Latest news with #Khufu
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Mystery of the Great Sphinx of Giza: Who built the massive ancient limestone statue?
The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of ancient Egypt's most iconic and mysterious monuments. This prehistoric limestone statue, which has the body of a lion and the face of a man, has been the subject of research and mystery for historians, archaeologists, and travellers for centuries. Located on the Giza Plateau near modern-day Cairo, near the famous pyramids, the Sphinx is more than just a stone figure, as it represents a powerful symbol of kingship and divine protection in ancient Egyptian culture. While many admire its grandeur, a poignant question has long been on people's minds, as there has been a long-lasting speculation about who built the Great Sphinx. Who built the Great Sphinx of Giza? Most historians believe that the Great Sphinx of Giza was built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre, who ruled from around 2575 to 2465 BCE during Egypt's Fourth Dynasty. This theory is supported by both archaeological and stylistic evidence. According to Encyclopædia Britannica, the Sphinx 'likely dates from the reign of King Khafre' and may even depict his face. The Sphinx was carved directly from a single limestone ridge on the Giza Plateau. One of the most striking features of the statue is that its body lies in the shape of a reclining lion with a human head wearing a royal headdress, believed to symbolise the pharaoh's power. The monument measures about 240 feet (73 meters) long and 66 feet (20 meters) high, making it one of the largest sculptures in the world carved from a single piece of stone However, not everyone agrees. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Some researchers argue that the Sphinx might have been built by Khafre's older brother, Redjedef (Djedefre), as a tribute to their father, Khufu. This view comes from facial studies that suggest the features of the Sphinx resemble Khufu more closely than Khafre. Despite the debate, most modern Egyptologists favour the Khafre theory due to the statue's proximity to his pyramid and the architectural harmony of the complex. The mystery of the Sphinx's missing nose has added to its mystery, but illustrations predating Napoleon's arrival in Egypt show the nose was already missing, suggesting other causes of damage over time What makes the Sphinx mysterious? The mystery surrounding the Great Sphinx of Giza deepens when considering the erosion patterns on its surface. Unlike the typical effects of wind and sand seen elsewhere in Egypt, the Sphinx shows signs of water erosion in the form of deep vertical grooves and fissures, especially along its lower body and the walls of its enclosure. These patterns suggest long-term exposure to rainfall and water runoff, which is not something to expect in Egypt's dry climate today. Geologist Dr. Robert Schoch argues that this kind of erosion could only have occurred during a much wetter time, possibly around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age. If that's true, it means the Sphinx may be far older than traditionally believed, predating the rise of the pharaohs and pointing to the possibility of an earlier, unknown civilisation. It is also popularly believed that a lost advanced civilisation may have built the Sphinx, not just as an isolated monument, but as part of a larger network of ancient structures around the world, including Stonehenge and sites in South America. They point to the Sphinx's precise alignment with the cardinal directions and constellations as evidence of deep astronomical knowledge. Though mainstream archaeology doesn't support these alternative theories, the lack of clear ancient Egyptian records about the Sphinx's origins keeps the mystery alive
Daily News Egypt
19-07-2025
- Daily News Egypt
Giza Pyramids' interior lighting updated with new LED system
Egypt has completed an upgrade of the interior lighting systems of the three Giza Pyramids, installing modern, eco-friendly LED technology in cooperation with the Spanish government, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a statement. The project, carried out by the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), aims to highlight the design of the interiors of the Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure pyramids. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, said the project is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to improve services at archaeological sites and museums. The goal is to enhance the visitor experience and the appeal of Egypt as a destination, particularly for cultural tourism, while adhering to international standards for heritage preservation. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA, explained that the new system uses 'cool' lighting units that are completely safe for the original archaeological components used in the pyramids' construction. He noted that the project was carried out in cooperation with a team of specialist archaeologists and engineers from Spain, following the completion of all necessary scientific and technical studies. 'This modern system not only helps in preserving the monument, but also enhances the concepts of sustainability and provides a unique visual experience for visitors inside the pyramids, highlighting the beauty and precision of ancient Egyptian architecture,' Khaled said. Ashraf Mohieldin, Director-General of Giza Antiquities, said the lighting project covered all the internal corridors of the three pyramids, in addition to the burial chambers and other interior spaces, adding more to the visitor experience while fully preserving the archaeological character of the site.
