8 Strange Discoveries About the Great Pyramid of Giza
Of the surviving ancient structures in the world, few have captured the imagination quite like the pyramids of Egypt. Of the 118 known pyramids, the Great Pyramid of Giza stands out as the most alluring and attracts visitors from across the globe wanting to get up close and personal with this impressively large, millennia-old structure.
The northernmost, largest, and oldest of the three pyramids built for Khufu, the second Pharaoh (or king) of Egypt’s 4th dynasty, the Great Pyramid continues to guard the secrets of a civilization that flourished thousands of years ago. But now and then we’re teased with a discovery that sheds more light on this last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World… and the people who built it.
Precision Engineering
Built over a period of around 27 years some 4,500 years ago, the Great Pyramid stands as a testament to the surprisingly advanced engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. Its base is an impressive 755 feet long on each side, and it originally soared to a height of 41 feet with steep, smooth sides. What’s truly remarkable is the precision with which it was constructed, the sides of the base aligned to true north, south, east, and west with astonishing accuracy considering the technological limitations of the time.
The pyramid's design also exhibits an understanding of geometry and proportionality, as it was discovered that the ratio of the perimeter to the height, known as the pyramidion, is 1760/296, a ratio that has mathematical significance. This precision extends to the placement of the pyramid, which is at the geometric center of the Earth's landmass, further emphasizing an advanced understanding of geography and the deliberate intention to create a structure of global importance.
Interior Chambers and Passageways
Within the Great Pyramid, a complex network of interior chambers and passageways still awaits full exploration. The descending passage, for example, begins at the entrance and slopes downward, leading to a subterranean chamber. The purpose of this chamber remains unclear, with some speculating it was intended for the Pharaoh's “ka,” or spiritual double, to reside.
The Queen's Chamber, located above the descending passage, is marked by five recessed niches, their purpose unknown. The Grand Gallery, a soaring corridor with a corbeled roof, leads to the King's Chamber, where the Pharaoh was entombed and is notable for its impressive granite sarcophagus.
The Mystery of the Pyramidion
The pyramidion (or capstone) of the Great Pyramid has been a subject of fascination and mystery for centuries. This crowning stone is missing and its whereabouts remain unknown, leading to speculation as to its original shape and composition. While some believe it may have reflected the shape of the larger structure, others suggest a more rounded or conical shape may have been used.
Adding to the mystery, discovered ancient texts hint that the capstone was made of a rare material, perhaps an electrum, a gold and silver alloy, or even a material unknown to modern science. But one thing’s for sure: the absence of the pyramidion leaves a gap in our understanding of the Great Pyramid and its purpose that’s yet to be unraveled.
Sounds Good
The Great Pyramid is not only a visual marvel, it’s also an acoustic wonder, with its interior spaces exhibiting unique sound characteristics that intrigue researchers and acousticians. Certain chambers and passageways create remarkable acoustic effects, with sound waves echoing and reverberating in specific ways. For example, it has been discovered that the Grand Gallery, with its corbeled roof, produces a distinct acoustic resonance that creates an entirely otherworldly, almost eerie, auditory experience.
Were these acoustic properties intentional? Some researchers believe so and have suggested that the ancient Egyptians may have held a profound understanding of sound and its impact on the human psyche, leading to the incorporation of acoustic design into their sacred structures. Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt the pyramid's acoustic qualities add a layer of mystery and intrigue.
The Breath of Life
One of the most intriguing features of the Great Pyramid is the presence of narrow air shafts in both the King's and Queen's Chambers. Carefully constructed and strategically placed, they’ve sparked numerous theories about their purpose and significance. Some suggest that they served as a means of ventilation, providing fresh air to the chambers and creating a comfortable environment for the Pharaoh's spirit.
The precise placement and design of these shafts also suggest a symbolic or ritualistic purpose. In ancient Egyptian belief systems, air and breath held great importance and are often associated with life force and spiritual power. Air shafts may have represented the breath of life, possibly connecting the pharaoh's spirit to the outside world or facilitating communication with the gods.
Early Tourism?
The Great Pyramid could be considered a historical canvas bearing graffiti left by ancient visitors, leaving behind clues of the people who have interacted with it. Researchers have discovered marks that may have been made by tools used during the construction process, providing valuable insights into the building techniques employed.
Additionally, graffiti dating back over 2,000 years to the Greco-Roman period has also been found inside the pyramid. These inscriptions provide a fascinating record of ancient tourism and the enduring fascination with this monumental structure. Regardless of their purpose, the presence of these marks and graffiti certainly adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of the Great Pyramid.
Thunder and Lightning
The Pyramid Texts, ancient Egyptian funerary spells, offer a glimpse into the beliefs and rituals surrounding the afterlife at the time. Within them are mentions of strange beams of light and even a "thunderclap" sound that some believe represents the Pharaoh's soul ascending to the heavens. This captivating tale certainly suggests a connection between the physical structure of the pyramid and the king’s spiritual journey.
And that thunderclap? It’s speculated that this may be a reference to the power and might of the pharaoh, akin to the force of a lightning strike, with this ancient text providing vivid imagery that invites readers to marvel at the profound spiritual and symbolic significance of both the man, deemed a god to his people, and the magnificent building that housed his remains.
Modern Discoveries
The Great Pyramid continues to captivate and inspire exploration and discovery. Recent advances in technology have allowed researchers to probe the pyramid's interior in non-invasive ways, leading to exciting discoveries. The use of advanced scanning techniques such as muon tomography and infrared thermography has revealed previously unknown voids and structures within the pyramid. For example, in 2017, a team of scientists discovered a large void deep within the pyramid. Known as the "ScanPyramids Big Void," it sparked new questions and theories about the purpose and function of this hidden space.
Ongoing scanning projects continue to reveal the pyramid's secrets, highlighting the enduring allure of this ancient wonder. As for the future? One thing’s for sure: the potential for future discoveries thanks to advanced technologies will certainly revolutionize our understanding of ancient Egypt.
There’s no doubt that the Great Pyramid of Giza, with its strange discoveries, continues to captivate our imaginations. And while each new exploration, each revelation, brings us closer to unraveling the ancient secrets it holds, there’s no doubt this fascinating structure’s precision engineering, mysterious chambers, and ancient texts will continue to impress upon us the incredibly advanced knowledge and skills of its builders. As we continue to be intrigued by these eight strange discoveries about the Great Pyramid of Giza, one thing’s abundantly clear: this ancient monument continues to challenge our understanding of the world around us.
