The Egyptian pyramids are one of the mysteries of the ancient world and have fascinated people for centuries. Did you know there are over 100 pyramids that have been discovered so far? Initially thought to be just tombs for the pharaohs, ongoing research is showing them to be intrinsically engineered with mind-blowing architecture.

How many pyramids have been discovered in Egypt?

To date, over 100 pyramids have been found in Egypt, with the majority located around the city of Cairo. These pyramids were built during the Old Kingdom period and served as tombs for the pharaohs and their consorts. The most famous of these pyramids is the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is also the largest and oldest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex.

The Egyptian pyramids still fascinate engineering scholars due to their incredible construction precision with building techniques that are still not fully understood today. For example, to keep out tomb robbers, the Great Pyramid of Giza has a secret hinged door built to keep out tomb robbers. The design of the pyramids also supports natural air conditioning, which helps to regulate the temperature inside.

And what about the mysterious mortar that was used to hold the 3 million blocks of the pyramids together? It seems this mortar may be stronger and more durable than modern-day cement. Researchers are still perplexed about the unusual properties and composition of this mortar.

Have you heard of the ‘curse of the pharaoh’? This ancient legend states that the curse of the pharaoh will befall anyone who disturbs the pharaoh’s tombs. Many egyptologists still believe in the curse and approach their work in the pyramids with caution. Scientific evidence shows the pyramids were once covered in a shimmering layer of limestone, which was visual across the sand-laden desert for hundreds of miles.

A magnificent stone statue, with a human head and lion body, faces the Giza plateau pyramids. This ancient wonder is known as the Egyptian Sphinx. Many believe the Sphinx was built to protect the pyramids, as it faces directly toward them. The upward-sloping tunnel that leads to the red granite sarcophagus inside the pyramids is yet another engineering marvel that leaves many researchers perplexed.

Questions still remain about whether the pyramids were built using alien technology or constructed by skilled workers and artisans of the time. I guess time will tell whether the conspiracy theorists or the scientific communities are right.

What can’t be disputed is the majesty of the Egyptian Pyramids, still standing tall and proud in the red desert sands, providing fascination and intrigue as one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring structures in the world.

1. The Secret Hinged Door of The Great Pyramid

Did you know there are multiple entrances to the Great Pyramid of Giza? The original entrance is no longer accessible but is connected to an unfinished chamber deep beneath the structure. Today, visitors to the pyramid enter through the ‘modern passageway’, which is on the north side of the Great Pyramid, about 59 feet (18 metres) above ground level, just below the original entranceway. This ‘modern passageway’ is also known as the “Robber’s Tunnel,” which was created by grave-robbers many hundreds of years ago.

Researchers believe that the Great Pyramid of Giza once had a 20 ton swivel door that could only be pushed open from the inside. This massive door was hidden and not detectable from the outside. This almost-invisible doorway opening mechanism was only recently discovered, adding another air of mystery to the pyramid legend.

2. The Pyramids Have Their Own Natural Air Conditioning 

Egypt is a land with scorching hot temperatures during the day, averaging around 95 degreesº Fahrenheit, or 35º degrees Celsius. Despite the excessive outside heat, the internal temperature inside the pyramids is constantly around 68º F, or 20º C.  Somehow the Egyptians managed to engineer their pyramids in such a way to keep the internal temperature cool and pleasant. Researchers are still baffled by this engineering anomaly. 

3. Unknown Ingredients in the Mysterious Pyramid Mortar

The composition of the mortar used between the building bricks of ancient Egyptian pyramids is still unknown. The super adhesive mortar used to fix the 3 million blocks in place could be the reason why these amazing structures have lasted so long. Scientists have analyzed the mortar used over and over, but they still haven’t discovered its ingredients. About 5 million tons of this mortar was used to join the heavy stone blocks of the pyramids together.

4. Which Military Generals of the Past Slept in The Great Pyramid?

According to ancient Greek historian Herodotus, the pharaoh Khufu, who built the Great Pyramid of Giza, had his daughter buried in a chamber within the pyramid. It is also believed that two Egyptian military generals from the past, Emhotep and Hemiunu, may have also been buried there. The pyramid was not only a tomb for the pharaoh but also a symbol of power and prestige. The fact that some of the most influential people of their time were buried within it adds to its mystique. Rumour has it that both Alexander the Great and Napolean slept in the sarcophagus in the King’s chamber of the Great Pyramid for a night and neither ever spoke about the experience or allowed it to be discussed afterward. 

5. The Curse of the Pharaoh 

Many people believe that the Pyramids of Egypt are cursed, and there are many stories to support this belief. According to legend, anyone who disturbs the resting place of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh will face a curse. This idea was popularized in the early 20th century after the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun. However, many archaeologists have debunked this myth, claiming that it is nothing more than superstition. While the Sphinx was meant to protect the dead pharaohs from spiritual disturbance as they transit to the gods, the Curse of Pharaoh is said to have offered protection to the pyramids, and everything in them, including the pharaoh’s family and belongings. This could explain why many archaeologists, tomb raiders and researchers looking to unveil the mysteries of the pyramids have been struck with bad luck and sometimes even death. 

