A previously unknown chamber has been discovered in the Cheops Pyramid of Giza, according to ultrasound measurements and endoscopic images. The hidden room is at least five meters long and has likely not been entered by humans for around 4,500 years. The Cheops Pyramid was built in Egypt about 4,500 years ago and is one of the largest human-made structures. Despite being one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, it is not fully known what rooms exist inside the pyramid. In October 2016, researchers from the ScanPyramids project discovered an unknown corridor and indications of another chamber using muon detectors. Further analysis, including a team from the Technical University of Munich, confirmed the existence of the hollow spaces.
The chamber was discovered by ScanPyramids researchers who used radar and ultrasound devices to investigate the suspicious area above the original entrance of the pyramid. The measurements confirm that a hidden chamber exists above the Chevrons, a construction of large stone blocks that shields the entrance from above. The newly discovered chamber is narrow but at least five meters long, with archaeologists believing that its actual length is likely much higher. To verify the radar and ultrasound measurements, the researchers also took endoscopic camera images. The images show that the pyramid chamber, despite its size, is completely empty and has not been entered by humans since its construction.
Further investigations are planned to determine what lies behind the back wall of the pyramid chamber and why it was built. The pyramids are part of the world heritage, so the researchers must be careful not to cause any damage during their investigations. The discovery of a chamber in a pyramid is already significant, but the fact that this chamber is large enough to accommodate several people makes it even more important. The combination of various testing techniques and procedures will be used in future investigations.
