyramids also contained internal granite burial chambers (for the Pharaoh) and passages. The Great Pyramid dates from around 2560 BC, is over 140 metres tall, and contains some 2.3 million blocks of limestone and granite.