It would appear that a pair of amateur Egyptologists claim that they have located a hidden chamber in Egypt’s Great Pyramid.
Okay, great. These guys have been written up in French archeology magazines. (Sorry about linking to the lousy translation, Sylvain, but I don’t speak French.) I’m not an Egyptologist myself so I can’t comment on the evidence they present. But their conclusions seem sound enough if their data is correct.
The only problem is that holes would have to be drilled in the pyramid to see if the chamber is really there.
Zahi Hawass, the director of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, has a few choice words to say about this scheme.
“There are 300 theories concerning hidden rooms and other things inside the pyramid, but if I let them all test their theories they will do untold damage to the pyramid, which was built with the blood of Egyptians,” said Hawass. “I will not let Egyptian blood be damaged by amateurs.”
This might seem to be harsh, but he has a point. We are dealing with an ancient monument to man’s ingenuity, resourcefulness and technical prowess. Every little bit that’s shaved or drilled off the pyramid is irreplacable, and it represents an erosion of something that should be preserved.
Besides, technology is constantly advancing. Wait a few decades and we might just be able to see what’s inside the pyramid without drilling.
Half truth-half lies.
Zahi Hawass himself before being named as the director of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities had his own theory about a 4th chamber.
He failed to demonstrate his theory and I think he even drilled the pyramid or at least asked for.
So, is this this story only about a disgruntle director who can use his new power to dismiss an other archeologist idea?
“So, is this this story only about a disgruntle director who can use his new power to dismiss an other archeologist idea?”
To be frank, I do find Hawass’ rhetoric to be over the top. But there’s no denying that there isn’t a compelling reason to drill the pyramid in order to prove this theory.
James
Whatever his motivation, I have to agree with him. You can’t have people drilling holes in the Pyramids every time someone comes up with a new theory. That’s a prescription for destruction.