Already in 2016, the measurements gave reason to assume the existence of a hidden space near the Chevron stones above the entrance. Now scientists from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have used ultrasound endoscopy to make an important contribution to confirming this assumption.
An international team of researchers has uncovered a previously undiscovered space inside the Cheops Pyramid in Giza, Egypt. The Khufu Pyramid, also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza, is one of the three pyramids in the Giza Pyramid Complex, and it was built during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu in the Fourth Dynasty, around 2560 BC.
An important find in the Cheops pyramid of Giza
Image caption: A previously unknown chamber in the Khufu pyramid at Giza has been discovered by an international research team. Already in 2016, the measurements gave reason to assume the existence of a hidden space near the Chevron stones above the entrance. Now scientists from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have used ultrasound endoscopy to make an important contribution to confirming this assumption. The status of the Egyptian pyramid as one of the most studied structures in the world makes this find particularly important.
The Khufu Pyramid, which rises to a height of over 140 meters, is considered the largest and oldest of the Giza pyramids. It is made of millions of limestone, and it is estimated that its construction took more than 20 years. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it has been thoroughly studied; However, the building still holds many undiscovered secrets. TUM researchers have now solved another one of the mysteries of the pyramid.
As part of the "ScanPyramids" international research team, the scientists from Munich proved the existence of an empty cell whose existence has been assumed until now only based on measurement data. The hollow space is located above the original entrance to the pyramid, which is not accessible to the public.
The discount was approved
In 2016, several measurements by Japanese and French researchers provided evidence for the existence of the chamber. The TUM research group has been at the site since 2019, helping to explore the pyramid to locate hidden structures. They use various non-destructive testing methods that allow examining the stone blocks and the areas behind them. "The pyramids are a world heritage site. This means that we have to be extra careful when conducting our research so that we don't damage anything. We are working on the Cheops pyramid with radar and ultrasound measuring devices that can be used on a non-destructive basis, and in some cases even without contact," says Prof. Christian Gross, TUM's chairman for non-destructive testing.
Researchers use an endoscope to look into the chamber, which apparently hasn't been seen by humans for about 4500 years. Credit: TUM
The cell is larger than expected
The initial measuring devices provided a good first impression of the situation. The scientists then used endoscopy to confirm the assumption. The team found an opening between the chevron stones, a solid stone structure, through which they were able to run a pipe into the chamber. They then used this tube as a guide for an endoscopic camera lens. The camera confirmed the existence of the space. "Discovering a space in a pyramid is already something special. But the fact that this cell is big enough to hold several people, well, that makes the discovery even more important," says Prof. Gross.
The room is larger than researchers previously assumed. The original measured data indicated the existence of a corridor at least five meters long; However, according to preliminary estimates, the length of the chamber is considerably greater than this length. No traces or other evidence of human activity can be seen inside the room. Therefore the research group assumes that this room has not been seen by anyone for the last 4,500 years or so.
Image of part of the research group directly in front of the site. F.L.T.R. Johannes Ruffel (TUM), Prof. Kunhiro Morishima (Nagoya University, Japan), Prof. Hani Helal (Cairo University, Egypt), Prof. Christian Grosse (TUM), Prof. Jean-Baptiste Mora (Inria, France), Prof. Mohamed Elkarmouti (Cairo University, Egypt). Credit: TUM
The new bureau calls for further research
Determining the former purpose of the newly discovered room and what lies behind the back wall of the room will require further research. The confirmed findings emphasize the need for further research of the Egyptian pyramids and especially the value of the new approach through a combination of different test technologies and procedures.
More of the topic in Hayadan:
6 תגובות
Find the length of the pyramid.
Ben claims that the pyramids were not built by the Egyptians around 2,500 BC but by unknown people about 11-12,000 years ago. He must be right. They built, then thousands of years later the Egyptians came and dismantled the pyramids and rebuilt them as tombs for the pharaohs. What was then called the TMA 38 project in front of the manager named Cleopatra.... come on ….
The pyramids were built more than 11,500 years ago
You are invited to learn about ancient civilizations that existed and fell long before the hunter-gatherers of our prehistory became land cultivators.
Some believe that the survivors of the cataclysm are the ones who taught humanity agriculture.
Evidence of this is found in the purpose of Govkala Tepe in Turkey (on the border of Syria)
Ron Zohar - The oldest pyramid in Egypt known today is the Step Pyramid.
which was built by Djoser. which is located in Sakra and is known as Djoser's Step Pyramid.
Built 2500 BC. So where did you get the number 12 thousand years and they were not built by the Egyptians.
Please, show some space for what you wrote
The pyramids are over 12 thousand years old and were not built by the Egyptians, Ancient Egypt and the Pharaohs arrived thousands of years later. In any case, the pyramids were not used as tombs.
You didn't paramedate Cheops!
Khufu.
They called him Pharaoh Khufu
of the beach in English chopo's