Latest news with #CorradoMalanga
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists rubbish claims of 'giant structures' underneath Egyptian pyramids
"What they found was something amazing, five large structures near the base of the pyramid, connected by geometric paths," reads a Malay-language Facebook post published March 23, 2025. "Each contains 5 horizontal levels and a sloping roof. Below this are 8 vertical cylindrical wells, hollow and surrounded by a spiral descent dropping 648 meters into the earth." The claims spread on social media after three researchers -- Corrado Malanga, Armando Mei and Filippo Biondi -- held a press conference March 22 and 23 on YouTube. The trio claimed "synthetic aperture radar" revealed "a colossal underground complex" under the Pyramid of Khafre, the second of the ancient pyramids of Giza. Similar posts spread elsewhere on Facebook in various languages, including German, Arabic and Turkish. British tabloid the Daily Mail also picked up the claim. Experts, however, told AFP the trio's research does not hold water. "The pyramids are monumental stone structures, built on a flat plateau," said Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier, doctor of Egyptology at the University of Paris-Sorbonne (archived link). "They were then excavated or converted to include burial and funerary chambers, but there is no evidence of underground networks as deep as those mentioned." Despite the criticism, Biondi told AFP the researchers stand by their findings. 'The term impossible does not apply when objective evidence emerges," he said in an April 22 email. 'Our satellite data indicate the presence of large artificial structures beneath the Giza Plateau, structures that appear to belong to an unknown civilization referenced in ancient myths worldwide.' Archaeology uses techniques such as magnetometry, which can analyse soils up to three to five meters deep, depending on their nature (archived link). However, the researchers' claims are not based on "any scientifically valid data," Olette-Pelletier said. Zahi Hawass, an archaeologist and former Egyptian minister of antiquities, also refuted the allegations in a March 26 statement (archived links here and here). "The rumors suggesting the presence of columns beneath the Pyramid of Khafre are nothing but fabrications propagated by individuals with no expertise in ancient Egyptian civilization or the history of the pyramids," he said. Hawass added that no researchers have used radar devices inside the pyramid. "There is no scientific evidence to support these assertions, and no archaeological missions are currently working inside the Pyramid of Khafre." NASA uses the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology mentioned by the Italian trio to map the Earth's surface, but Lawrence Conyers from the University of Denver said it is not designed to detect structures located several hundred metres underground (archived link). "Radar waves gradually attenuate in the ground. It is impossible to reach such a depth with this technique," the radar specialist said. NASA itself confirms that SAR "allows detailed images of the Earth's relief to be obtained" but "is not designed to probe extreme depths" (archived link). The three Italian researchers behind the findings have no background in Egyptology or archaeology, and their work was not published in any credible scientific journals. Malanga is a researcher affiliated with the University of Pisa in Italy, but his area of specialisation is organic chemistry and ufology -- the study of UFOs. Biondi, described as a researcher at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, is no longer part of that institution. He now runs the private radar imaging company Harmonicsar, according to his LinkedIn posts. Mei studied political science and identifies himself as an independent archaeological researcher and journalist, according to his LinkedIn account. He is the author of several books defending pseudo-archaeological theories, including one claiming the Visoko Hills in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not natural formations, but ancient pyramids built by humans. The scientific and archaeological community has refuted that theory (archived link). AFP has previously fact-checked misinformation about the pyramids here and here.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Going underground: Experts clash over 'hidden city' beneath Egypt pyramids
Italian researchers, led by Prof. Corrado Malanga from the University of Pisa, say they've uncovered a vast underground network beneath the Egyptian pyramids. They claim the radar images show massive vertical shafts, spiral staircases, channels resembling pipelines for a water system, and a hidden world of structures more than 2,000 feet (610m) beneath the surface. They even suggest that the legendary Hall of Records, a purported library tied to ancient Egyptian lore, could lie within this underground complex. 'When we magnify the images [in the future], we will reveal that beneath it lies what can only be described as a true underground city,' the team said at a press conference. But not all experts are convinced. Radar expert Prof Lawrence Conyers from the University of Denver called the claims a 'huge exaggeration,' stating that the technology used – radar pulses from a satellite, similar to how sonar radar is used to map the ocean – couldn't penetrate that deep into the earth. Related $1 billion Grand Egyptian Museum launches partial opening for 4000 daily visits The Bashiri mystery: A 2,300-year-old Egyptian mummy that no archaeologist dares to open Speaking to the Daily Mail, he cast doubt on the idea of an underground city, but acknowledged that smaller structures may be found beneath the pyramids, underscoring how 'the Mayans and other peoples in ancient Mesoamerica often built pyramids on top of the entrances to caves or caverns that had ceremonial significance to them'. In a similar vein, Egyptian archaeologist Dr Zahi Hawass told The National that the researchers were "completely wrong', and argued that their so-called discovery lacks any scientific basis. The work by Prof Malanga and fellow researchers Filippo Biondi and Armando Mei was discussed during a briefing in Italy last week, but the scientists' findings are yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The team concentrated on the Khafre pyramid, one of the three pyramids in the Giza complex, alongside the Khufu and Menkaure pyramids. These iconic structures are believed to have been built around 4,500 years ago and are located on the west bank of the Nile in northern Egypt.
