Scientists find pyramid’s secret tunnel

Scientific specialists have discovered a hidden corridor inside Egypt's Great Pyramid. Measuring nine metres in length and more than two metres wide, this is only the second major structure found in the pyramid since the 19th century. It's hoped it will lead to a greater understanding of the secret treasures of King Khufu's tomb.

Historian Zahi Hawass is the head of the committee supervising the project.

Zahi Hawass: "Today, major important secrets have been revealed by technology for the first time, the discovery of a nine metres tunnel, and two metres and 10 centimetres wide, found behind the main entrance of the Great Pyramid, and this discovery will reveal to us many important facts about Khufu and his Pyramid."

In contrast to the work carried out two centuries ago, this discovery has been made without the need for digging or any destruction to the precious pyramid. The discovery was part of the ScanPyramids programme – a collaboration between major universities in France, Germany, Canada and Japan working together with a group of Egyptian experts. They utilised a mixture of modern technology such as infrared thermography, 'muon' radiography and 3D reconstruction. The scientists' investigations were able to be conducted in a harmless manner.

The 4,500 year old Great Pyramid is the largest in Egypt, standing 146 metres tall and is the only remaining structure of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Zahi Hawass believes that this newly discovered tunnel could lead archaeologists to the actual resting place of King Khufu, whose vacant stone sarcophagus was located centuries earlier.

Zahi Hawass: "I've always thought that the burial chamber of King Khufu hasn't been discovered yet. And I believe that there is a great possibility, and that's certain, that the tunnel is protecting something. In my opinion, it is protecting the actual burial chamber of King Khufu."

Only time, together with science, will tell. View Less