Post by : Badri Ariffin

A recent archaeological study has revealed two hidden voids within the Pyramid of Menkaure located in Giza, igniting enthusiasm for uncovering a lost access point to the ancient tomb. This finding provides a new perspective on the smallest of the three key pyramids in the Giza necropolis, reaching a height of almost 200 feet and estimated to have been constructed around 2510 BC during the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt.

The research team, comprising experts from Cairo University and Germany’s Technical University of Munich (TUM), employed advanced non-invasive scanning technologies that allowed them to explore the structure without compromising its integrity. Using methods like georadar, ultrasound, and electrical resistance tomography, the team successfully identified air-filled voids situated behind the pyramid’s outer layer.

The newly discovered voids are approximately 4.6 feet and 3.7 feet deep. One chamber measures about 3.2 feet in height and 4.9 feet in width, while the smaller void stands around 3 feet high and 2.3 feet wide. These cavities exist near a unique cluster of polished granite blocks on the eastern side of the pyramid—a rarity, as polished stones are typically found only at the northern entrance. This anomaly has sparked theories suggesting that this eastern area could indicate a hidden secondary entry, echoing earlier research by Stijn van den Hoven in 2019.

This new uncovering follows a significant discovery in 2023 when researchers from ScanPyramids identified an unknown chamber in the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Findings related to Menkaure underscore the efficacy of advanced, non-destructive techniques in unveiling hidden spaces within ancient monuments, allowing for more revelations without harming these historical treasures.

Despite being the smallest among the trio of pyramids, the Pyramid of Menkaure continues to unravel mysteries, enhancing our comprehension of ancient Egyptian architectural excellence and burial customs from the Fourth Dynasty.

#world news #Global News