Granite clues to the pyramids hidden in plain sight.

Summary

This video script delves into the mysteries of Menkaure's pyramid in Giza, the smallest of the three, and its unique granite casing stones. It discusses the under-appreciated historical evidence surrounding the pyramid, the potential insights from analyzing the granite debris, and the discrepancy between historical accounts and modern interpretations. The script ponders the original appearance of the pyramid, the construction techniques, and the significance of its nickname 'the Red Pyramid,' urging for further study and preservation of this ancient marvel.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video is part of a series exploring ancient Egypt, focusing on the pyramids and their secrets.
• 👑 The third pyramid at Giza, Menkaure's pyramid, is smaller but has unique features and is often overlooked.
• 💎 The granite casing stones of Menkaure's pyramid are a significant but under-studied aspect of the pyramid's construction.
• 🔍 The lack of perfect finishing on the granite stones may reveal insights into the building process and design intentions.
• 🚧 The fallen and quarried stones around the pyramid represent a wealth of historical evidence that has been largely ignored.
• 🚫 The speaker suggests that the stones should not be reattached to the pyramid due to the risk of damage but should be analyzed in place.
• 🔑 The original height of the granite casing can be deduced from the pattern of damage, suggesting it reached the 16th course.
• 🗺 The pyramid's construction may have involved a transition from granite to limestone casing, indicating a possible change in building plans.
• 🎨 Historical accounts refer to Menkaure's pyramid as 'the colored pyramid' or 'the red pyramid', possibly due to the entire structure being originally painted red.
• 🏗 The eastern and northern sides of the pyramid had smooth granite stones, likely for aesthetic consistency with adjacent structures.
• 🔍 The debris around the pyramid could contain valuable information about construction techniques and materials used.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 'History for Granite' channel?

The channel focuses on exploring ancient Egypt, particularly the secrets and unique qualities of the pyramids, with an emphasis on the often-neglected Menkaure's pyramid and its granite casing stones.

Why does the narrator believe Menkaure's pyramid is often overlooked?

The narrator suggests that Menkaure's pyramid, being the third and smallest at Giza, never managed to shine as brightly as its larger neighbors, leading to it being under-studied and archaeologically neglected.

What is the significance of the granite casing stones on Menkaure's pyramid?

The granite casing stones are significant because they hold many unique qualities and beautiful features, and their study can reveal the original height of the granite casing and the construction techniques used in ancient Egypt.

Why were most of the granite casing stones not dressed perfectly smooth?

The script does not provide a definitive answer, but it implies that the lack of perfect dressing on the stones may be due to the incomplete nature of the work, which in turn provides a clearer view of the construction process and design intentions.

What is the narrator's view on the current state of Menkaure's casing stones?

The narrator criticizes the lack of proper inspection, documentation, and preservation of the fallen or quarried casing stones, which are strewn beside the pyramid, describing it as a literal mountain of priceless historical evidence.

What does the narrator propose as an alternative to reseating the casing stones on the pyramid?

The narrator suggests that the stones should be individually cleared and seated near their found locations for visual and scientific analysis, without causing further damage, rather than reseating them on the pyramid.

What pattern of damage is observed on Menkaure's pyramid?

The pattern observed is that the damage to the backing stones is very dramatic at the 16th course, but the blocks above this course are in much better shape, indicating a difference in how plunderers quarried the materials.

Why does the narrator believe the granite casing ended at the 16th course?

The narrator points to the dramatic difference in damage at the 16th course, the tallest individual blocks in the 17th course, and historical accounts that suggest the granite casing ended there.

What is the discrepancy between Diodorus Siculus's account and the physical evidence of the granite casing?

Diodorus Siculus stated that the granite casing went up to the 15th course, while the physical evidence and other historical observations suggest it went up to the 16th course.

What architectural subtlety does Menkaure's pyramid share with the Great Pyramid?

Both pyramids have a concave appearance on each of their faces, with the backing stones in the center of each face protruding a shorter distance outwards, which is more visible above the 16th course on Menkaure's pyramid.

Why might Menkaure's pyramid have been referred to as 'the colored pyramid' or 'the red pyramid'?

The narrator speculates that Menkaure's pyramid might have been entirely red after construction, with the limestone portion on top painted red, and that the switch to limestone casing might have been a last-minute change.

What is the significance of the smoothly dressed granite sections on Menkaure's pyramid?

The smoothly dressed granite sections are significant because they were likely done to maintain a consistent aesthetic for the interior walls of the adjacent mortuary temple and possibly a small chapel, and not necessarily for external appearance.

Why is the study of the granite debris around Menkaure's pyramid considered valuable?

The study of the granite debris is valuable because it can provide insights into the quarrying source, construction timelines, and even the possibility of finding key granite stones like the portcullis blocks that are crucial to understanding the design of subsequent Old Kingdom pyramids.