The Great Pyramid of Giza once had a smooth white coating

The Great Pyramid of Giza presents very different appearance today than during construction. Originally, it was encased in highly polished white limestone reflecting sun brilliantly—creating a smooth, gleaming white monument visible for miles. Ancient texts describe this dazzling appearance; remnants exist on upper portions confirming descriptions. These casing stones were fitted with extraordinary precision. Over centuries following construction (approximately 2560 BCE), casing stones were systematically removed by quarrymen and builders who valued pre-cut limestone for other structures. By medieval Islamic scholars' time, the pyramid had lost most casing stones, revealing rough internal blocks and stepped appearance visible today. Removal altered pyramid appearance and accessibility—smooth surfaces would have been virtually unclimbable, whereas rough blocks create handholds.