STRABO'S PORTCULLIS CHAMBER (2023)

Secrets of the Pyramid of Khufu, 2022

In the first part, the book provides all publicly available important facts about the Dixon relics (findings by Waynman Dixon in 1872 in the two previously closed small shafts of the Queen's Chamber of the Pyramid of Khufu), as well as about the small shafts and their previous explorations and essential theories about their significance. Then the author's analytical results on the Giza Plateau are presented. New and exciting connections were found in the construction of the entire ensemble of the pyramid complex, whereby above all the dimensional signature of 1000 royal cubits by Hemiunu, the supposed master builder of the Pyramid of Khufu, clearly emerges, which can be explicitly proven at five relevant routes, among others to the Sphinx and the Tomb of Hemiunu. Equally exciting was the finding of mathematical connections of the main elements on the Giza Plateau. If you construct a circle through the three centres of the Great Pyramids, you get a diameter of 9 × 1000 = 9000 royal cubits. If you construct a circle at the intersection of the north-south axis of the Khufu pyramid with the east-west axis of the Khafre pyramid, which intersects the two southern corners of the Khafre pyramid, and draw a square around this intersection with the same area as the circle, the outer sides of this square touch both the west side of the Khafre pyramid and the south side of the Khafre pyramid. Further exciting connections concerning the Giza Plateau can be found in the book, together with a detailed site plan true to scale, in which all conspicuous features are marked. Statements based on the evaluation of historical travel reports are presented. A factual classification is made for statements concerning the three Great Pyramids on the Giza Plateau, as well as the two Great Pyramids of Dahshur, the Step Pyramid of Sakkara and the Great Sphinx of Giza. For the Pyramid of Khufu there is a further subdivision into: Well Shaft, Tomb Robber Tunnel, Northeast Edge Chamber, Small Chamber directly below the King's Chamber, Unknown Passage from the King's Chamber, Queen's Chamber and Subterranean Chamber. Statements on the Pyramid of Khafre are divided into the entrance area and the outer casing. Another chapter is devoted to the secrets of the inner chambers of the Pyramid of Khufu. Particularly worth mentioning in this context is the existence of a second sarcophagus in the Pyramid of Khufu, namely in the Queen's Chamber. In a further chapter, there is a systematic and chronological listing of the research on the Pyramid of Khufu from the 1950s to the 2010s. Each decade is dealt with in a subchapter. This chapter provides an almost complete overview of all exploration attempts from the second half of the 20th century onwards concerning the Giza Plateau. Connections between the people involved are also shown in order to better understand the overall context of the exploration. One chapter is dedicated to the chamber (secret chamber) I postulated above the King's Chamber, for which an analysis of the stone layer heights provides clear evidence. In an extensive chapter, the construction of the Pyramid of Khufu is analysed with the help of the most modern research results. I was able to determine 13 ½ to 14 ⅔ years as the minimum construction time, in fact it was probably 18-20 years. Finally, another comprehensive chapter is devoted to the reconstruction of the Pyramid of Khufu. Here, a graphical reconstruction is also presented, which impresses with its simplicity, which also makes it seem plausible. It is based exclusively on simple mathematical rules, geometric elements (circles and lines), and primitive aids. All relevant internal points of the Cheops pyramid can be explained with it. The appendix offers some useful additional chapters, such as on number mysticism.

In 2022, Filippo Biondi and Corrado Malanga published Synthetic Aperture Radar Doppler Tomography Reveals Details of Undiscovered High-Resolution Internal Structure of the Great Pyramid of Giza [1], which revealed the network of passages and rooms yet to be explored in the Great Pyramid. One particular room is very large, close to the north face, and may be what the less-precise Scan Pyramids project detected as a large void [2]. Even though we do not yet have access to this room, the published dimensions are enough to "reverse-engineer" the likely internal dimensions. As with everything about Giza and the Great Pyramid, the room appears to be a mathematical tour de force like the King's Chamber, including the usual , 2 , and. These numbers, all over Giza, continue to challenge the historical time-line.

