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Explaining
the Shafts
in
Khufu's
Pyramid at Giza
Published in
the Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt
Volume 42,
2005
(Printed
December, 2008)
By
Anthony
Sakovich
ABSTRACT:
Using surviving texts,
Egyptian creation myths, temples and structures that both pre- and
post-date King Khufu of the 4th Dynasty, it can be shown that
the small shafts of Khufu’s pyramid were not directed at the stars, nor
were they designed as mechanical ventilation aids for the builders.
The physical structure of Khufu’s pyramid, including the multiple
chambers, their component materials, and the other sealed shafts from the
Queen’s Chamber are all part of a coherent, carefully planned
construction model. All of
these features clearly support this conclusion when viewed as a practical
application of ancient Egyptian beliefs as they were adapted to the
physical world.
By changing the direction of
our attention, we can now see that the shafts were not designed to direct
the king’s spirit out of the pyramid.
Instead, they were engineered to direct the cosmic waters of the
Abyss into the elevated burial chamber of King Khufu, as a mandatory
element of his rebirth into the netherworld and his resurrection as Re, the
sun god.
This article is available to all ARCE members as
part of the 2005 Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt, or can
be obtained in full by ordering JARCE 42 here.
This article has been unavailable for dissemination or discussion prior to
publication by the editors. I apologize for any misunderstandings or
confusion that has resulted during the years that have ensued since it was
originally accepted for publication by JARCE. -- A. Sakovich
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