Researchers Discover Two Mysterious Voids in Giza Pyramid

The Khufu Pyramid, also known as the Great Pyramid, is the largest and arguably most famous of the three pyramids at Giza. New research, however, has shed intriguing light on the secrets of its smaller cousin, the Menkaure Pyramid.

In a study published this summer in the journal NDT & E International, researchers investigated a mysterious stretch of granite blocks on the eastern side of the Menkaure Pyramid. Their nondestructive approach revealed two anomalies within the pyramid, bolstering a previously developed theory of a second entrance to the smallest of the three main Giza pyramids, all of which were likely built between 2589 and 2504 BCE.

Nondestructive techniques

“One of the defining elements in the original design of the Menkaure Pyramid is its granite cladding,†the researchers wrote in the paper. Only seven rows of granite blocks are preserved on the pyramid today. “Recently, the potential existence of a second entrance to the pyramid has been proposed based on visual similarities between sections of granite cladding on the Eastern face and those around the main entrance on the Northern face.â€

In short, the eastern side of the pyramid features an area around 13 feet (4 meters) high and 20 feet (6 meters) wide of strangely polished stones that is strikingly similar to the pyramid’s entrance on its northern side. As such, the team studied the smooth facade on the eastern side of the pyramid using three nondestructive testing methods and found two anomalies behind it.

“The images revealed two anomalies directly behind the polished granite blocks, which would indicate the presence of air-filled voids. This interpretation was supported by a series of numerical simulations that considered various possible scenarios under real-world conditions,†the researchers explained.

Mysterious voids

The voids appear to be 3.3 feet high by 4.9 feet wide (1 by 1.5 meters) and 3 feet high by 2.3 feet wide (0.9 meters by 0.7 meters) and start 4.6 feet (1.4 meters) and 3.7 feet (1.13 meters) behind the smooth granite exterior, respectively. According to the study, their approach made it difficult to understand how far the anomalies stretch into the pyramid.

“The testing methodology we developed allows very precise conclusions to be drawn about the nature of the pyramid’s interior without damaging the valuable structure,†Christian Grosse, co-author of the study and a professor of non-destructive testing at the Technical University of Munich, said in a university statement. “The hypothesis of another entrance is very plausible, and our results take us a big step closer to confirming it.â€

Nevertheless, the team—which has only one Egyptological advisor—admits that Egyptologists should discuss the nature of the anomalies and that researchers should use other non-destructive techniques to continue studying them. It remains to be seen whether further investigations will confirm that the smallest of the three Giza pyramids did indeed have another entrance on its eastern facade.

Related: Stunned Scientists Detect Suspected Hidden Chamber Within Great Pyramid of Giza