This has never been seen before. Previously, the structure was white in color and glowed in the sunlight.

The Pyramid of Cheops, or the Great Pyramid of Giza, as it is also known, is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the World that has survived to this day. Its age is estimated at 4,500 years. For more than three millennia the pyramid held the status of the highest building on Earth (about 139 meters), until Lincoln Cathedral was erected in the city of Lincoln in the east of England (about 1311).

There are many theories as to the purpose of the pyramid, but it is still most widely believed that it was built as a tomb for Pharaoh Cheops of the 4th Dynasty. It is made up of approximately 2 million lime blocks weighing over 2 tones each. So the question of exactly how it was built still puzzles people to this day.

For example, historians are still debating the so-called ramp theory, which are located on the outside of the structure. Some believe that they may have made it easier to move the blocks. Among the incredible and conspiracy theories, theories about the advanced and subsequently lost technology of the Egyptians, as well as about the help of aliens are still in circulation.

In recent years, researchers have been able to make many discoveries that have allowed them to learn more about this structure full of mystery and secrets.

Cladding

Scientists claim that the pyramid of Cheops used to look different. Associate Professor Mohamed Megahed from the Czech Institute of Egyptology at Charles University in Prague said the structure was not sandy brown like today, but white. The pyramid was covered with a layer of shiny sedimentary rock. Thanks to this, according to the expert, the structure shone bright white under the Egyptian sun.

Ancient papyrus

In 2017, a group of archaeologists found an ancient papyrus. On it was depicted, as well as a detailed plan for the construction of the pyramid of Cheops. The author of the document turned out to be an overseer of the workers. According to his notes, the Egyptians diverted water from the Nile and laid artificial channels across the Giza plateau. In addition, the ancient builders used wooden boats connected by tight ropes, thanks to which it was possible to deliver the blocks of the pyramid to its foot.

Delivery of blocks

In August 2022 researchers from the French University of Aix-Marseille found out how stone blocks for building of this and other pyramids were delivered to Giza. This process was simplified by a convenient terrain and a branch of the river Nile, which was full of water at that time that allowed to transport heavy cargoes.

‘To build the pyramids, tombs and temples on the plateau, ancient Egyptian engineers took advantage of the Nile and its annual floods, developing an ingenious system of canals and basins that formed a harbour complex at the foot of the Giza Plateau,’ said physicist-geographer Khader Sheisha.

Scientists came to this conclusion after studying fossilized pollen grains from Giza. The experts found herbaceous flowering plants and suggested that in ancient times there was a water reservoir in this place.