Latest news with #DrZahiHawass
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
Lost inscriptions inside Egypt's Great Pyramid shatter the myth of slave labor
Archaeologists have uncovered ancient inscriptions inside Egypt 's Great Pyramid that they say confirm who built the monument 4,500 years ago. Ancient Greeks shared stories that the stunning monument was built by 100,000 slaves who worked in three-month shifts over 20 years. But new discoveries inside the Great Pyramid have changed the narrative, showing it was constructed by paid, skilled laborers who worked continuously, taking one day off every 10 days. Egyptologist Dr Zahi Hawass and his team recently explored a series of narrow chambers above the King's Chamber using imaging technology, finding never-before-seen markings left by work gangs from the 13th-century BC. They also unearthed tombs south of the pyramid, the eternal resting places of skilled laborers, complete with statues of workers muscling stones and 21 hieroglyphic titles like 'overseer of the side of the pyramid' and 'craftsman.' '[The discoveries] confirm that the builders were not slaves. If they had been, they would never have been buried in the shadow of the pyramids,' Dr Hawass said during an episode of the Matt Beall Limitless podcast. 'Slaves would not have prepared their tombs for eternity, like kings and queens did, inside these tombs.' The latest findings also shed light on how the pyramid was built, revealing that limestone from a quarry just 1,000 feet away was hauled to the site using a rubble-and-mud ramp, remnants of which were found southwest of the monument. Dr Hawass is now working on a new expedition, funded by Beall , which will send a robot into the Great Pyramid, marking the first excavation of the structure in modern history. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid and was constructed by Pharaoh Khufu, who ruled during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. It is also one of three within the Giza plateau, the other two include the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure, as well as the Great Sphinx. All shrouded in mystery due to their unclear construction methods, precise astronomical alignment and still-debated purpose. Inscriptions were previously found inside the Great Pyramid during the 19th century, sparking debate that the writings were forged hundreds of years after it was built. 'There was some debate on whether or not that could be a forgery, but now you're saying that you've discovered three more cartes within the King's Chamber,' Beall asked Dr Hawass. The archaeologist then showed images never shared with the public, highlighting the names drawn onto the rock. 'They were found in chambers that are difficult and dangerous to access, and they use writing styles that only trained Egyptologists can accurately interpret,' said Dr Hawass. 'It's nearly impossible that someone in recent times could have forged something like this. You must climb about 45 feet and crawl through tight spaces to even reach those chambers.' The archaeologist admitted that some European visitors managed to enter and left their names scratched into the stone in the late 18th and 19th centuries. 'But the inscriptions we found are clearly much older, original graffiti from ancient Egyptian workers,' Dr Hawass added. Alongside these inscriptions, the second major discovery was the tombs of the pyramid builders. Dr Hawass and his team found tools inside the tombs, such as flint tools and pounding stones that would have been used in the Great Pyramid's construction. 'The base of the Great Pyramid is made from solid bedrock, carved 28 feet deep into the ground,' he said. 'This means that after marking the square base, the builders cut down into all four sides of the rock until they created a level platform of solid stone, no blocks, just bedrock. 'You can still see this today on the south side of Khufu's pyramid.' He continued to explain that the workers operated in teams, some cut the stones, others shaped them and the rest transported the material using wooden sleds pulled over the sand.' He added that the rocks were then moved using ramps, which the archaeologist said he found evidence of. 'The ramp had to come from the southwest corner of the pyramid and connect to the quarry,' said Dr Hawass. 'We excavated this area, and in the site labeled C2, we found remnants of the ramp, stone rubble mixed with sand and mud. When the ramp was dismantled, they didn't remove every trace, and what was left behind is what we uncovered.' Dr Hawass' colleague, Mark Lehner, has been excavating a site just east of the pyramid, uncovering what they are calling 'the worker's city.' The team has uncovered facilities used for sorting salted fish, a large bakery for bread, barracks and the settlement where the laborers lived. 'There's a popular myth that the workers ate only garlic, onions, and bread, but we found thousands of animal bones at the site,' Dr Hawass said. 'An expert from the University of Chicago analyzed them and found that the Egyptians slaughtered 11 cows and 33 goats every day to feed the laborers. 'This diet was enough to support around 10,000 workers per day.' The conversation switched to the upcoming exploration of the Big Void, which Dr Hawass is leading. ' I am funding the exploration of the Big Void ,' Beall said, adding that he is helping the team build the robot for the mission. The podcaster explained that they were working on a robot, no larger than a centimeter, which will travel through a tiny hole drilled into the side of the Great Pyramid. The Big Void, discovered in 2017, stretches for at least 100 feet above the Grand Gallery, an ascending corridor that links the Queen's chamber to the King's in the heart of the pyramid. Dr Hawass believes he will locate the lost tomb of Khufu inside the void. 'I think it's unlikely that it's a tomb, just because there's never been a tomb,' Beall said. 'There's never been a Pharaoh discovered in any of these in any of the main pyramids ever.' The excavation is slated for around January or February next year.