The Great Pyramid of Giza has spawned many theories as to how, when and why it has been constructed. Its immense size, it location near the 30 th parallel, its angle of slope and square perimeter that the (almost precise) mathematical constant Pi, its intriguing unit of measurement and various dimensions, most of all its mysterious internal system of tunnels and chambers, has puzzled generations of researchers. From scientists to historians, from experts to laypersons, from engineers and architects to armchair amateurs, from geniuses to cranks, all have had a go at solving the 'mystery of the pyramids'. In this brief and preliminary paper architect Jean-Paul Bauval looks at the most intriguing component of the Great Pyramid: the non-central location of the King's Chamber, and provides a possible answer to why it is offset to the central axes of the Pyramid. Note: All measurements for the shafts of the King's Chamber are taken from the 1992-3 survey and calculations of M. Rudolf Gantenbrink. All measurements for the plan and location of the King's Chamber are taken from Flinder Petrie [1]. Dimensions are given in metres (m) unless otherwise stated. Measurements denoted by RC are in royal cubits, where 1 RC = 0.5236 m.

Christian Bonnaud, 2021

This is a new original theory (not far-fetched). This part describes the beginning of the construction of the pyramid of Khufu until the construction of the ascending passage. I think I bring a "stone" to understand the philosophy of the architect and the resolution of several enigmas. My goal is to highlight the traces left by the Egyptians, (not exploited until then) and to give a plausible explanation. I hope this will open up new perspectives.

Études et Travaux, 2022

This paper aims to present the preliminary results of the 2021 season of the Djedkare Project mission (DJP), which is dedicated to the exploration and documentation of Djedkare’s royal cemetery at south Saqqara. The main focus of the article is the queen’s pyramid, situated to the north-east of the king’s pyramid and to the north of his funerary temple. The 2018 exploration of the area between the king’s temple and the queen’s pyramid not only revealed the name of the owner, Setibhor, but it also confirmed that the two pyramid complexes were not architecturally connected, as previously presumed, and that further work is needed to clarify the plan of the queen’s monument. In 2021, the investigations focused on the pyramid of the queen; its substructure had never been entered and documented in the modern period. Cleaning the substructure resulted in a detailed documentation of its inner rooms. It used to be accessed through a descending and horizontal corridor and it comprised a burial chamber and a so-called serdab. The innovated layout of Setibhor’s pyramid substructure apparently inspired later queens, who continued to follow this pattern in their monuments during the Sixth Dynasty. Full-text PDF available here: http://www.etudesettravaux.iksiopan.pl/images/etudtrav/EtudTrav_otwarte/Etud_Trav_35/EtudTrav_35_05_Megahed_Vymazlova_compressed.pdf

The New Alexandria Library of Texas & London: James Fraser, Regent Street, , 1840

