A significant finding along an old tributary of the River Nile might have unlocked the puzzle of how the
pyramids
In Egypt, they were constructed centuries ago.
The formerly flowing channel that may have run through Giza could have served as a route for conveying the construction materials needed for the pyramids.
The proximity to the waterway might also suggest why there is such a cluster of pyramids in that particular area of Cairo, as the large amount of water would have been able to support the various building blocks needed for the colossal structures.
Dr Eman Ghoneim made this finding utilising radar satellite imagery from orbit to examine the Nile Valley, revealing what she described as an ‘unseen realm of details hidden below ground.’ She shared these findings with the public during a presentation.
13th Congress of Egyptologists
earlier this year.
Speaking to
IFLScience
Ghoneim stated: “The length was extremely long, but what stood out even more was the considerable breadth of this branch in certain regions. We’re discussing widths reaching up to half a kilometre or greater, comparable to the current expanse of the Nile River. This indicates that it was not just a minor tributary; rather, it was a significant one.”
The disused canal has been named the Ahramat Branch and extended from Giza to Faiyum, remarkably passing through 38 distinct pyramid locations.
Nevertheless, without verification that the river was flowing during the Old and Middle Kingdoms, approximately 4,700 years ago, it is impossible to conclusively establish if water was employed as an aid in constructing the pyramids.
An indication that this might have served such a purpose is because Ghoneim stated that these pyramids were “situated precisely at the edge of the branch we discovered,” suggesting they may have functioned as “valley temples” acting akin to old ports.
This study could potentially reveal the mysteries of the pyramids, and it may also bring to light portions of ancient Egypt that have remained hidden for centuries, particularly areas where towns were abandoned as the Nile River shifted course over time.
Ghoneim further stated: “With the disappearance of these branches, the ancient Egyptian cities and towns became buried under sediment and vanished as well, leaving us with no idea about their actual locations.”
The article was initially published on December 2, 2023.
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