Scientists have discovered that the Great Pyramid of Giza might hold more secrets than initially thought. According to them, it contains two newly discovered “cavities” which were discovered by using radiography equipment. On Thursday, the antiquities ministry announced that two previously undiscovered room-like cavities were observed by the scientists inside the Great Pyramid.
- The Great Pyramid of Giza has actually been built in honor of a pharaoh, and it serves as his resting place
- Scientists have discovered the “cavities” after using equipment usually destined for radiography
- It is still considered one the wonders of the world
The Great Pyramid of Giza is also known as the Pyramid of Khufu (or more frequently called Cheops). He was Pharaoh Snefru’s son. Its use is that of a tomb for the pharaoh, like many other pyramids. Scientists are very excited about this new discovery. They are saying that this “void” which they have observed might lead to at least one corridor, inside the pyramid. Also, it is placed behind the norther face of the ancient structure.
The other room was discovered behind the northeastern face of the Great Pyramid. Researchers are doing all this work by using radiography equipment and by replicating the pyramid in 3D. This way, they can observe better the structures and all the hidden passages of the construction.
An expert explained that those two newly discovered cavities are not connected. At least, they have not noticed any passage between them for now. This amazing discovery is part of the ScanPyramids project, which began in October last year. Apart from the Great Pyramid, scientists are also planning to discover the secrets of the Pyramid of Khafre. The Bent and Red pyramids in Dahshur are also on the list for future observations.
For this project, experts are using infrared thermography mixed with 3D reconstruction. Also, muon radiography imaging. According to them, even if all these techniques might sound tough, they are actually non-invasive and will not affect the ancient constructions at all. Those kind of scans have been applied on the Bent Pyramid near Cairo. And the results have been amazing. They are showing in detail all the internal chambers and passage ways of the pyramid. This pyramid bears this name because of its bizarre shape. Its faces are not straight, but a bit bent.
The muon technology can see through the body of a human and reveal detailed images of the bones. The same technique also applies here. The rays can penetrate hundreds of meters of stone and can offer a glimpse inside the pyramid’s chambers. It was for the first time that such a technology was used to see inside a pyramid.
To conclude, all ancient structures, and the Great Pyramid of Giza especially, have been known to hold thousands of years old secrets. But now, it seems like those might be discovered. As technology advances, hidden features of many existing structures can now be revealed. But maybe a little bit of mystery should be kept. After all, this is the charm of the pyramids.
Image source: here
Paul Zink says
There no evidence whatsoever to support the assertion that the Great Pyramid of Khufu was built or used as a tomb for the Pharaoh or anyone else.