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Joe Rogan calls discovery of 'vast city' beneath Giza Pyramids 'mind-blowing' as ancient energy grid theories resurface
A new theory suggesting the existence of a vast underground city beneath the Pyramids of Giza has gone viral, with podcaster Joe Rogan weighing in on the 'mind-blowing' possibility. Italian and Scottish scientists claim they've identified an elaborate subterranean network extending 6,500 feet below the iconic monuments, potentially redefining our understanding of ancient Egypt. The study—led by Corrado Malanga and Filippo Biondi—relied on advanced radar pulse technology to create 3D images below the earth's surface, revealing vertical cylindrical structures and vast chambers. Though the findings have not yet been peer-reviewed, the researchers described it as a 'groundbreaking study' that could offer insight into a 'pre-flood civilization.' Joe Rogan addressed the discovery on his podcast, stating, 'This is insane. It's quite stunning. They don't understand what it is, but it's a uniform structure. There are several pillars and all of this is very very very weird.' He added, 'Christopher Dunne believes that the Pyramid of Giza is a big power plant... He thinks it coincides with the ability to produce hydrogen, to utilise the rays of space and to generate electricity through this.' Critics, including Professor Lawrence Conyers of the University of Denver, have urged caution. He told that 'the idea of an underground city' was 'a huge exaggeration,' stating the radar tech used is unlikely to detect structures at such depths. Still, he noted that ancient civilizations often built on sacred sites, adding, 'We can quibble about interpretations, and that is called science.' Despite skepticism, public interest has surged. 'It's nothing short of mind-blowing,' said researcher Jay Anderson. 'With this discovery, I think it's impossible to say that the Egyptians we've been taught about built these structures.' With the full presentation of the findings expected on March 25 and further research planned into 2025, the debate continues to gain traction online. Spokesperson Nicole Ciccolo stated, 'A vast underground city has been discovered beneath the pyramids… these new archaeological findings could redefine our understanding of the sacred topography of ancient Egypt.'
Telegraph
23-03-2025
- Science
- Telegraph
Egyptologists clash over ‘underground city' beneath pyramids
Claims that an 'underground city' exists beneath ancient Egyptian pyramids have caused a row among experts. Researchers from Italy say they have uncovered giant vertical shafts wrapped in 'spiral staircases' under the Khafre pyramid. They said on Sunday that they found a limestone platform with two chambers and channels that resemble pipelines for a water system more than 2,100 feet below the pyramid, with underground pathways leading even deeper into the earth. But the claims – which have not been published or independently peer-reviewed – were labelled 'false' and 'exaggerated' by fellow Egyptologists. Prof Corrado Malanga and his team from the University of Pisaused radar pulses to create high-resolution images deep into the ground, similar to how sonar radar maps the ocean. In a statement, he said: 'When we magnify the images [in the future], we will reveal that beneath it lies what can only be described as a true underground city.' The scientists have also said there is 'an entire hidden world of many structures'' and that 'the Pyramid of Khafre might conceal undiscovered secrets, notably the fabled Hall of Records'. The Hall of Records, a concept popularised in ancient Egyptian lore, is believed to be an ancient library beneath the Great Pyramid or the Sphinx, with vast amounts of information about the ancient civilisation. Prof Lawrence Conyers, a radar expert at the University of Denver who focuses on archaeology, told the Daily Mail it was not possible for the technology to penetrate that deeply into the ground. He said the idea that it proves an underground city existed is 'a huge exaggeration'. But he said it was conceivable small structures, such as shafts and chambers, may be present from before the pyramids were built. He highlighted how 'the Mayans and other peoples in ancient Mesoamerica often built pyramids on top of the entrances to caves or caverns that had ceremonial significance to them'. The work by Prof Malanga and fellow researchers Filippo Biondi and Armando Mei was previously discussed during a briefing in Italy last week. The project's spokesman, Nicole Ciccolo, shared a video on Saturday of the trio discussing the findings that are yet to be published in a scientific journal. The team focused on the Khafre pyramid, which, along with Khufu and Menkaure pyramids, make up the three in the Giza complex. The pyramids are thought to have been built some 4,500 years ago and sit on the west bank of the Nile river in northern Egypt. The vertical shafts identified below the ground were about 33 to 39 feet in diameter, located at a depth of at least 2,130 feet, the researchers said, adding that they may support the pyramid, which needs 'a strong foundation, otherwise it may sink'. The team showed an image created by using the pulses which they claim includes 'a complex, luminous structure with distinct vibrations' they believe is 'an actual underground city'. 