This Rare 1 of a kind Custom deluxe Combined Volumes Edition is a foundational contribution to the early scientific exploration of Ancient Egyptian monuments, particularly the Giza Plateau. Documenting Vyse’s archaeological and engineering endeavors alongside John Perring and Giovanni Battista Caviglia, the volumes present detailed accounts of excavations conducted within the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), the Second Pyramid of Khafre (Cephren), and the Third Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus), as well as adjacent tombs and structures. Volume I includes the narrative of Vyse’s expedition, his observations on the condition and construction of the pyramids, and descriptions of new passages and chambers uncovered through aggressive tunneling and blasting methods. It also features extensive epigraphic documentation of hieroglyphic inscriptions and graffiti, including the now-famous discovery of the cartouche of Khufu in the so-called “Relieving Chambers,” which played a central role in dating the Great Pyramid to the Fourth Dynasty. Volume II offers a technical and architectural survey of the Giza plateau, incorporating detailed plans, sections, and measurements, largely the work of Perring. The appendix includes transcriptions of inscriptions, discussions on ancient Egyptian engineering, and a comparative analysis of pyramid construction. Vyse supplements his findings with references to classical sources, Biblical allusions, and contemporary Egyptological theories, thereby contributing to the emerging discipline of Egyptology. Despite its sometimes destructive methods by modern standards, Vyse’s work remains an indispensable historical resource, providing a snapshot of early 19th-century archaeological practice and offering rich documentation of features that have since deteriorated or been altered. Below is a Custom Narrative explaining the Contents (I didn't have room to include all the contents ) The narrative begins with Colonel Vyse's first arrival in Cairo, where he surveys the state of the Pyramids of Gizeh, followed by a return from Syria to Alexandria and a second arrival at Cairo, at which point M. Caviglia joins him at Gizeh. This is followed by a voyage into Upper Egypt, detailing the journey through notable sites including Thebes, Es Souan (Aswan), the Temples of Sabooa and Amada, Wady Haifa, Faras, Ferradj, Abou Simbel, Tosko, and Ibrim. Continuing upstream, they visit Derr, Dakke, Gerf Hossein, Dandoor, Kalabshee, Wady Taffa, Gertassee, Debode, Philæ, and Koum Ombos. The journey continues to Hadjar Silsilis, Edfou, Elithias, and Esneh, then to El Hallani, Gebelein, Ermont, and Thebes again. The return trip includes stops at Dendera, Quasr-e-Syad, How, Abydos, Eckmira, Shendowee, Gow-el-Kebeer, E-Siout, El Karib, Tel-el-Amarna, Rerainoun, Sheik Abadeh, Beni Hassan, Minyeh, Dewadee, Tehneh, Deir-el-Adra, Kom Achmar, and Benisouef. From there, they proceed into the Faiyum region and finally return to Gizeh. At Gizeh, a sarcophagus discovered by Caviglia in a mummy-pit is described, followed by the discovery of a sarcophagus tomb in the western grotto. Caviglia then abandons his work at the pyramids, after which Vyse documents discoveries near the Third Pyramid, stone quarries near the Second Pyramid, and a bridge in the southern dyke, including Campbell’s Tomb and the Fourth Pyramid. The lower entrance of the Second Pyramid is uncovered, as well as passages extending eastward from the Great Pyramid. Other findings include a shaft in the Third Pyramid, another sarcophagus in the western grotto, and more tombs near the southern dyke. Important chambers like Wellington's Chamber, Nelson’s Chamber, and Lady Arbuthnot’s Chamber are explored. They also inspect the pavement before the northern front of the Great Pyramid, the well of sweet water, and the entrance made by the Caliphs. Discoveries include sarcophagi in Campbell’s Tomb, the central building within it, and a chasm near the Great Pyramid. The northern air channel is opened, and foundations to the east of the Great Pyramid are explored, including shafts north and west of the Sphinx, where a fossil is found. One notable artifact is a piece of iron found within the Great Pyramid, and Campbell’s Chamber is also examined for quarry marks, with commentary by Mr. Birch. The southern air channel is then opened. Volume II This volume begins with a description of the shaft between Campbell’s Tomb and the Second Pyramid, and inscriptions found in the Tomb of the Trades, again with notes from Mr. Birch. Excavations include a pit before the northern front of the Third Pyramid, and social observations such as the Festa of the Dervishes in Cairo. Geological observations are noted at the rock base of the Second Pyramid, and architectural investigations include work between the Third and Fifth Pyramids, the roof of the Queen’s Chamber, and entrances and interiors of the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Pyramids. Special mention is made of the Shereef