Pyramids_True_Purpose

The pyramids of Egypt fascinated travellers and conquerors in ancient times and continue to inspire wonder in the tourists, mathematicians, and archaeologists who visit, explore, measure, and describe them.

The largest and most famous of all the pyramids, the Great Pyramid at Giza, was built by Snefru's son, Khufu, known also as Cheops, the later Greek form of his name. The pyramid's base covered over 13 acres and its sides rose at an angle of 51 degrees 52 minutes and were over 755 feet long. It originally stood over 481 feet high; today it is 450 feet high. Scientists estimate that its stone blocks average over two tons apiece, with the largest weighing as much as fifteen tons each. Two other major pyramids were built at Giza, for Khufu's son, King Khafre (Chephren), and a successor of Khafre, Menkaure (Mycerinus). Also located at Giza is the famous Sphinx, a massive statue of a lion with a human head, carved during the time of Khafre. Many researchers thought that the Egyptian tombs were constructed to highlight the majesty of pharaohs.

And that's what we studied at school. Yeah, past tense! Brace yourselves, folks, because it looks as if scientists have finally discovered the true purpose of the pyramids!

It seems these unique structures might have had a function that was a far cry from burying the dead...