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| Researchers have identified two air-filled voids in the Menkaure Pyramid Photo Credit: ScanPyramids project |
Researchers from Cairo University and TUM, as part of the ScanPyramids research project, have identified two hidden air-filled anomalies in the third-largest pyramid of Giza. The hypothesis of a possible entrance at this point on the eastern side of the Menkaure pyramid had existed for some time. The investigations using radar, ultrasound, and ERT prove the existence of two air-filled voids underneath the eastern facade, providing initial evidence to support the hypothesis.
For some time now, the structure of the granite blocks on the eastern side of the more than 60-meter-high Menkaure pyramid has puzzled researchers. The stones are remarkably polished over an area around four meters high and six meters wide. Such smooth stones are otherwise only found at what is currently the only entrance to the pyramid, on the north side. Researcher Stijn van den Hoven hypothesized a possible additional entrance for the first time in 2019.
Image Fusion of all measured data is decisive
A team from Cairo University and TUM investigated the eastern side of Menkaure Pyramid as part of the ScanPyramids research project and detected two anomalies behind the smooth facade. Using non-destructive testing methods with georadar, ultrasound, and electrical resistivity tomography, the researchers clearly identified two air-filled voids. This is the first time structural anomalies have been identified behind the distinctive facade on the east side.
The two air-filled anomalies are located at a depth of 1.4 meters and 1.13 meters behind the outer facade, measuring 1 meter high by 1.5 meters wide and 0.9 meters by 0.7 meters respectively. Such a precise determination of the air-filled voids is only possible by combining all the measurement data. The Image Fusion method used for this was decisive in confirming the find.
“The hypothesis of an entrance is very plausible”
“Following the significant validation of a hidden corridor in the Pyramid of Cheops in 2023, ScanPyramids has once again succeeded in making an important finding in Giza. 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. The hypothesis of another entrance is very plausible, and our results take us a big step closer to confirming it,” says Christian Grosse, Professor of Non-destructive Testing at TUM.
Authors: Khalid Helal, Polina Pugacheva, Hussien Allam, Mohamed Fath-Elbab, Mohamed Sholqamy, Olga Popovych, Simon Schmid, Benedikt Maier, Amr Galal, Alejandro Ramirez, Johannes Rupfle, Khalid Taie, Menna Ali, Clarimma Sessa, Thomas Schumacher, Zahi Hawass, Mehdi Tayoubi, Christian U. Grosse, Hany Helal, and Mohamed Elkarmoty
Source/Credit: Technische Universität München
Reference Number: arch110725_01
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