6. The Pyramids Were Once Glittering

The great pyramids were once glittering in the reflection of sunlight. They were highly polished with glimmering limestone white casing. These coverings have fallen off the buildings with time, and thus you can no longer see the shining surface. Some of the polish has gotten loose and fallen off due to earthquakes, while others have been cut off and taken away. When new, the pyramids reflected the sun’s rays so magnificently they were like giant jewels. These stones reflected like a mirror and made the pyramids extremely visible anywhere on the landscape. The genius behind the use of the limestones was to also reflect the sun away from the pyramids. This ensured that the temperature in the tomb remained at a constant of 20 degrees Celsius, thus protecting the mummies and other artifacts in the tombs. The Pyramids of Egypt were once covered in a layer of white limestone, which would have made them glitter in the sun. The limestone was quarried from nearby Tura, and it was used to create a smooth and polished surface on the pyramids. Over time, the limestone was removed or stolen, and today only the inner core of the pyramids remains.

7. The Sphinx Protects The Pyramids

The Sphinx is one of the oldest and most iconic statues in the world. The image is a combination of a lion (symbol of power) on the body and a human resemblance on the head. In Ancient Egypt, the Sphinx was built in places seeking spiritual protection, such as tombs and temples. The most famous sphinx is the one that protects the great pyramid of Giza, also known as The Great Sphinx. The Great Sphinx is 239 feet (73 meters) long, 20 feet (6 meters) wide, and 66 feet (20 meters) high. Its eyes alone are 2 meters tall. The Great Sphinx is the earliest royal statue in Egypt. 

8. The Great Pyramid has the Only Known Interior Passage that Slopes Upwards  

The pyramids were designed as tombs. The Great Pyramid, therefore, contains three burial chambers that were intended to house Khufu and a supplication of goods and treasures that he was to take with him in the afterlife. 

When entering the pyramid, there is a passage that descends about 354 feet into the bedrock, then levels off. It continues another 29 feet to an unfinished, underground chamber. After which there is a hole in the roof that leads to an ascending passage, a 129-foot stretch rising to the Grand Gallery. This is the only known pyramid with a passage that slopes upward. 

At the entrance of the Gallery is a passage to the Queen’s Chamber, with a series of shafts, stretching from the north and south walls. These have been studied multiple times but their purpose is yet to be known.

9. The Red Granite Sarcophagus Inside The Great Pyramid

Inside the King’s Chamber of The Great Pyramid lies a large red granite sarcophagus (or coffer). Amazingly this sarcophagus is made from one huge piece of granite. Its internal dimensions are 6.5 feet (197.7 cm) long x 2.2 feet (67 cm) wide x 2.8 feet (87.2 cm) deep.

Questions remain about whether the sarcophagus was brought in through the inner passageways, was built in during construction, or was lowered into the King’s Chamber through the top of the pyramid.

10. Were the Egyptian Pyramids Built by Aliens? 

Some ancient historians state that people of the past did not have the advanced knowledge, technology, or capability to achieve all they accomplished with the pyramids and that something or someone else was involved. The coordinates for the pyramid of Giza are 29.9792° N, 31.1342° E and the speed of light is 299,792,458 m/s. This has sparked many theories as to its connection to light as the two numbers are identical.

Does this suggest some sort of alien intervention or connection?

…….or were the pyramids of Egypt built by slaves?

There has also been a theory that the great pyramids of Egypt were built by slaves. Experts now believe that the pyramids were built by 20,000 to 30,000 skilled masons, engineers, architects, surveyors, and other craftsmen and they were well fed, well paid, and highly honored, with the discovery of a worker’s village located near the pyramids. As a result, many of them who died during the construction were buried in a simple tomb behind the pyramids, with some supplies for the afterlife, as a sign of honor.

It is estimated the pyramids on the Giza plateau took up to 23 years to build. The Great Pyramid of Khufu was the world’s tallest man-made structure for 3,800 years. 

Interestingly the great pyramid of Khufu (The Great Pyramid) comprises of about 3 million stone blocks and weighs 5,750,000 tons. The tip of The Great Pyramid aligns with the true north within a tenth of a degree. It was thought to be an attempt to build a replica of heaven on Earth.

The Egyptian pyramids continue to fascinate us with their mystery and grandeur. From secret hinged doors to natural air conditioning, the pyramids hold many secrets that continue to baffle historians and alternate news seekers alike. Were they built with alien intervention, or did skilled craftsmen and engineers build these structures with their advanced knowledge and technology? Regardless of the origin, the pyramids remain a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance and will continue to inspire wonder and awe for generations to come.