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In pictures: Egypt pharaoh's 'solar boat' moved to Giza museum

An impressive ancient Egyptian boat from the time of the pharaohs has been transported to its new home at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza due to open this year near the Pyramids.

The Great Boat of King Khufu is more than 4,500 years old, and was discovered virtually intact in 1954

Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquity The Great Boat of King Khufu is transported to the Grand Egyptian Museum — The Great Boat of King Khufu is more than 4,500 years old, and was discovered virtually intact in 1954

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Heavy machinery was used to move the wooden boat to its new permanent display home

Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquity The Great Boat of King Khufu is transported to the Grand Egyptian Museum — Heavy machinery was used to move the wooden boat to its new permanent display home

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The theory is that the ship - described as a solar boat - was built to allow the pharaoh to sail across the skies after his death

Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquity Experts work inside the Great Boat of King Khufu — The theory is that the ship - described as a solar boat - was built to allow the pharaoh to sail across the skies after his death

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It was unearthed in the Great Pyramid in Giza, greater Cairo, which was itself constructed by King Khufu. This picture shows the Pyramid of Khafre, also in Giza

Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquity The Great Boat of King Khufu is transported to the Grand Egyptian Museum — It was unearthed in the Great Pyramid in Giza, greater Cairo, which was itself constructed by King Khufu. This picture shows the Pyramid of Khafre, also in Giza

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The vessel is described by Egyptian officials as "the largest and oldest" object made of wood in human history

Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquity Egyptian experts and workers pose in front of the Great Boat of King Khufu — The vessel is described by Egyptian officials as "the largest and oldest" object made of wood in human history

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King Khufu - who is believed to have reigned between 2,589-2,566 BC - was known to the the ancient Greeks as Cheops

Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquity The Great Boat of King Khufu is transported to the Grand Egyptian Museum — King Khufu - who is believed to have reigned between 2,589-2,566 BC - was known to the the ancient Greeks as Cheops

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