My Theory on why the Great Pyramid was Built

My Theory on why the Great Pyramid was Built
© Copyright 2009 Michael J. Costa, M7

The Great Pyramid did not start out as a big project. It was built in stages not all at once. Every Pharaoh/Egyptian King had a limited duration on the throne, and it was in their mindset that they could not predict their own demise. So the pyramids started out as small ones, to be finished in a short time to safeguard against any possible danger to the King. In the case of Khufu/Cheops, the pyramid he built first was unfinished; the bottom chamber was his original burial chamber. Then he outlived his original prediction and the coming harvest time. So he added a new level. The “Queen’s Chamber” was his second attempt for a burial chamber, not for a “queen.” The Grand Gallery is the roof of this second pyramid. Then came the last stages. He added the burial chamber on top of this stage, above the “Queen’s Chamber,” with multiple ceilings, as if trying to find the appropriate top level (previously believed to lessen the weight of the blocks on top). This burial chamber, or the “King’s chamber”, is a Cenotaph with an empty sarcophagus to deceive thieves (and archaeologists) into believing it was already robbed. The actual burial chamber is probably not in the pyramid itself, but beside it, or inside a hidden or blocked chamber. Large stone “plugs” sealed or blocked the entrance to these chambers; what if the blocked idea also concealed the actual burial chamber? Or is the actual burial chamber further up inside the inaccessible apex? If the burial chamber is actually inside a smaller tomb outside the pyramid, this would ensure an afterlife for the King and his secrets would be safe; what then was the purpose of this building? Building in stages would be plausible because then any ‘secret chambers’ would be part of previous attempts of construction, added together into this mess of stone. No Pharaoh would want to be buried here. Khufu’s father, Sneferu, had a few pyramids to his name. His first one was made of mud brick (core) and probably would not last long. The Bent Pyramid was likewise flawed at the apex (top). If he was buried in one we cannot say because his remains are not available; perhaps pyramids were symbolic buildings to hold funerary ceremonies in? Their obviousness as a tomb would not serve to preserve their remains if everyone knew they were inside them. Unlike the Valley of the Kings where tombs were secret, and sometimes burrowed into another’s tomb.

MJC

(ARCE/NC reply) :
Hi, Michael,

An interesting idea. The Great Pyramid as diversion, and as tribute. Certainly, this would explain the three chambers, and I DO think that all pyramids, at least in the Old Kingdom, were built incrementally, perhaps as you described. Wouldn't it be grand if somebody located Khufu's remains? (Although maybe not; it would be better for him, more respectful anyway, if his remains were undisturbed.)

Glenn
Glenn Meyer"