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Exclusive Interview: Jean-Pierre Houdin Defends His Internal Ramp Pyramid Theory

The question of how the Great Pyramid of Giza was built is one of the most hotly-debated topics in ancient history. Maverick French architect and self-styled “Mr Pyramid” Jean-Pierre Houdin is determined that he has the answer – the the 4,569 year-old monument was, he argues, erected from the inside-out, using an internal ramp built into the fabric of the structure. Others are skeptical of his theory, but Houdin is certain he has the proof.

Highlighted Quote: 
"My invitation to Dr Hawass to lead a simple survey with non-destructive techniques is still on the table. That survey could be his last and most remarkable discovery while at the head of the SCA." -- Jean-Pierre Houdin
About The AuthorMalcolm Jack
Malcolm Jack is a freelance arts and entertainment journalist based in Glasgow, Scotland. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2004 with an MA Honours Degree in History.

Building the Great Pyramid of Giza: Jean-Pierre Houdin’s Internal Ramp Theory

We know lots about the Great Pyramid of Giza – it’s age (about 4,569 years), who it was built for (the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian King Khufu), who designed it (Khufu’s brother, the architect Hemienu) and even who rolled up their sleeves and did the work (tens of thousands of skilled labourers from across the kingdom, as opposed to slaves as was once believed). But ask a room full of experts how it was built, and you can expect a whole lot of head-scratching and beard-stroking, followed by heated argument and possibly some light fisticuffs.

Highlighted Quote: 
“A green light from Cairo and the Great Pyramid mystery is over,” -- Jean Pierre Houdin
About The AuthorMalcolm Jack
Malcolm Jack is a freelance arts and entertainment journalist based in Glasgow, Scotland. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2004 with an MA Honours Degree in History.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

It’s over 4,500 years old. It took 35,000 men, 2.3 million limestone blocks and two decades to build. It reaches 138.8 metres into the Egyptian sky and has an estimated mass of about 5.9 million tonnes. It’s visible from space, and is the only one of the original Seven Wonders of the World to still stand substantially intact. It’s not, in short, called the Great Pyramid of Giza for nothing.

What is it?

About The AuthorMalcolm Jack
Malcolm Jack is a freelance arts and entertainment journalist based in Glasgow, Scotland. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2004 with an MA Honours Degree in History.

Giza's Robot Explorers

Upuaut-2 ventured 60m into the southern Queen’s Chamber passageway, before it encountered a barrier – a limestone “door” with two copper handles. Image credit - Michael Studt.

About The AuthorMalcolm Jack
Malcolm Jack is a freelance arts and entertainment journalist based in Glasgow, Scotland. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2004 with an MA Honours Degree in History.

Pharaoh Khufu

Khufu was born in 2589BC and died in 2566BC.  He was Pharaoh of the 4th Dynasty which lasted from 2613-2498BC. 

He was the son of Sneferu and Queen Hetepheres I, and is believed to have had three wives.

His is credited with building the Great Pyramid of Giza which stood at a massive 147 metres. The pyramid took about 23 years to complete, and took 2,300,000 building blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons.

Although he reigned for approximately 24 years there is very little known about him other than he was thought to have reigned as a ruthless and cruel despot.

His ability to lead and coordinate large number of men is one of the Great Pyramids lasting legacies. 

Khufu had several sons and his heir was his son Djedefre who also built pyramids. After the death of Khafre, his son Menkaure built a smaller pyramid at Giza, eventually completing the last of the famous pyramids at Giza.

 

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