Although it appears to have four sides, the Great Pyramid of Giza actually has more sides. Each of its faces is slightly concave.
A Great Pyramid of Giza, located in Egypt, is one of the greatest mysteries of ancient architecture. Despite being one of the most studied structures in the world, it still holds secrets that defy our understanding.
One of the lesser known facts about it is the number of sides it has. And the answer may surprise you.
If you thought the pyramid had four sides, you're wrong. It actually has eight sides.
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This discovery was not made until 1926, when British Royal Air Force pilot P. Groves captured aerial images of the pyramid.
Only from above is it possible to see that its four main faces are slightly recessed in the center, forming a concave structure.
This unique feature makes the Great Pyramid a pyramid octagonal, instead of quadrangular. According to researcher Akio Kato, from the Department of Mathematics and Physics at Kanagawa University in Japan, “This concavity is too subtle to be noticed from the ground, but evident from the air."
Kato's study, published in 2023, highlights that this concavity is not merely aesthetic, but functional.
An innovative engineering project
The structure was designed to withstand extreme natural forces such as earthquakes and storms.
During its 4.500 years of existence, the pyramid is believed to have weathered at least 500 severe storms.
"The inclined layers, together with the reinforced base, were essential to ensure long-term stability against intense gravitational forces and adverse weather conditions.“, Kato stated in his article.
The concave design allows the pyramid's core to become stronger over time, whereas structures with completely flat surfaces would tend to wear out.
It is an impressive demonstration of the engineering knowledge of the ancient Egyptians.
Mystery or chance?
Despite its technical sophistication, not everything about the pyramid was precisely planned. There are sealed corridors and chambers within it that appear to have been abandoned by the builders, likely due to structural problems. This raises the question: were the concave faces intentional or a coincidence?
Experts still debate whether the octagonal shape was designed to increase the structure's durability or whether it was a side effect of the construction method. Regardless, the pyramid remains standing, defying time and intriguing generations.
Great curiosities about the pyramids
They were not built by slaves: Although the idea that the pyramids were built by slaves has been popularized by movies and books, modern studies suggest otherwise.
Excavations around the Great Pyramid have revealed traces of villages inhabited by skilled workers. These men and women received quality food, medical care, and structured housing. It was exhausting but rewarding work, and it was seen as an honor to serve the pharaoh in the construction of these monumental structures.
Stunning astronomical alignment: The pyramids of Giza are not randomly aligned. They were positioned with extreme precision in relation to the cardinal points. Studies indicate that the ancient Egyptians used observations of stars, such as the constellation Orion, to orient their constructions.
The arrangement of the three main pyramids at Giza, for example, reflects the alignment of the stars of Orion's Belt, which reinforces the connection between these structures and spiritual beliefs related to the afterlife.
The materials came from distant places: The limestone blocks used in the construction of the pyramids were extracted from local quarries, but the granite blocks, used in the inner chambers, came from Aswan, more than 800 kilometers away.
The transportation of these giant stones, some weighing more than 70 tons, remains a mystery. Theories suggest they were carried down the Nile River during flooding, in boats specially designed to support their weight.
There are “Hidden” pyramids: Although the pyramids of Giza are the most famous, Egypt has over 100 other recorded pyramids, many of which are still partially buried or in ruins. One such pyramid is the Pyramid of Meidum, which, having collapsed over the centuries, resembles more of a tower than a complete structure.
Others, such as the Pyramid of Djoser, the first step pyramid, offer a glimpse into the development of Egyptian architecture.
Detail, if the stones were transported by special boats, who and how put 100-ton stones inside this boat? I'm still not convinced by this story.
The Giza pyramid actually has 8 sides.
Each of its 4 main sides are actually recessed just so slightly inward along each centerline .😉😱 Making each of the main sides into 2 separate angled sides . Which strengthens itself by 3X.
😳😱👍😉