A groundbreaking radar study beneath Egypt’s Menkaure pyramid suggests the Giza pyramids may be connected by a colossal underground network. Experts remain divided over the technology and findings.
Giza’s Hidden Depths: New Clues Point to Subterranean ‘Megastructure’
A team of researchers claims to have uncovered compelling evidence that the pyramids of Giza may be interconnected by a vast underground network, buried as deep as 2,000 metres beneath the desert surface. The findings, centred beneath the Menkaure pyramid—the smallest of the three iconic structures—could potentially redefine our understanding of ancient Egyptian architecture.
The team’s discovery follows earlier research in March that revealed massive underground formations below the Khafre pyramid. The newest data, they argue, strongly suggests the presence of “pillar-like structures” beneath Menkaure that mirror those beneath its larger neighbour.
Giza Pyramids Connected by an Ancient Network?
Filippo Biondi, a radar expert and co-author of the study from the University of Strathclyde, explained the significance of their data in an interview with the Daily Mail.
“We strongly believe that the structures of Giza are interconnected, reinforcing our view that the pyramids are simply the tip of the iceberg of a colossal underground infrastructure complex,” Biondi stated.
According to Biondi, radar scans revealed features resembling architectural pillars beneath Menkaure, indicating a similar substructure to what lies beneath Khafre. “Given that Menkaure is smaller than Khafre, we believe that the number of pillars is probably equal but smaller than those under Khafre,” he added.
Biondi’s team estimates that eight spiral-shaped pillars, each stretching approximately 2,000 metres, lie beneath Khafre, and that Menkaure may contain a smaller yet similar layout—suggesting a large-scale engineered system, possibly designed for a specific environmental or spiritual function.
Skepticism from Egyptology Community
Despite the ambitious claims, the findings have faced strong criticism from established Egyptologists. Dr. Zahi Hawass, one of Egypt’s most prominent archaeological figures, dismissed the theory outright.
“These findings are impossible to validate. Ground-penetrating radar cannot reach depths of thousands of metres,” Dr. Hawass asserted, noting that the research has yet to be peer-reviewed or published in a recognised scientific journal.
Other critics argue that current technology does not support such deep subsurface analysis and warn against premature conclusions drawn from limited data.
A Buried City or Scientific Illusion?
While the suggestion of a buried “second city” beneath Giza stirs imaginations, Biondi remains cautious. “There is curiosity about the purpose of the second city, but we are still gathering information to fully study the issue,” he said.
The researchers also theorise that the function of the structure may relate to natural elements—air, water, fire, and earth—suggesting it may have served more than a mere architectural purpose.
As debates continue within the archaeological community, the research has certainly reignited fascination with the ancient wonders of Giza. Whether the evidence will eventually lead to a rewriting of Egypt’s history or be dismissed as speculative interpretation remains to be seen.
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