5 secrets of ancient Egypt that we never knew about

For some of us, the pyramids of Egypt are no more than a tourist attraction. However, with scientific advances come exciting new discoveries that raise even more questions.

5 PHOTOS

1. Hidden rooms in the Great Pyramid of Giza.

In 1993, the Upuaut 2 tracked robot discovered a small door in the southern shaft of the pyramid, behind which an empty space and another door were later discovered. In 2010, a redesigned Jedi robot took photographs from behind the first door, showing brass handles and red ocher paintings. Moreover, despite the fact that no one got into the mine for 9 years, fresh scratches appeared on its walls and ceiling.

2. What is the actual age of the Great Pyramid?

An inventory stele found at Giza in the 19th century says that Khufu ordered the restoration of the Sphinx, not its construction. This, along with the grooves on its body, which resulted from erosion that lasted for about 8000 years, casts doubt on the age of the Great Pyramid: the Sphinx is considered a younger monument.

3. The thermal mystery of the Great Pyramid.

A 2016 infrared thermographic survey revealed unexplained voids beneath the Great Pyramid, as well as near its summit. It is assumed that the lower depressions represent either an as yet undetected chamber or an underground passage. The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities did not comment.

4. Technology of building pyramids.

Chemist Joseph Davidowitz states that the blocks were stacked on top of each other, and this explains their weight and the lack of gaps between them. However, geologists and paleontologists claim that the blocks are processed sedimentary rocks, thereby refuting Davidovitz's theory. There is still no single hypothesis.

5. The curse of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

While exploring the tomb in 1922, Howard Carter and his expedition found a plaque with a text about the dire punishment that would follow the opening of the sealed tomb. Carter himself did not believe this, but by 1930 there were 22 deaths reported among those who were present at the opening of the tomb, as well as their families.