18-11-2015 07:00

For the first time ever, scanning technology’s been used on pyramids and the results are quite surprising. The preliminary results of the Scan Pyramids project indicate an anomaly in the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramid of Khufu that could uncover the secrets of other ancient Egyptian structures.

The project’s a collaboration between the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, Cairo University and the AHIP Institute, and aims to map millennia-old pyramids in Giza as well as discover hidden chambers and secret passageways.

Experts say the discovery paves the way for more groundbreaking research in ancient Egyptian studies.

“I think, this will be the start for new science, new research for all Egyptologists, especially those Egyptologists who’re interested in the ancient Egyptian architects.”

Through infrared thermography and non-invasive cosmic rays, the two-week research found three hot stains on the eastern side of the Khufu pyramid. The heat radiating from the stone indicates an anomaly, although the reason behind the thermal differences remains unknown.

“If you have the same material in a structure, you’re expecting to have the same orientation, more or less, you’re expecting to have the same thermal signature, so the fact that you have an important difference of temperature between just one block and the other right next to it – it has to mean something because it’s not normal.”

These irregularities continue to shroud these iconic monuments in mystery, but with the project continuing, it’s hope that more insights into pyramids, and indeed history, will be made.

Difficult words: preliminary (something preliminary is done before something), indicate (to show), anomaly (something non-standard), antiquity (an object from the ancient past), groundbreaking (revolutionary), architect (the person meant “architecture”), stain (an area of colour), signature (properties, attributes), shroud (to keep secret).

Source: www.ondemandnews.com