Dr. Zahi Hawass, a renowned Egyptologist and former government official, has strongly refuted a recent study by the Kahfre Project, an Italian research team, which claimed the existence of an underground city beneath the Pyramids of Giza. Hawass denounced the findings as “fake news,” stirring a debate among archaeologists and enthusiasts worldwide.
The Disputed Findings
A group of researchers from the Kahfre Project, utilizing Synthetic Aperture Radar tomography, released a paper detailing what they called “vertical cylinders” located 2,000 feet beneath the Giza necropolis. Their analysis, led by Corrado Malanga from the University of Pisa and Filippo Biondi from the University of Strathclyde, suggested the existence of spiral staircases, small chambers, and a vast subterranean network beneath the pyramids.
The researchers specifically pointed to a system beneath the Khafre Pyramid, claiming it could be the legendary Halls of Amenti, a mythical subterranean realm often associated with Egyptian lore. Their findings, widely shared online, fueled renewed speculation about hidden structures under Giza.
Hawass Fires Back
Hawass took to his official Facebook page to categorically dismiss the study. He asserted:
- “False claims regarding the Egyptian pyramids have circulated widely across the world.”
- “These rumors are nothing but fabrications propagated by individuals with no expertise in ancient Egyptian civilization or the history of the pyramids.”
- “There is no scientific evidence to support such claims.”
His rebuttal was swift and decisive. He emphasized that the base of the Khafre Pyramid is carved directly from the bedrock, reaching a height of approximately eight meters, leaving no room for columns or hidden chambers beneath it. According to extensive archaeological research, no such underground city exists.
Historical Context and Persistent Theories
The idea of hidden chambers beneath the pyramids is not new. Throughout history, various theories have emerged, ranging from the plausible to the wildly speculative. The Great Pyramid of Giza itself has yielded unexpected discoveries, such as the 2017 detection of a mysterious void above the Grand Gallery. However, most claims regarding extensive underground networks have been debunked due to a lack of verifiable evidence.
Some historical discoveries related to the pyramids include:
| Year | Discovery | Findings |
|---|---|---|
| 1922 | King Tutankhamun’s Tomb | Gold-filled burial chamber |
| 1954 | Khufu Solar Boat | Ancient ship buried near the Great Pyramid |
| 2017 | Large void detected inside the Great Pyramid | Possible hidden chamber |
While the idea of underground structures captivates many, mainstream Egyptologists remain skeptical.
Science vs. Conspiracy
The debate over what lies beneath the pyramids is part of a larger clash between rigorous scientific inquiry and speculative theories that gain traction online. Social media has played a crucial role in spreading unverified claims, often leading to public fascination with alternative archaeology.
Hawass and many in the archaeological community stress the importance of empirical research over sensationalist claims. Despite cutting-edge scanning technology, no credible evidence has emerged to confirm the presence of vast underground cities beneath Giza.
For now, the mystery of the pyramids endures, but according to experts like Hawass, some legends are better left in the past.
