Uncovering a Long Hidden Corridor in the Great Pyramid of Giza
On Thursday, the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities announced the discovery of a long hidden corridor deep within the 4500-year-old Great Pyramid of Giza. The corridor, which is nine metres long, is located close to the main entrance of the Pyramid and could potentially lead to further findings.
The corridor was discovered by the Scan Pyramids project, an international program that uses scans to look at unexplored sections of the ancient structure. In 2016 and 2017, ScanPyramids first discovered peculiar empty spaces inside the pyramid; however, the most recent research has given a more precise insight into the pyramid's inner architecture.[0]
Using radar and ultrasound, scientists verified the existence of a corridor, and subsequently employed a 6mm-thick endoscope from Japan to pass through a small joint between the stones of the pyramid; this allowed them to obtain pictures of the corridor.[0] The corridor was also mapped in detail for the first time using cosmic ray muons.[1]
Mostafa Waziri, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, has speculated that the corridor was likely built to relieve the weight of the pyramid on either the main entrance, seven meters below, or on another as yet undiscovered chamber or space.
The Great Pyramid of Giza was built around 2560 BC during the reign of the Pharaoh Khufu, or Cheops. Originally standing at 146 metres tall, it was the tallest structure made by humans until the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 1889.[1]
The corridor may provide further insight into how the Pyramid was constructed and the purpose of the voids found inside. Scientists are hoping that their work might shed light on the mystery of how this incredible structure was constructed.[2]
0. “Archaeologists uncover hidden corridor in Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza” The Jerusalem Post, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-733185
1. “Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza” TODAY, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.todayonline.com/world/scientists-reveal-hidden-corridor-great-pyramid-giza-2120616
2. “Long-Lost Corridor Inside Great Pyramid Of Giza Revealed By Cosmic Rays” IFLScience, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.iflscience.com/long-lost-corridor-inside-great-pyramid-of-giza-revealed-by-cosmic-rays-67781