'The existence of vast chambers beneath the earth's surface, comparable in size to the pyramids themselves, have a remarkably strong correlation between the legendary Halls of Amenti,' Ms Ciccolo said. Prof Malanga and Mr Biondi published a separate peer-reviewed paper in October 2022 in the scientific journal Remote Sensing, which found hidden rooms and ramps inside Khafre, along with evidence of a thermal anomaly near the pyramid's base. The new study used similar technology but with extra help from satellites orbiting Earth. Radar signals from two satellites about 420 miles above Earth were directed into the Khafre pyramid. The experts then monitor how they bounce back and convert the signals into sound waves, which allows them to 'see' through the solid stone and map out underground structures in 3D.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Egyptologists clash over ‘underground city' beneath pyramids
Claims that an 'underground city' exists beneath ancient Egyptian pyramids have caused a row among experts. Researchers from Italy say they have uncovered giant vertical shafts wrapped in 'spiral staircases' under the Khafre pyramid. They said on Sunday that they found a limestone platform with two chambers and channels that resemble pipelines for a water system more than 2,100 feet below the pyramid, with underground pathways leading even deeper into the earth. But the claims – which have not been published or independently peer-reviewed – were labelled 'false' and 'exaggerated' by fellow Egyptologists. Prof Corrado Malanga and his team from the University of Pisa used radar pulses to create high-resolution images deep into the ground, similar to how sonar radar maps the ocean. In a statement, he said: 'When we magnify the images [in the future], we will reveal that beneath it lies what can only be described as a true underground city.' The scientists have also said there is 'an entire hidden world of many structures'' and that 'the Pyramid of Khafre might conceal undiscovered secrets, notably the fabled Hall of Records'. The Hall of Records, a concept popularised in ancient Egyptian lore, is believed to be an ancient library beneath the Great Pyramid or the Sphinx, with vast amounts of information about the ancient civilisation. Prof Lawrence Conyers, a radar expert at the University of Denver who focuses on archaeology, told the Daily Mail it was not possible for the technology to penetrate that deeply into the ground. He said the idea that it proves an underground city existed is 'a huge exaggeration'. But he said it was conceivable small structures, such as shafts and chambers, may be present from before the pyramids were built. He highlighted how 'the Mayans and other peoples in ancient Mesoamerica often built pyramids on top of the entrances to caves or caverns that had ceremonial significance to them'. The work by Prof Malanga and fellow researchers Filippo Biondi and Armando Mei was previously discussed during a briefing in Italy last week. The project's spokesman, Nicole Ciccolo, shared a video on Saturday of the trio discussing the findings that are yet to be published in a scientific journal. The team focused on the Khafre pyramid, which, along with Khufu and Menkaure pyramids, make up the three in the Giza complex. The pyramids are thought to have been built some 4,500 years ago and sit on the west bank of the Nile river in northern Egypt. The vertical shafts identified below the ground were about 33 to 39 feet in diameter, located at a depth of at least 2,130 feet, the researchers said, adding that they may support the pyramid, which needs 'a strong foundation, otherwise it may sink'. The team showed an image created by using the pulses which they claim includes 'a complex, luminous structure with distinct vibrations' they believe is 'an actual underground city'. 'The existence of vast chambers beneath the earth's surface, comparable in size to the pyramids themselves, have a remarkably strong correlation between the legendary Halls of Amenti,' Ms Ciccolo said. Prof Malanga and Mr Biondi published a separate peer-reviewed paper in October 2022 in the scientific journal Remote Sensing, which found hidden rooms and ramps inside Khafre, along with evidence of a thermal anomaly near the pyramid's base. The new study used similar technology but with extra help from satellites orbiting Earth. Radar signals from two satellites about 420 miles above Earth were directed into the Khafre pyramid. The experts then monitor how they bounce back and convert the signals into sound waves, which allows them to 'see' through the solid stone and map out underground structures in 3D. Prof Malanga claimed the results had been 'completely consistent' and using two satellites ruled out the chance of 'misinterpretation'. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
