Latest news with #Khafre
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Mystery of the Great Sphinx of Giza: Who built the massive ancient limestone statue?
The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of ancient Egypt's most iconic and mysterious monuments. This prehistoric limestone statue, which has the body of a lion and the face of a man, has been the subject of research and mystery for historians, archaeologists, and travellers for centuries. Located on the Giza Plateau near modern-day Cairo, near the famous pyramids, the Sphinx is more than just a stone figure, as it represents a powerful symbol of kingship and divine protection in ancient Egyptian culture. While many admire its grandeur, a poignant question has long been on people's minds, as there has been a long-lasting speculation about who built the Great Sphinx. Who built the Great Sphinx of Giza? Most historians believe that the Great Sphinx of Giza was built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre, who ruled from around 2575 to 2465 BCE during Egypt's Fourth Dynasty. This theory is supported by both archaeological and stylistic evidence. According to Encyclopædia Britannica, the Sphinx 'likely dates from the reign of King Khafre' and may even depict his face. The Sphinx was carved directly from a single limestone ridge on the Giza Plateau. One of the most striking features of the statue is that its body lies in the shape of a reclining lion with a human head wearing a royal headdress, believed to symbolise the pharaoh's power. The monument measures about 240 feet (73 meters) long and 66 feet (20 meters) high, making it one of the largest sculptures in the world carved from a single piece of stone However, not everyone agrees. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Some researchers argue that the Sphinx might have been built by Khafre's older brother, Redjedef (Djedefre), as a tribute to their father, Khufu. This view comes from facial studies that suggest the features of the Sphinx resemble Khufu more closely than Khafre. Despite the debate, most modern Egyptologists favour the Khafre theory due to the statue's proximity to his pyramid and the architectural harmony of the complex. The mystery of the Sphinx's missing nose has added to its mystery, but illustrations predating Napoleon's arrival in Egypt show the nose was already missing, suggesting other causes of damage over time What makes the Sphinx mysterious? The mystery surrounding the Great Sphinx of Giza deepens when considering the erosion patterns on its surface. Unlike the typical effects of wind and sand seen elsewhere in Egypt, the Sphinx shows signs of water erosion in the form of deep vertical grooves and fissures, especially along its lower body and the walls of its enclosure. These patterns suggest long-term exposure to rainfall and water runoff, which is not something to expect in Egypt's dry climate today. Geologist Dr. Robert Schoch argues that this kind of erosion could only have occurred during a much wetter time, possibly around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age. If that's true, it means the Sphinx may be far older than traditionally believed, predating the rise of the pharaohs and pointing to the possibility of an earlier, unknown civilisation. It is also popularly believed that a lost advanced civilisation may have built the Sphinx, not just as an isolated monument, but as part of a larger network of ancient structures around the world, including Stonehenge and sites in South America. They point to the Sphinx's precise alignment with the cardinal directions and constellations as evidence of deep astronomical knowledge. Though mainstream archaeology doesn't support these alternative theories, the lack of clear ancient Egyptian records about the Sphinx's origins keeps the mystery alive
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
Joe Rogan Pyramid Claims Trashed by Archeologist
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Zahi Hawass, a prominent Egyptologist and former Egyptian minister of antiquities, has hit out at Joe Rogan over claims about the Egyptian pyramids during an interview with The New York Post, following his own appearance on Rogan's podcast. Newsweek has reached out to Hawass via an online contact form and to a representative for Rogan via email for comment. A general view of The Pyramids and Sphinx on June 19, 2025 in Giza, Egypt. A general view of The Pyramids and Sphinx on June 19, 2025 in Giza, Context The two-hour episode of Joe Rogan's podcast on ancient Egypt aired on May 14 and has also been viewed by over a million people on YouTube. Hawass cited detailed archaeological evidence supporting the view that massive monuments such as the Great Pyramid of Giza were built by ancient Egyptians thousands of years ago and rejected theories that others—for instance, aliens—could have built them. Rogan later called Hawass a "closed-minded fellow that's been in charge of gatekeeping all of the knowledge." He