of Mecca and Belzoni’s Chamber. The interior of the Third Pyramid is explored in detail, with discussions on the sarcophagus, mummy-board of Mycerinus, and subterranean passages. References are made to historical sources such as Edrisi, with translations by M. Burckhardt. The volume closes with correspondence between Mr. Perring and Mr. Raven. Appendix The appendix contains admeasurements and architectural details of all major pyramids, including the Great, Second, Third, Fourth, and so on up to the Ninth Pyramid. There are also detailed records of Campbell's Tomb, hieroglyphic inscriptions (with notes by Mr. Birch), and a list of artifacts discovered at Gizeh. Technical information includes sections of rock, water levels, price data, and observations by Sir John Herschel. Following this is a comprehensive review of classical and early modern authors who wrote about Egypt, including Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus, Strabo, Pliny, Pomponius Mela, Syncellus, and others like Kircher, Pococke, Bruce, Wilkinson, and Jomard. Arabic sources include Al-Maqrizi, Yakut, Ibn Batuta, Edrisi, Masoudi, and various Islamic geographers and historians. The appendix concludes with rare translations from papyri, medieval travelogues, and encyclopedic citations, including Abou Ma’sher, Al Khwarizmi, and Firazabadi’s Camoos (dictionary). Tags Egyptology, Giza Plateau, Great Pyramid, Khufu, Cheops, Fourth Dynasty, Ancient Egyptian Architecture, Pyramid Construction, Quarry Marks, Hieroglyphics, Cartouches, Sarcophagi, Mummy Pits, Subterranean Chambers, Air Shafts, King's Chamber, Queen's Chamber, Davison's Chamber, Wellington's Chamber, Nelson's Chamber, Lady Arbuthnot's Chamber, Campbell's Chamber, John Shae Perring, Giovanni Battista Caviglia, Explosive Archaeology, Gunpowder Excavations, 19th Century Exploration, British Egyptology, Regent Street Publishing, James Fraser, Upper Egypt Voyage, Aswan, Philae, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Luxor, Karnak, Thebes, Abydos, Dendera, Esna, Hierakonpolis, Elephantine Island, Nile River, Desert Expeditions, Ancient Temples, Obelisks, Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Mortuary Temples, Sphinx, Sphinx Enclosure, Sphinx Temple, Solar Boat, Boat Pits, Stone Quarries, Tura Limestone, Aswan Granite, Mastabas, Old Kingdom Tombs, Middle Kingdom Artifacts, New Kingdom Inscriptions, Pyramid Texts, Coffin Texts, Book of the Dead, Funerary Practices, Mummification, Canopic Jars, Anubis, Osiris, Isis, Horus, Thoth, Ra, Ptah, Sekhmet, Hathor, Bastet, Sobek, Set, Nephthys, Ma'at, Ammit, Scarab Amulets, Ushabti Figurines, Cartonnage, Papyrus Scrolls, Hieratic Script, Demotic Script, Coptic Language, Rosetta Stone, Jean-François Champollion, Thomas Young, Samuel Birch, British Museum, Egyptian Antiquities, Napoleonic Expeditions, Description de l'Égypte, Egyptian Revival Architecture, Victorian Era Exploration, Orientalism, Colonial Archaeology, Ethnographic Observations, Bedouin Tribes, Nubian Culture, Coptic Christianity, Islamic Cairo, Ottoman Egypt, Muhammad Ali Pasha, Egyptian Army, Steamships on the Nile, Desert Caravans, Camel Transport, Archaeological Surveying, Topographical Mapping, Architectural Drawings, Lithographic Plates, Field Journals, Expedition Logistics, Excavation Techniques, Artifact Cataloging, Museum Collections, Antiquities Trade, Looting Concerns, Cultural Heritage, Site Preservation, Historical Documentation, Travel Narratives, Scientific Inquiry, Astronomical Alignments, Solstices and Equinoxes, Star Charts, Zodiac Ceilings, Temple Astronomy, Sacred Geometry, Golden Ratio, Pi in Architecture, Mathematics in Construction, Engineering Marvels, Labor Organization, Corvée Labor, Artisan Guilds, Stone Masonry, Tool Marks, Copper Tools, Bronze Age Technology, Iron Artifacts, Ancient Metallurgy, Mining Techniques, Trade Routes, Red Sea Ports, Mediterranean Trade, Levantine Connections, Sinai Expeditions, Biblical References, Exodus Narrative, Joseph in Egypt, Moses, Pharaohs in the Bible, Historical Chronology, Manetho's King List, Abydos King List, Turin Canon, Sakkara Tablet, Dynastic Succession, Royal Titulary, Throne Names, Horus Names, Nebty Names, Golden Horus Names, Prenomen, Nomen, Royal Iconography, Crown Symbols, Scepters, Ankhs, Was Scepters, Djed Pillars, Tyet Knots, Sistrums, Sacred Animals, Apotropaic Symbols, Protective Deities, Temple Rituals, Priesthood, High Priests, Temple Economy, Land Ownership, Agricultural Practices, Irrigation Systems, Nilometers, Flood Inundation, Calendar Systems, Lunar Calendar, Solar Calendar, Sothic Cycle, Heliacal Rising of Sirius, Timekeeping Devices, Water Clocks, Sundials, Mathematical Papyri, Rhind Mathematical Papyrus, Moscow Mathematical Papyrus, Medical Papyri, Ebers Papyrus, Edwin Smith Papyrus, Kahun Gynecological Papyrus, Veterinary Practices, Pharmacology, Herbal Remedies, Surgical Instruments, Dentistry in Antiquity, Cosmetics, Perfumes, Wigs, Clothing Styles, Textile Production, Weaving Techniques, Dyeing ...

