For most early travellers the pyramids of Giza were most easily visited by donkey from Cairo. All were captivated of course, and many climbed to the top of the largest, the Great pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). In the last two centuries much has been revealed: the Sphinx has been cleared of sand, the temples at its feet have been excavated, as has the solar boat of Khufu and dozens of beautifully decorated mastaba tombs.