added that the episode "might have been the worst podcast I've ever done, but maybe a good one too." What To Know On Thursday, Hawass told the New York Post, :" It was the worst interview he ever did in his life. Well, I'm telling you this. I want you to print this. It was the worst interview I've ever done in my life." He added that Rogan "wouldn't listen to the evidence I was giving him!" A week after Hawass' appearance on his show, Rogan mocked Hawass and weighed in again on skeptical theories over who built the pyramids. When asked about being willing to consider "aliens as co-architects", Hawass told the Post :"If aliens built the pyramids, there would be something in the ground. I have been excavating in Egypt for decades, and I've found nothing to indicate anything but human activity. But you have someone like Joe Rogan." Hawass, who has been on a lecture tour across the U.S., which has drawn large crowds, said that Rogan was talking about the research from the Khafre project, which used Synthetic Aperture Radar tomography, and suggested the presence of massive vertical shafts beneath the Khafre pyramid. Hawass has repeatedly dismissed the research that said that there was an underground city beneath the Pyramids of Giza as "fake news." In March, a group of Italian researchers who were looking into the Giza necropolis, said that they had discovered what they called "vertical cylinders," 2,000 feet below ground. These findings were made public through a scientific paper and have been widely shared online. The study had not been peer-reviewed. Hawass told the New York Post: "When you do an interview with a person, you expect this person to do their homework. When I talked to Piers Morgan, he did his homework. Joe Rogan did not do his homework." What People Are Saying Zahi Hawass previously told Newsweek: "The man clearly has an agenda aimed at denying that Egyptians built the pyramids. At the very least, that's nonsense. I didn't let him push that narrative—I responded with all the evidence. He produced a podcast about the pyramids featuring Zahi Hawass, but he didn't even read." Joe Rogan mockingly told Aaron Rodgers on The Joe Rogan Experience episode of May 21: "He's discovered everything, basically. He's the best."
Egypt Independent
19-07-2025
- Egypt Independent
Pyramids among the 7 most important archaeological sites to visit: National Geographic Traveler
The widely read National Geographic Traveler magazine published a report highlighting seven of the most important archaeological sites to visit, with Egypt's Giza Pyramids topping the list. The report explained that the archaeological sites of ancient civilizations are some of the most inspiring tourist destinations – not only because of the temples, tombs, cities, and fortresses they contain which bear witness to the ingenuity of ancient humanity – but also because they reflect aspects of humanity that remain relevant to this day. According to the report, the Giza Pyramids area embodies this unique balance between past and present. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only surviving wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, has stood tall amidst the golden desert since the 26th century BC. Alongside it are the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, and the legendary Great Sphinx. On the other side is the modern urban area of Giza – a blending of the ancient past with the modern world. The report explained that a visit to Giza Pyramids area with a tour guide takes on an even richer experience, providing an engaging and dramatic account of the history of Egypt's ruling dynasties, spanning over four thousand years. The report also recommended that visitors purchase a ticket that includes entry to the Great Pyramid, followed by a visit to the nearby Grand Egyptian Museum, one of Egypt's most prominent modern cultural monuments.
CairoScene
16-07-2025
- CairoScene
Dine With Khafre at This New Pyramid-Side Dining Spot
At Giza's Mazmazza, history is judging your spice and lactose tolerance. Jul 16, 2025 If you've ever looked at a pyramid and thought, 'This would be better with carbs,' congratulations: you're exactly the kind of visionary Mazmazza was built for. Nestled so close to the Great Pyramids of Giza you could probably pass Khafre a breadbasket, this Egyptian breakfast spot redefines room with a view — assuming your room also comes with fresh baladi and the occasional camel photobomb. The menu is straight-up comfort: foul, tameya, eggs with basterma, and that one friend who thinks ordering shakshoukagives them cultural depth. The teina is silky, the tea is legally strong, and everything arrives with that home-cooked, pre-Instagram energy. You'll be eating like a pharaoh while silently wondering how they built that thing without a bread oven. At Mazmazza, history is judging your spice tolerance. It's a place where you can question your life choices while dunking meshabbek into molasses, and somehow, that feels like healing.