Christian Bonnaud, 2021

This is a new original theory (not far-fetched). This part describes the construction of the ascending corridor. It analyzes the disturbing elements left by the Egyptians at the intersection between the ascending corridor and the descending passage. Then show the architect's new plan. I think I bring a "stone" to understand the philosophy of the architect and the resolution of several puzzles. My goal is to highlight the traces left by the Egyptians, and to give a plausible explanation. I hope this will open up new perspectives.

The Secret Burial Chamber , 2019

Interior Design of the Great Pyramid: The features of the Great Pyramid highlight Hemiunu, the architect in charge, as a visionary whose brilliance is reflected not only in the scale and quality of the pyramid but also in the technical solutions he conceived and applied to its design and construction. It is reasonable to assume that the challenge of securing the Funerary Chamber was also addressed with the same creativity and ingenuity. The strategy used to create a secure Funerary Chamber was not without risks. The accidental discovery of the ventilation shafts employed in the excavation of the chamber inadvertently revealed the concealment plan. This study highlights feasible strategies that could have been adopted by Egyptian engineers, comparing the design of the Pyramid of Khufu with other pyramids. Finally, current detection techniques are analyzed for their potential to locate the Funerary Chamber of Khufu.

The plans of the Bent Pyramid and the Great Pyramid of Giza have been compared, and the 'General Scheme' of their interior rooms has been obtained. The "scheme" is a convincing proof of the fact that Pharaoh Khufu's architects used the plan of the Bent Pyramid interior rooms constructing the Great Pyramid. This fact refutes the theory of the three construction stages of the Great Pyramid. The 'General Scheme' gives an idea of the original project of the Great Pyramid and allows to trace the changes introduced during the construction. The "scheme" also helps identify the pyramids' rooms of the same type and understand their functionality and application. following facts: "a) -the way in which the upper part of the service shaft was dug through already laid masonry of the nucleus; b) -the pavement of chamber (Queen's Chamber) formed by rough masonry on which another course of slabs (always, however rough and not dressed) must have been placed; c) -the subterranean chamber only just begun." [2; 214] In his turn, L. Borchardt suggested his own theory of the construction of the Great Pyramid Khufu and the majority of Egyptologists supported him (Reisner, Edwards, Grinsell, Badawi, Vandier and others.) (Fig. ).