Discovery near the Great Pyramid of Giza

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Context

• A recent discovery near the iconic Great Pyramid of Giza has sparked excitement among archaeologists and historians

Description of the Structure

• The newly uncovered structure lies concealed beneath the sands of the Western Cemetery, adjacent to the Great Pyramid of Khufu.
• As researchers delved deeper into the buried structure, they stumbled upon a perplexing anomaly lying beneath it.
• Described as a 'highly electrically resistive anomaly' and measuring around 33 by 33 feet, this feature raises numerous questions about its composition and significance.
• Researchers suggest it may consist of electrically resistive material, possibly containing voids or air pockets within.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

• The Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest Egyptian pyramid, serves as the final resting place of Pharaoh Khufu, who reigned during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom.
• Built around 2600 BC, this architectural marvel has stood the test of time, retaining its position as the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Structure and Dimensions

• Initially standing at 146.6 meters (481 feet), the Great Pyramid held the title of the world's tallest human-made structure for over 3,800 years.
• Over time, erosion and removal of the smooth white limestone casing reduced its height to the current 138.5 meters (454.4 ft), revealing the underlying core structure.

Construction Materials and Techniques

• The Great Pyramid was constructed using an estimated 2.3 million large blocks, weighing a total of 6 million tonnes.
• The majority of the stones are irregular in size and shape, primarily sourced from local limestone on the Giza Plateau.
• Additional materials, such as white limestone from Tura for casing and granite blocks from Aswan, were transported via the Nile.

Interior Chambers

• The pyramid contains three known chambers: a lower unfinished chamber, the Queen's Chamber, and the King's Chamber, which houses a granite sarcophagus.
• Hemiunu, Khufu's vizier, is speculated to be the architect behind the Great Pyramid, although no definitive evidence supports this claim.

Purpose and Significance

• The Great Pyramid served as Khufu's tomb, reflecting the traditional purposes of Egyptian elite tombs.
• It housed the deceased pharaoh's body, demonstrated his status, retained his place in society, and provided a space for offerings.

Attribution to Khufu

• Historical accounts, including those of Herodotus and Diodorus Siculus, attribute the Great Pyramid to Khufu, supported by inscriptions found within the pyramid.
• Recent discoveries, such as the Diary of Merer, further strengthen the association between Khufu and the Great Pyramid.

Conclusion

• The Great Pyramid of Giza stands as a testament to ancient Egypt's architectural ingenuity and cultural legacy. Its enduring mysteries continue to captivate researchers and visitors alike, inspiring awe and wonder for millennia to come.

SOURCE: PIB