Sustainability Times
13-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'These Hidden Passages Change Everything': Stunned Archaeologists Unveil Secret Corridor Inside Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza, Shaking History to Its Core
IN A NUTSHELL 🔍 Hidden corridor discovered in the Great Pyramid of Giza, measuring nearly 30 feet in length, using advanced imaging techniques. discovered in the Great Pyramid of Giza, measuring nearly 30 feet in length, using advanced imaging techniques. 🛰️ The discovery was made possible by the ScanPyramids Project , which employs non-invasive technology to explore ancient structures. , which employs non-invasive technology to explore ancient structures. 🏗️ Findings could offer new insights into the construction methods used by the ancient Egyptians, challenging existing theories. used by the ancient Egyptians, challenging existing theories. 🔬 The research underscores the importance of international collaboration and technological innovation in archaeological exploration. In a groundbreaking announcement, Egyptian antiquities officials have confirmed the existence of a hidden corridor in the Great Pyramid of Giza, a discovery that is expected to unlock new insights into one of the world's most enduring mysteries. Located on the northern side of the Pyramid of Khufu, this corridor was first detected using advanced imaging techniques in 2016. The Great Pyramid, constructed approximately 4,500 years ago during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu, stands as the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The recent unveiling of this secret passage has sparked renewed interest in the pyramid, potentially leading to further revelations about its construction and purpose. The Discovery of the Secret Corridor The hidden corridor, measuring nearly 30 feet in length and over six feet in width, was initially detected through a technique known as muography, which uses cosmic-ray muons to image the interior of large structures. Announced by renowned Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass and the Minister for Tourism Ahmed Eissa, the discovery was credited to the collaborative efforts of the ScanPyramids Project. This international initiative employs non-invasive technology to explore uncharted areas within ancient monuments, making it possible to detect features without disturbing the structures themselves. The corridor's location above the main entrance of the pyramid suggests it may have been engineered to redistribute weight around the entrance or perhaps to conceal an undiscovered chamber. This revelation is not the first of its kind; in 2017, another sealed chamber measuring 98 feet was found within the Pyramid of Khufu. These findings continue to challenge our understanding of ancient Egyptian engineering and hint at the possibility of more hidden secrets within the pyramid's walls. 'We're Entering the Mach 5 Era': US Military's SR-72 Hypersonic Jet Set to Shatter Speed Limits With 2025 Debut Technological Advances in Archaeology The use of advanced imaging technologies such as muography marks a significant leap in archaeological research, allowing scientists to explore ancient structures in ways that were previously impossible. Unlike traditional excavation methods, which can be invasive and potentially damaging, muography and other non-invasive techniques preserve the integrity of historical sites while providing detailed insights into their construction. This approach has been instrumental in the recent discoveries at the Great Pyramid of Giza and is expected to revolutionize the field of archaeology. The success of the ScanPyramids Project underscores the importance of international collaboration in scientific research. By combining expertise from various fields, including physics, engineering, and archaeology, the project has pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved in the study of ancient monuments. As technology continues to evolve, it holds the promise of unveiling further mysteries locked within the stones of the pyramids, potentially rewriting history as we know it. 'They Just Rewrote the Future!': FAMU's Mind-Blowing 3D Printing Revolution Sends Shockwaves Through NASA and Could Launch Humanity Into Deep Space The Implications for Pyramid Construction The recent discoveries at the Great Pyramid of Giza have reignited debates about the construction techniques used by the ancient Egyptians. Despite being one of the largest and oldest monuments in the world, there remains little consensus on how the pyramids were built. Some theories suggest the use of ramps, while others propose more complex methods involving levers and counterweights. The discovery of the hidden corridor provides new data that may offer clues about the architectural strategies employed by the builders. An article in the science journal Nature noted that these findings could lead to a deeper understanding of pyramid construction, shedding light on the advanced engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. As researchers continue to analyze the data collected from the corridor, they hope to piece together a more complete picture of the methods used to erect these monumental structures. 'He Just Wanted His Wine and TV': World's Oldest Cat Lived to Record Age Thanks to Daily Red Wine Ritual on the Couch The Ongoing Quest for Knowledge As Mostafa Waziri, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated, the team plans to continue its scanning efforts to uncover what lies beyond the newly discovered corridor. This relentless pursuit of knowledge reflects a broader human desire to understand our past and the civilizations that shaped the world as we know it. The Great Pyramid of Giza, with its enduring mysteries, remains a symbol of this quest. While the discovery of the hidden corridor is a significant milestone, it is but one step in a long journey of exploration. As scientists and archaeologists continue to delve into the secrets of the pyramid, each new finding raises more questions than it answers. What other mysteries does the Great Pyramid hold, and how will they transform our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and technology? As we continue to uncover the secrets of the Great Pyramid of Giza, we are reminded of the vast potential for new discoveries that lie beneath the surface of history. The recent unveiling of the hidden corridor is a testament to the power of technology and collaboration in unlocking the past. With each new finding, we gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity of ancient civilizations. What other secrets might still be waiting to be discovered in the sands of Egypt, and how will they shape our future understanding of human history? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (24)
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Who REALLY built Egypt's Great Pyramid is ‘revealed' in hidden inscriptions dating back 4,500 years
