A new discovery about the pyramids lifts the veil on one of the great mysteries of their construction.
Impressive and mysterious, the pyramids of Egypt have always intrigued. The secrets of their construction are gradually being revealed. Among the questions, there is that of their location and alignment. They are, in fact, located in a desert area, access to which appears difficult, particularly during the construction phase. The Nile now flows several kilometers east of the pyramids.
According to a study published in the scientific journal Communications Earth & Environmenta new discovery could explain why 31 pyramids, including the most famous located on the Giza plateau, took these places.
Scientists used satellite images and analyzed soil samples to study the area. They hypothesized that the pyramids, built over a 1,000-year period that began about 4,700 years ago, were actually built along the Nile, which at the time flowed much higher and divided into several branches.
Soil analysis confirmed the existence of river sediments and therefore ancient canals very close to the pyramids. The same goes for satellite images that have made it possible to map a branch of the river that has now disappeared. Research also shows that several pyramids have a raised causeway that extends perpendicular to the ancient branch and ends on its bank. According to the study, dozens of pyramids were then spread over 65km and bordered the waterway.
This arm of the river, called “Ahramat”, “pyramid” in Arabic, measured about 0.5 km in width and at least 25 meters in depth, similar proportions to the current Nile. This watercourse probably allowed the materials to be brought in but also the bodies of those who were going to be buried in these tombs to be transported.
Its disappearance could be explained by a significant accumulation of sand, transported by the wind, and by a major drought that occurred 4,200 years ago. These elements would have dried up and covered this arm of the river that previously existed. The researchers hope that research will continue, which could lead to the discovery of other possible arms of the Nile, now buried.