Claims of Vast Underground City in Egypt Predating Giza Pyramids Spark Debate
A purported ‘vast underground city‘ in Egypt, allegedly tens of thousands of years older than the Giza pyramids, has been proposed by scientists, triggering both excitement and skepticism. This bold assertion, if substantiated, could revolutionize our understanding of ancient Egyptian history and potentially rewrite human origins. However, independent experts are questioning the findings, labeling them as “outlandish” and “implausible”.
Discovery of Subterranean Chambers Beneath Khafre Pyramid
Researchers in Italy recently unveiled what they described as groundbreaking research, indicating the presence of extensive subterranean features beneath the Khafre Pyramid. These features reportedly include colossal shafts and chambers stretching thousands of feet below the surface. The Giza pyramids, including Khafre, are conventionally dated to approximately 4,500 years ago, admired for their monumental scale and precise construction, an enigma for their era.
Age of Structures Challenged by Experts
In contrast to established timelines, the research team posits that these newly identified prehistoric structures are approximately 38,000 years old. This dating would place them millennia before the oldest known human-made constructions of comparable type and complexity. The team’s conclusions are drawn from interpretations of ancient Egyptian texts, which they believe allude to a prior civilization obliterated by a catastrophic event.
Skepticism from Archaeological Radar Expert
Professor Lawrence Conyers, a radar specialist at the University of Denver with expertise in archaeology, expressed strong reservations about the claims. Professor Conyers, who is not connected to the present study, stated to DailyMail.com, “That is a really outlandish idea.” He further commented that during that era, approximately 38,000 years ago, humans primarily inhabited caves. “Urban settlements as we recognize them today did not emerge until around 9,000 years ago,” he elaborated. “Prior to that, there were a few larger villages, but these only date back a few thousand years from that period.”
Official Egyptian Response and Scientific Scrutiny
Beyond independent scientists, Egyptian authorities have also voiced criticism. Dr. Zahi Hawass, former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, dismissed the entire study as “completely unfounded” and lacking any scientific basis in statements to The National newspaper. The study, spearheaded by Corrado Malanga from the University of Pisa, Filippo Biondi of the University of Strathclyde, and Egyptologist Armando Mei, has not yet undergone peer review in a scientific publication.
Methodology Using Radar Technology
The research team asserts they employed radar technology to detect the purported hidden structures, utilizing radar pulses to generate high-resolution subsurface imagery. This approach, they state, is akin to sonar mapping of ocean depths. While independent scientists acknowledge the validity of the techniques used, concerns have been raised about data presentation, making independent verification challenging. Professor Conyers noted the use of “fancy proprietary data analysis software” in the research.
Concerns about Data Interpretation and Depth Penetration
Professor Conyers also questioned the technological feasibility of penetrating so deeply into the earth with radar, suggesting the notion of a complete underground city is likely “a huge exaggeration.” However, he conceded the possibility of smaller features, such as shafts and chambers, existing beneath the pyramids. He proposed that such features might predate pyramid construction, potentially indicating the site’s “special” nature for ancient populations. He drew parallels to Mayan and Mesoamerican cultures that often built pyramids atop cave entrances or caverns with ceremonial importance.
Ancient Texts as Dating Evidence
The research team told DailyMail.com that they utilized guidance from ancient texts to not only locate the structures, but also to assign a date suggesting a pre-dynastic civilization. They referenced Chapter 149 of the Book of the Dead, interpreting descriptions of “14 dwellings of the divine” as remnants of an advanced civilization predating dynastic Egypt.
Turn King List and Cataclysmic Event Theory
Additionally, the team cited the Turin King List, or Royal Canon, an ancient Egyptian document listing kings, including gods and demigods, believed to have ruled Egypt before recorded dynasties. Researchers interpret these god and demigod figures as actual rulers from a much earlier period. According to Ciccolo, these ancient texts contain “a whole series of references that a pre-existing civilization” inhabited the region prior to “a cataclysmic event.” This event is theorized to be a massive asteroid impact causing global climate shifts and widespread extinctions.
Radar Pulse Technology for Subsurface Imaging
To conduct their study, researchers employed an innovative method to “see” beneath the Khafre Pyramid. They directed radar pulses from two satellites toward the pyramid and analyzed the returning signals. These signals were then converted into sound waves to create three-dimensional images of subsurface features. The analysis revealed eight descending wells, roughly 33 to 39 feet in diameter, extending at least 2,130 feet below ground. Staircase-like features were also observed around each well, interpreted by Ciccolo as “access points to this underground system.” Rectangular enclosures, approximately 260 feet per side, were identified at the base of the wells, each containing four shafts extending downwards.
Claims of Extensive Hidden Structures
During a press briefing, the researchers reported identifying a water system beneath the platform, situated more than 2,100 feet below the Khafre Pyramid, with subterranean passageways leading even deeper. The team posits the existence of “an entire hidden world of many structures” extending more than 4,000 feet beneath the pyramid. Corrado Malanga stated that enhanced future image analysis would “reveal that beneath it lies what can only be described as a true underground city.”
Continued Debate on Methodology and Validity
Dr. Hawass countered, stating, “The claim of using radar inside the pyramid is false, and the techniques employed are neither scientifically approved nor validated.” In response, the research team maintained “utmost respect for Egyptologists” but asserted their “findings are based on objective measurements obtained through advanced radar signal processing.” They claim to have utilized radar to produce “high-resolution pseudo-tomographic images of the subsurface,” offering “valuable insights into underground structures.” Ciccolo explained the method as “advanced Doppler tomography,” reconstructing subsurface images based on frequency changes of scattered signals, a technique demonstrated to be effective in detecting vertical shafts and structural anomalies.