Egyptian Pyramids Secrets Revealed

Ancient Egyptians left us puzzled for centuries about how they moved so many huge stones when building pyramids, yet modern non-invasive technology may have provided the answer.

Researchers have confirmed a 30-foot corridor they discovered using muon tomography - which detects gaps with cosmic rays - as confirmed. Their results are somewhat unexpected.

1. How They Were Built

Egyptian pyramids were built to face west so their owners' souls could connect with the setting sun each evening and embrace life - then rise every morning symbolizing new beginnings.

Though these monuments appear strange, we know little about their construction. There has been speculation for millennia as to how these massive structures came to exist; but, still, it remains a mystery as to their true purpose and function.

One thing is certain - creating the sleds used to transport stone blocks would have been extremely complex and time consuming, yet tomb art depicts workers using them.

Another theory proposes that stones were transported along the Nile during its annual flooding season on rafts, requiring large groups of workers. Papyri found at the site indicate they received good nutrition and rest periods between trips - however, even this theory has faced substantial criticism and disbelief.

2. How They Were Moved

One of the toughest questions about pyramids is their construction process - moving all those millions of stone blocks weighing 2.5 tons that compose Pharaoh Khufu's Great Pyramid can only be accomplished over vast desert landscapes! How did ancient Egyptians manage such feats of engineering?

Some modern Egyptologists have proposed various theories about this. Joseph Davidovits proposed that pyramids were not made from natural limestone but rather created using "limestone concrete." Builders created it by dissolving soft quarried limestone in large pools of water until it formed a watery slurry; then pouring this mix into wooden molds until hardening took place - creating stones virtually indistinguishable from natural limestone.

Other researchers have proposed that Egyptians employed levers to move the blocks. A long pole called a shadoof could elevate buckets of water up into the highest tier of a pyramid.

3. What They Were Used For

Pyramids are marvels of ancient engineering prowess, yet their true purpose remains obscure. Many believe they were used as burial chambers for pharaohs after they died - to house both their spirit (known as "ka") and treasures like gold vessels and furniture from their tomb.

Many speculate that Egyptians buried treasure in pyramids so they would gain entrance to heaven upon their deaths, yet other theories exist.

Wall paintings dating to 1900 BCE depicted a procession drawing a statue on a sled while one person poured water over the wet sand, making hauling all that weight easier.

One theory proposes that pyramids were an earthbound representation of Orion's Belt stars, as evidenced by research conducted in 2000 demonstrating their alignment with both Big Dipper and Little Dipper constellations.

4. Who Built Them

There are various theories as to who constructed the pyramids, from skilled artisans hired by Pharaohs or slave workers constructing them; while others believe they may have been designed by another civilization altogether. The pyramids have long been recognized for their precision.

Pyramids were not just tombs for Pharaohs; they also served as worshipful centers of their dead. When one died, their "ka," or spirit, remained with their body so it was important that his tomb be properly cared for after death - meaning providing it with gold, furniture and food supplies.

Khufu Pyramid contains an expansive chamber believed to be used as a second burial chamber, possibly even dating back over four millennia, located above its Grand Gallery and believed to have remained sealed over this period. Although the seal has long since been broken off this chamber may provide clues as to its construction process and hold insight into how Khufu pyramid was put together.