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Historian who Joe Rogan slammed as his 'worst ever guest' hits back about what REALLY happened behind scenes
The archaeologists Joe Rogan deemed his 'worst guest' has broken his silence on the backlash he faced, saying the podcaster was out to ruin his reputation. Archaeologist Dr Zahi Hawass joined Rogan on May 13 to discuss the mysteries of ancient Egypt, but the former Minister of Antiquities gave dismissive responses, continually interrupted and answered nearly every question with 'it's in my book.' The combative discussion led Rogan to saying Dr Hawass was 'the worst podcast he has ever done,' calling him 'closed-minded' and a gatekeeper of all the knowledge about Egypt. Dr Hawass has now hit back at the claims, saying Rogan had an agenda to undermine his credibility. Speaking on an Egyptian talkshow this week, Dr Hawass said Rogan skewed towards topics 'like Atlantis and aliens', ideas he has long dismissed as pseudoscience. 'I spent 25 years holding debates against people like Graham Hancock, Robert Bauval and John Anthony West, who argued that the pyramids and the Sphinx were built 15,000 years ago by people from Atlantis,' Dr Hawass said. 'Thank God I stood up against their ideas, not just in Egyptian newspapers but internationally as well. I told Rogan I have nothing to do with these matters.' The original podcast between Joe and Dr Hawass exploded when Rogan called a discovery beneath the Giza pyramids 'fascinating,' while Dr Hawass quickly dismissed it as 'bulls***.' In March, a team of Italian researchers released satellite images that appeared to reveal massive vertical shafts stretching more than 2,000 feet under the Khafre pyramid, one of the three ancient structures at Giza. During the podcast with Dr Hawass, Rogan asked about evidence for pyramid construction tools and other findings. But instead of answering directly, Dr Hawass repeatedly redirected him to his book and interrupted follow-up questions, frustrating many listeners. 'Are there photos of this online?' Rogan asked. 'Yes, in my book,' the archaeologist replied. 'How can this man, Joe Rogan, not read my book before I arrived?' Dr Hawass asked on Tuesday, saying his book is the only book in the world written about Giza with the utmost skill. How can he not have read it?' Dr Hawass also cut off Rogan repeatedly on the podcast, something many users on X pointed out as a recurring pattern. 'He literally couldn't let Joe finish one sentence,' one user posted. 'Why are they attacking me? Because I held my own against Joe Rogan? Because I was confident?' Dr Hawass said as reported on by The National. 'Why would my confidence offend him? Did they even understand what our conversation was about? Did they even understand what this man was really saying?' The podcast episode went viral on X, with many users criticizing Dr Hawass as 'a failure.' One Joe Rogan fan account posted: 'Zahi Hawass is full of it. Joe Rogan did a great job exposing him.' The controversy centers on claims by Corrado Malanga with the University of Pisa, Filippo Biondi from the University of Strathclyde, and Egyptologist Armando Mei, who shared satellite images allegedly showing vertical shafts beneath the Khafre pyramid. Their work has not yet been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal. Rogan, however, pointed to how the researchers used their technology to map the interior structures of the Tomb of Osiris. When Rogan mentioned the scans of the Tomb of Osiris, Dr Hawass interrupted, saying, 'I discovered it.' The Osiris Shaft, an ancient underground burial complex in Giza, is known for its three levels, including an entry chamber, a room with sarcophagi and a flooded subterranean chamber believed to be a symbolic tomb of Osiris. 'I know, I understand, you found it,' Rogan responded. 'But they also showed that it exists using the same technique.' Rogan tried once more to clarify that while Hawass discovered the tomb, the satellite imaging used by the scientists appeared to confirm and visualize known structures. Dr Hawass dismissed the team's findings as false, even as Rogan pointed out that their techniques appear to verify discoveries Hawass himself made. The archaeologist pushed back on the claims, arguing that the radar technology cannot penetrate beneath the pyramid to the extent the Italian researchers suggest. He stated that it only captured data about 50 feet below the Tomb of Osiris. 'Right, but it's showing that at least for 50 feet, the imaging is accurate,' Rogan responded. 'So what makes you believe those scientists over the team from Italy?' Dr Hawass replied that the scientists he consulted had told him the technology was unreliable. 'Well, these are scientists as well,' said Rogan. Dr Hawass added that he has not spoke with the Italian researchers, but Biondi told that he and his team sent an official inquiry to the Egyptian Ministry of Culture some time ago, but never received a response. Rogan pressed Dr Hawass on why he so firmly dismissed the satellite-based findings. 'So why are you dismissing it?' Rogan asked. 'I understand they published their findings, and you're saying scientists told you it's not true, but scientists are wrong all the time, especially biased ones.'
