The Great Pyramid Of Giza Was Not Constructed As A Burial Chamber. Essay, Research Paper

The pyramids of Ancient Egypt are as fascinating and intriguing, as they are breathtaking. Egyptologists and historians have long debated the question of who built the pyramids, and for what reason. There are many different and often conflicting theories in regard to the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza. When turning back the pages of history, it is discovered that a number of theories have been developed to explain the presence of such a significant historical landmark. ?Theories vary from a tomb for a king, to a special chemical factory, a beacon for extraterrestrial aircraft?s, a stone form of the Bible, a possible way to contact a Higher Being and a stone announcement of the second coming of Christ…? (Schillings, M. : 1999 : Sheet 1). Such examples of varying controversial theories have sparked a number of speculations to the mystery of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

According to traditional Egyptology, the Great Pyramid of Giza was built by Egyptian pharaoh Khufu during the Fourth Dynasty around ?…the year 2560 BCE…? (Schillings, M. : 1999 : Sheet 1). It has been suggested that the Egyptian civilisation succeeded in establishing a complex and organised work force of people to create and build an astonishing burial tomb for the pharaoh in aid of his journey to the afterlife. However, contrary to this suggestion, one must ask why the modern Egyptians continue to rely on traditional beliefs and attitudes to explain the presence of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Could this be the prefect example of nationalistic views? It could be argued that as a result of the continual spread of Egyptian hearsay, the Egyptians obtained the understanding that the entire civilisation – past and present – is somehow superior in status to that of the average mortal man. Undoubtedly, in modern times, the world has gained an increased awareness of the uncertainties that surround investigations into such a distant past. Despite several emerging historical puzzles and conclusions, modern Egyptians continue to adhere to the theory presented by traditional Egyptology.

The sheer size, the huge proportions and the amazing geographical positioning of the pyramid have greatly contributed to the rise of uncertainty as to it?s origin and purpose. The construction of the pyramid was no mean feat, regardless of the creator. Considering the fact that the pyramid is ?…thirty times larger than the Empire State Building…? (Zajac, J. : 1996 : Sheet 2), it is hard to comprehend that such a pyramid could have been built without the current level of modern technological knowledge. Perhaps the most far-fetched theory is that which introduces the idea that extraterrestrial beings created the Great Pyramid of Giza to guide UFO?s through the darkness of space. Nevertheless, such suggestions have been disregarded by many due to the lack of evidence and unsubstantiated speculations.

There is one prominent speculation however, founded by Robert Bauval and Adrian Gilbert, that continues to challenge and threaten the very existence of the theory presented by traditional Egyptology – The Orion Theory. ?The central thesis is that the three smaller pyramids are aligned exactly like the three stars in the Orion Nebula, and that the shafts inside the pyramid pointed to Orion, at the time the pyramid was built,? (Schillings, M. : 1999 : Sheet 2). It is also believed that the many small structures alongside the Great Pyramid, symbolise the stars that form the constellation of the Milky Way. Scientific astronomy research has confirmed the notion that the Great Pyramid of Giza dates back far further than that which was originally thought. A major piece of evidence that supposedly supports the Egyptology theory, is a statement made by Greek historian Herodotus upon a visit to Egypt during the 5th Century BCE., ?…it took ten years to build the track along which the blocks were hauled… To build the pyramid itself took twenty years…? (Estensen, M. : 1997 : 82). One fact that is so easily overlooked, however, is that Herodotus did not visit Egypt until long after the construction of the pyramids. Herodotus gained his knowledge by querying local Egyptians in relation to how the pyramids were built. If the pre-mentioned idea of Egyptian nationalism is correct, the statement made by Herodotus must be dismissed as a primary source of evidence, as it fails to present a an unbiased view with solid facts.

In attempts to unlock the mysteries and secrets that lie within the pyramids, the astounding archaeological revelations presented by the Orion Theory have made people re-think past conceptions that were up ?till now unquestioned. Remarkably, when looking at the Great Pyramid of Giza from an aerial view perspective, the pyramid somewhat resembles that of a star.

This finding may not furnish concrete evidence to support the Orion Theory, but it does nevertheless, present an interesting similarity between the stars and the pyramids which Egyptology and other theories do not cater for.

?The average height of land above sea level, as can be measured only by modern-day satellites and computers, happens to be 5, 449 inches. That is the exact height of the Pyramid,? (Zajac, J. : 1996 : Sheet 2). At first glance, Egyptologists may be able to dismiss such phenomena as pure coincidence, however when in addition to other such examples of remarkable findings, it is necessary to seriously question the creditability of the Egyptology theory that is based entirely upon manpower and fairly primitive Egyptian technology.

Clearly, there is still an enormous amount of speculation and uncertainty surrounding the construction and purpose of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Whoever did build the Pyramid had access to intelligence and information beyond that which modern humans possess. Perhaps the most intriguing puzzle of all, remains very much the fact that ?… the Great Pyramid itself contains no pharaoh?s body, no treasure chamber, and no treasures…? (Zajac, J. : 1996 : Sheet 2). Also, it must be remembered that the great fascination and preoccupation with the afterlife did not flourish until the New Kingdom, long after the construction of the pyramids. New scientific evidence quite clearly suggests that the Pyramid of Giza was not contracted as a burial chamber, but perhaps as a means of studying the world that lies in outer space.

38c