Image:Khafre&Great.jpg

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It has been suggested that this page or section be merged into Great Pyramid of Giza. (Discuss)

[edit] Summary

Photograph nearly 200 years old, seems to show all outer casing of Great Pyramid of Giza still intact, except for lower left corner. Another 19th century photo already posted at Great Pyramid of Giza shows the lower left corner removed, but this photo seems to show only the outer casing removed from the lower left corner. Also note that in this image: (1) the water level is higher, (2) the "giant bell" in the background is in a different (higher) position, and (3) the trees are shorter, suggesting this to be an earlier photograph.

This photo also seems to dispel the theory that the Great Pyramid's original color was white, as its coloration seems considerably darker than both the brown sandstone underlying it and the visibly upper and lower portions of Khafre's Pyramid located to the left. Although the coloration could have changed over time, discoloration should have affected both pyramids similarly if both were created of similar stone. This suggests that the outer casing of the Great Pyramid may have originally been another type of stone, perhaps a darker-colored limestone or maybe granite or basalt. Those few white limestone casing stones sitting on the Great Pyramid today may be simply outer casing stones moved from Khafre's Pyramid next door.

Additionally, close analysis of the building (either Sphinx Mortuary temple or Necropolis) located directly behind the trees to the left reveals that this structure was still intact (or at least in better shape than it is today) at the time when this photo was taken.

Despite the theory offered above this is clearly not the case and at best uninformed speculation in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The curious section of the bottom left corner is the top section of one of the small satellite pyramids constructed at the site. In better quality photos such as the one provided on the Great Pyramid home page the satellite pyramid is easily seen as well as several other small structures. Regardless, the stones removed in the 14th century to build other structures can still be seen to this day and as well as it having been reported in documents of the time.

Egytpologists of the 19th century when this photo was taken report only the opposite of what is being claimed here, photographing the site as well as giving detailed written accounts. Furthermore, regarding the notion the casing stones were not white or haphazzardly taken from the 2nd pyramid is particularly disturbing considering one only needs to visit the site to see they are clearly white (as has been reported for centuries) as well as being in sutu (their original position). In addition, the casing stones of the 2nd pyramid are red which is clealry seen given the fact a large section is still present at its peak.

This photo is publicly distributed today on a public domain CD and is openly posted on web sites such as, http://aboutfacts.net/Ancient13.htm.

This article does not cite any references or sources. (December 2006) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

[edit] Licensing

This image is in the public domain because its copyright has expired in the United States and those countries with a copyright term of no more than the life of the author plus 100 years.

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