Successive pharaohs took advantage of this prosperity to launch ambitious pyramid-building programmes to give themselves a tomb worthy of their rank.

UNESCO: Learning from ancient droughts

This pyramid-like building is the Church of San Agustin in Paoay in the Northern Luzon.

UNESCO: Culture

Its name, although reminiscent of the Star Wars warriors, belongs to an ancient Egyptian magician whom Khufu consulted when building the pyramid.

BBC: 3D interactive journey into the Great Pyramid of Khufu

Several changes later, this is the building that stands on the eastern side of the great glass pyramid.

BBC: Classic sights in the City of Light

The company, based in the Paris suburbs, was responsible for building the gallery's infamous entrance -- the Louvre pyramid -- in 1989.

CNN: VINCI boss to Europe: Build and growth will come