Recent discoveries by researchers from Cairo University and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have revealed two intriguing air-filled anomalies within the Menkaure Pyramid, the smallest of the three major pyramids at Giza. These findings, identified through advanced non-destructive testing, lend significant weight to the possibility of a previously unknown entrance on the pyramid’s eastern side.
The Mystery of the Polished Stone
For years, archaeologists have been intrigued by the unusual properties of the granite blocks on the eastern face of the Menkaure Pyramid. These blocks are notably polished over an area roughly four meters high and six meters wide—a level of smoothness typically observed only at the pyramid’s existing, well-known entrance located on the north side. In 2019, researcher Stijn van den Hoven initially proposed the possibility of a secondary entrance to explain this anomaly.
Unveiling Hidden Voids with Advanced Technology
As part of the ongoing ScanPyramids research project, the team utilized a combination of radar, ultrasound, and electrical resistivity tomography to investigate the eastern side of the pyramid. This combination, known as image fusion, allowed the researchers to penetrate the granite and identify the anomalies. The technology’s ability to merge data from different methods was crucial for accurately pinpointing the voids’ location and dimensions.
Findings & Dimensions
The investigation revealed two distinct air-filled anomalies located behind the smooth facade. These anomalies sit at depths of approximately 1.4 meters and 1.13 meters and measure:
- Anomaly 1: 1 meter high, 1.5 meters wide
- Anomaly 2: 0.9 meters high, 0.7 meters wide
The existence of such precise measurements is only possible due to the sophisticated image fusion techniques employed. The fact that these are air-filled voids is particularly noteworthy, suggesting internal space rather than solid rock.
The Significance of the Discovery
“Following the significant validation of a hidden corridor in the Pyramid of Cheops in 2023, ScanPyramids has once again succeeded in making an important finding in Giza,” says Christian Grosse, professor of non-destructive testing at TUM.
This discovery builds on the momentum of recent advancements in pyramid exploration. In 2023, a previously unknown corridor was confirmed within the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu), demonstrating the potential of these non-invasive techniques. The possibility of a new entrance in the Menkaure Pyramid provides a fascinating avenue for further investigation, potentially offering fresh insights into the pyramid’s construction and purpose. While more exploration is needed to confirm the existence and nature of these voids, the current evidence strongly supports the possibility of a previously undetected access point.
