BEIJING, Aug. 12 -- The towering pyramids are the most recognizable symbol of the country. Young Egyptians launched a campaign to promote preservation of the ancient monuments last weekend.

    More than 400 Egyptian youth began a march, starting at the Sphinx and ending at the pyramids. They hoped the parade would raise public awareness on the need to preserve the ancient sites.

    An Egyptian student said, "We hope people can have an understanding of our history by seeing these ancient relics. We should treasure the legacies we inherited and encourage people to learn about ancient Egyptian civilization."

    The marchers were mostly college and middle school students who are on summer vacation. The Cultural Ministry of Egypt organized the event, hoping to encourage the youth to learn more about the country's history.

    Pyramids at Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo, are the most well known. Several of the pyramids at Giza are considered some of the largest structures ever built.

    The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza is the largest pyramid in Egypt. It is the only surviving monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

    All of Egypt's pyramids are on the west bank of the Nile river. Most pyramids are grouped together at a number of burial sites.

    Neglect and a harsh environment have left many pyramids in poor condition. Many have been buried by desert sands. As a result, archaeologists frequently find previously unknown pyramids.

    (Source:english.cctv.com)