Pyramid of Egypt always seemed to be the center of attention when it comes to mysteries, myths and theories. Some myths about pyramid got viral for their interesting perspectives. This article is about breaking down the myths of pyramids.
Some crazy facts about pyramid
The pyramids of Egypt are straight out breathtaking for their perfected architecture and engineering which by the way, still fascinate the expert engineers of the 21st century
There are so many strange facts about pyramid that almost sound like myths. But are they?
Here are some of these crazy facts I am sharing with you before getting down to the main part
- The pyramids of Egypt were once limestone which made the pyramids look glittering around the sunlight. At that time, pyramids looked like one big gem
- Despite the advancing engineering of pyramids, breaking and entering pyramids are easy enough. Tomb robbers could easily dig through the pyramids. Those robber’s tunnels became the tourist’s route to enter the pyramids.
- There are more than 100 pyramids in Egypt but where are the rest? Experts believe that more will be found in the coming years.
- The ancient Egyptians used two constellations to align their built pyramid. The alignments are very accurate up to .05 degrees.
- The blocks that are used for pyramids weigh more than an elephant. Obviously, a question arises. How did they carry them around in an era where the technological blessing was a myth itself?
Let’s talk about the myths of the Pyramids of Egypt
Pyramids seem to hold so many secrets and facts that are still yet to be found. One thing is for sure, Egyptians were a hell of builders given their pyramid-making history. People theorized many myths about pyramids at that time which are very interesting.
So without further ado let’s break down those myths
Myth 1: Pyramids were the result of forced labour
Even I used to believe that back in the day that the rulers exploited the Egyptian slaves to build the pyramids, which is not true.
This myth results from the misreading of Historian Herodotus who claimed that the roofs were made by slaves which made us assume that the slaves did 100% of the pyramids
Fascinatingly, tens of thousands of workers actually volunteered to make this wonder of the world. Although, the underlying motivation of these workers seems vague to this day.
But the truth is pyramids are not constructed by slaves but rather by skilled workers.
Myth 2: Napoleon shot the Sphinx’s nose off
The sphinx lies beside Pharaoh Khufu’s Great Pyramid. Unlike the pyramids, Sphinx is just a giant carved limestone.
The legend suggests that Napoleon shot the sphinx’s nose off during the French campaign in Egypt but this interesting tale is a myth itself.
Because Frederic Louis, a Danish explorer made a painting in 1737 where it was already shown that the Sphinx’s nose was missing.
Archaeologists came up with another story which is still debatable, in the 14th century Sufi Muslim named Muhammad Salim al-Dahr had Sphinx’s nose shot off after seeing Egyptians worshipping sphinx as a God.
Safe to say, there is no proof of this tale too but one thing is for sure Napoleon didn’t do it.
Myth 3: Mummifying was only for rich Egyptians
Mummification is a very fascinating concept of ancient Egypt. After death Pharaohs were laid in Gold coffins and mummified using linen. Egyptians thought through mummifications they were off to a fruitful afterlife
Turns out it’s a myth that mummifying was for rich Egyptians. In fact, it was for anyone. Although, during King Tut’s era mummification became gold oriented.
Before that, mummification was available and its practice isn’t even available to elites. Even some cats and bulls were mummified because of sacred purposes.
It’s just so interesting to think pyramids were just made for preserving mummies.
Myth 4: Sphinx’s body has been always visible
Talk about Sphinx there is another myth revolving around it. The myth is that Sphinx’s body was always visible whereas it was not. The body was covered in sand for a long period of time- say thousands of years
It got visible because the archaeologist Selim Hasan dug it out in the 1930s. Yes, it wasn’t up until 1930. So much to get your head around right? Although why it was covered in sand it’s still unknown.
Had enough of myths of pyramids already? Just one left for you.
Myth 5: Hieroglyphs were used as emojis
There are lots of references revolving around ancient emojis being hieroglyphs but truly it’s just a myth.
Although, some hieroglyphs had a literal way of explaining things with pictures while others represent sounds, phonograms, work meanings and so on
Early Greek and Roman scholars theorized hieroglyphs that were symbols for communication. This theory had got new face when Napoleon landed in Egypt in 1799 and the Rosetta stone was discovered
The rock was a translator of hieroglyphs into Greek script. The Egyptians also used demotics which could be written faster than hieroglyphs. Although, demonic was a bit cruder.
Final thought
That’s all for myths of the pyramids of Egypt. I hope you enjoyed the reading.
Source: Bocsnews