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARCHAEOLOGISTS have unearthed hidden inscriptions inside Egypt's Great Pyramid which could reveal who built the iconic structure. The groundbreaking discovery could hold the key for who is responsible for the monument's construction nearly five thousand years ago. 2 A view of the great pyramids, Giza, Egypt Credit: Getty 2 Archaeologists have challenged the accepted belief that the Great Pyramid was built by slaves Credit: Getty According to the Ancient Greeks, 100,000 slaves who worked in three-month shifts over 20 years produced the Great Pyramid of Giza. However, fresh discoveries suggest that paid laborers who took three days off a month are responsible. 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 subsequently stumbled upon tombs of the laborers which included statues of the workers during the pyramid's construction. read more in tech PHWOAR-CA Never-before-seen moment two killer whales are filmed KISSING in incredible vid "[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," 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 Great Pyramid of Giza, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in Giza, Egypt. As the name suggests it is in Giza, a city on the west bank of the River Nile close to Cairo. It was built as a tomb for the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu, also known as Cheops, and his queen. Khufu is believed to have reigned during the 26th century BC from 2589BC to 2566BC. Astonishing moment a dog is spotted at the top of 455ft Great PYRAMID of Giza after climbing up to bark at birds Few details about the ruler are known, with all the information coming from inscriptions in his necropolis in Giza and later documents. He is thought to have had two wives, Meritites I and later Henutsen. Inside the pyramid are three chambers - the Queen's Chamber and the King's Chamber, connected by the Grand Gallery. 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. 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. "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." Dr Hawass and his team also scooped a number of tools inside the tombs which were likely used to build the pyramid, including flint tools and pounding stones. He added: "The base of the Great Pyramid is made from solid bedrock, carved 28 feet deep into the ground. "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." Pyramid building in Egypt reached its peak with the Fourth Dynasty of Pharaohs which saw constructions in both Giza and Dashur. Pyramids were not built in isolation but formed only one part of a pyramid complex. Other elements usually included a satellite pyramid, other small pyramids for queens, a mortuary temple, a valley temple, and a causeway between them. A brief history of Ancient Egypt Here's everything you need to know... The Ancient Egyptians were an advanced civilization who at one point owned a huge portion of the globe The civilization began about 5,000 years ago when ancient humans began building villages along the River Nile It lasted for about 3,000 years and saw the building of complex cities centuries ahead of their time – as well as the famous Great Pyramids The Ancient Egyptians were experts at farming and construction They invented a solar calendar, and one of the world's earliest writing systems: The hieroglyph The Egyptians were ruled by kings and queens called pharaohs Religion and the afterlife were a huge part of Ancient Egyptian culture. They had over 2,000 gods Pharaohs built huge elaborate tombs to be buried in, some of which were pyramids – at the time among the largest buildings in the world The Egyptians believed in life after death, and important people's corpses were mummified to preserve their bodies for the afterlife The Ancient Egyptian empire fell due to a mix of factors, including wars with other empires and a 100-year period of drought and starvation
The Irish Sun
03-07-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Who REALLY built Egypt's Great Pyramid is ‘revealed' in hidden inscriptions dating back 4,500 years
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have unearthed hidden inscriptions inside Egypt's Great Pyramid which could reveal who built the iconic structure. The groundbreaking discovery could hold the key for who is responsible for the monument's construction nearly five thousand years ago. 2 A view of the great pyramids, Giza, Egypt Credit: Getty 2 Archaeologists have challenged the accepted belief that the Great Pyramid was built by slaves Credit: Getty According to the However, fresh discoveries suggest that paid laborers who took three days off a month are responsible. 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 subsequently stumbled upon tombs of the laborers which included statues of the workers during the pyramid's construction. read more in tech "[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," Hawass said during an episode of the "Slaves would not have prepared their tombs for eternity, like kings and queens did, inside these tombs." As the name suggests it is in Giza, a city on the west bank of the Most read in Tech It was built as a tomb for the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu, also known as Cheops, and his queen. Khufu is believed to have reigned during the 26th century BC from 2589BC to 2566BC. Astonishing moment a dog is spotted at the top of 455ft Great PYRAMID of Giza after climbing up to bark at birds Few details about the ruler are known, with all the information coming from inscriptions in his necropolis in Giza and later documents. He is thought to have had two wives, Meritites I and later Henutsen. Inside the pyramid are three chambers - the Queen's Chamber and the King's Chamber, connected by the Grand Gallery. 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. 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. "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." Dr Hawass and his team also scooped a number of tools inside the tombs which were likely used to build the pyramid, including flint tools and pounding stones. He added: "The base of the Great Pyramid is made from solid bedrock, carved 28 feet deep into the ground. "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." Pyramids were not built in isolation but formed only one part of a pyramid complex. Other elements usually included a satellite pyramid, other small pyramids for queens, a mortuary temple, a valley temple, and a causeway between them. A brief history of Ancient Egypt Here's everything you need to know... The Ancient Egyptians were an advanced civilization who at one point owned a huge portion of the globe The civilization began about 5,000 years ago when ancient humans began building villages along the River Nile It lasted for about 3,000 years and saw the building of complex cities centuries ahead of their time – as well as the famous Great Pyramids The Ancient Egyptians were experts at farming and construction They invented a solar calendar, and one of the world's earliest writing systems: The hieroglyph The Egyptians were ruled by kings and queens called pharaohs Religion and the afterlife were a huge part of Ancient Egyptian culture. They had over 2,000 gods Pharaohs built huge elaborate tombs to be buried in, some of which were pyramids – at the time among the largest buildings in the world The Egyptians believed in life after death, and important people's corpses were mummified to preserve their bodies for the afterlife The Ancient Egyptian empire fell due to a mix of factors, including wars with other empires and a 100-year period of drought and starvation