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
New discovery beneath Egypt's Sphinx fuels theory of ancient underground city built 38,000 years ago
The mystery of a 'underground city' beneath Egypt 's pyramids has intensified after scientists revealed new scans showing a shaft plunging below the Great Sphinx. Italian researchers, who made waves earlier this year with claims of vast structures hidden beneath the Pyramid of Khafre, now say they have identified a colossal vertical shaft leading and two chambers below the Sphinx. The findings were presented at the recent Cosmic Summit in North Carolina, a gathering known for exploring alternative theories about ancient history. While mainstream archaeologists have slammed the work as unscientific and speculative, the team insists their latest scans point to something extraordinary. Filippo Biondi, a radar expert from University of Strathclyde in Scotland and co-author of the research, told 'These findings strongly support the hypothesis that the Giza Plateau conceals a vast subterranean complex, potentially indicative of an extensive underground city.' The scans detailed a massive shaft surrounded by a spiral-like staircase, decedending from the center of the Sphinx's base and down into two square structures, one at 2,000 feet and another 4,000 feet underground. Armando Mei, an Egyptologist and co-author of the study, noted that similar underground features have now been detected beneath all three major pyramids, suggesting a unified architectural blueprint. 'The discovery proves that the Giza Plateau was engineered long before the dynastic era, possibly around 36,400 BCE, as my research suggests,' he added. If confirmed, the findings could dramatically rewrite the history of ancient Egypt, challenging the long-held belief that the pyramids were built solely as royal tombs, and hinting instead at a forgotten civilization with advanced engineering skills. The iconic Giza pyramids and the Great Sphinx have long been hailed as marvels of ancient engineering, built roughly 4,500 years ago with breathtaking precision and scale that still baffle experts today. But the researchers are shaking up that timeline, suggesting these legendary monuments may rest atop far older, hidden structures that could predate known history by tens of thousands of years. It all began in March when the team announced four massive shafts and chambers were found under the Pyramid of Khafre using a type of sonar technology. They employed cutting-edge SAR Doppler Tomography, a technique that uses satellite radar to detect tiny seismic movements. By analyzing radar signals are and the timing or pattern of those signals when they bounce back, the team was able to create 3D maps revealing hidden subsurface structures. The technology has been published in a peer-reviewed journal. However, latest work by Corrado Malanga from Italy's University of Pisa, Biondi and Mei has not yet been published in a scientific journal for the review of independent experts. They plan to publish a study in 2026. 'Our geophysical surveys beneath the Great Sphinx uncovered pillar-like formations remarkably similar to those beneath the Khafre and Menkaure pyramids,' explained Biondi. 'Even more compelling, our tomographic imaging revealed two large chambers nearly 2,000 feet below the surface.' The two massive chambers, each measuring 131 feet by 131 feet, appear to be connected by an underground shaft, according to recent findings. The data collected also points to a network of hidden structures below the surface, possibly part of a vast underground city, potentially as expansive as the entire Giza Plateau itself. Mei explained that their theory of a lost city draws from ancient Egyptian texts, particularly Chapter 149 of the Book of the Dead, which references the '14 residences of the city of the dead.' 'It describes certain chambers and some inhabitants of the city. That is why we believe it could be Amenti [realm of the dead], as described in ancient texts,' he said. 'Of course, we must be certain, but we believe this could be the case because the pyramids are located exactly where the texts say. 'The texts state that the pyramids were built on top of the city, sealing its entrance.' Biondi added that the mysterious chambers found more than 4,000 feet below the pyramids may be linked to the legendary Hall of Records. The Hall of Records is a mythical chamber said to lie beneath the Great Pyramid or the Sphinx, reputed to house lost wisdom about ancient civilizations. Armando Mei (center) and his team, which includes Corrado Malanga (right) and Filippo Biondi (left), took the world by storm last month when they discovered shafts and chambers more than 2,000 feet below the surface. Despite its enduring allure, there is no solid evidence proving the Hall of Records exists. The team proposes that an advanced civilization originally built the complex, but was destroyed around 12,000 years ago by a 'divine flood' triggered by an asteroid impact. According to their theory, the pyramids are the lone surviving 'megastructure' from this ancient society. Alternate historians, including Graham Hancock, a frequent guest on Joe Rogan's podcast, have long suggested that a sophisticated prehistoric civilization was wiped out by a global cataclysm, possibly a comet strike. This theory holds that the catastrophic floods and upheaval erased most traces of this civilization, with survivors passing down critical knowledge of astronomy, engineering, and sacred architecture to later cultures such as the ancient Egyptians. The researchers now hope to gain permission from Egyptian authorities to excavate beneath the Giza Plateau and put their findings to the test, potentially rewriting the story of human history. 'We have the right. Humanity has the right to know who we are because, right now, we don't,' Biondi said.