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Joe Rogan drops bombshell on guest he regrets most: 'Worst podcast I've ever done'
Joe Rogan has hosted more than 1,800 people on his podcast since starting the show in 2009, but he has now revealed the worst one in its history. Archaeologist Dr Zahi Hawass joined Rogan on May 13 to discuss the mysteries of ancient Egypt, but the former Minister of Antiquities gave dismissive responses, continually interrupted and answered nearly every question with 'it's in my book.' Shortly after the episode was released, the public attacked calling Dr Hawass Rogan's 'worst guest.' Now, the podcaster has affirmed the claims while speaking with football star Aaron Rodgers who asked a question about Dr Hawass. 'That might have been the worst podcast I have ever done, but maybe a good one too,' said Rogan. 'Just to see this closed-minded minded fellow that's been in charge of Gatekeeping all the knowledge about Egypt.' Rodgers quickly highlighted how Dr Hawass so easily dismissed a discovery beneath the Giza pyramids, even though satellite images showed massive structures thousands of feet below. Dr Hawass appeared to be combative when Rogan inquired about the structures, saying it was 'bulls***,' admitting he was not familiar with the technology behind the imaging and stating, 'I'm not a scientist.' In March, a team of Italian researchers released satellite images that appeared to reveal massive vertical shafts stretching more than 2,000 feet under the Khafre pyramid, one of the three ancient structures at Giza. The images sparked international intrigue and speculation about hidden chambers or unknown structures buried deep below. The controversy centers on claims by Corrado Malanga (University of Pisa), Filippo Biondi (University of Strathclyde), and Egyptologist Armando Mei, who shared satellite images allegedly showing vertical shafts beneath the Khafre pyramid. Their work has not yet been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal. Rogan, however, called the images 'fascinating,' pointing to how the researchers used tomographic radar to map interior structures, including the Tomb of Osiris. 'I brought up how one of the temples that they scanned with this was very accurate. And he's like, 'but this was only 50 feet down,'' Rogan told the football quarterback. The Tomb of Osiris, an ancient underground burial complex in Giza, is known for its three levels, including an entry chamber, a room with sarcophagi and a flooded subterranean chamber believed to be a symbolic tomb of Osiris. This complex was first mentioned by Herodotus and rediscovered in the 1930s, with Dr Hawass exploring it in 2008. Rogan said that even though the archaeologists questioned the scan of the tomb, the technology showed capable of 'an accurate representation of what's inside there.' 'He was the one, Zahi, who supposedly discovered it,' the podcaster told Rodgers. 'But he's discovered everything, basically. He's the best.' The row between Rogan and Dr Hawass began when the podcaster brought up the discovery under the Giza pyramids, highlighting how the team accurately captured the structures inside the Tomb of Osiris During the podcast with Dr Hawass, Rogan asked about evidence for pyramid construction tools and other findings. But instead of answering directly, Hawass repeatedly redirected him to his book and interrupted follow-up questions, frustrating many listeners. 'Are there photos of this online?' Rogan asked. 'Yes, in my book,' the archaeologist replied. Dr Hawass also cut off Rogan when he brought up hieroglyphics in the Great Pyramid, steering the conversation back to his own narrative, something many users on X pointed out as a recurring pattern. 'He literally couldn't let Joe finish one sentence,' one user posted. The conversation took a sharper turn when it shifted to the structures beneath the Giza pyramids. Rogan made the admission to football star Aaron Rodgers who also joked about Dr Hawass' appeareance on the podcast 'So, why are you dismissing it?' Rogan asked after Dr. Hawass admitted he is not a scientist. 'Because I investigated it, and I found it's wrong,' Hawass responded, without offering further details. Throughout much of the episode, Dr Hawass focused on his accomplishments. 'And this is all what I discovered. This is my discovery of everything,' he said. Rogan later told Aaron Rodgers that he only invited Dr Hawass onto the podcast because of Graham Hancock, a historian known for promoting alternative theories about ancient civilizations and lost knowledge. The two—Hancock and Hawass—have a long history of disagreements, particularly around Hancock's controversial claims and Hawass's traditionalist views. In fact, back in 2015, they clashed ahead of a planned debate at The Mena House Hotel in Egypt. During Hancock's presentation, a photo of Robert Bauval, the man behind the Orion Correlation Theory (OCT), triggered an angry outburst from Dr. Hawass, who launched into a string of personal insults directed at both Hancock and his wife. OCT is a fringe hypothesis that suggests a deliberate alignment between the three pyramids of Giza and the three stars in Orion's Belt (part of the constellation Orion). Dr Hawass dismissed the theory as 'nonsense' and labeled all of Hancock's ideas as 'lies.' In response, Hancock called the outburst 'an embarrassment to Egypt' and accused Hawass of behaving like a 'thug.' He added that Hawass was afraid of open debate, saying, 'He doesn't want his views challenged because they can't stand up to scrutiny.' During a recent episode of the podcast, Rogan added some context: 'So they patched up something,' he said.
