8 Strange Discoveries About The Great Pyramid Of Giza

Of the surviving ancient structures in the world, few have captured the imagination quite like the pyramids of Egypt. Of the 118 known pyramids, the Great Pyramid of Giza stands out as the most alluring and attracts visitors from across the globe wanting to get up close and personal with this impressively large, millennia-old structure.

The northernmost, largest, and oldest of the three pyramids built for Khufu, the second Pharaoh (or king) of Egypt’s 4th dynasty, the Great Pyramid continues to guard the secrets of a civilization that flourished thousands of years ago. But now and then we’re teased with a discovery that sheds more light on this last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World… and the people who built it.

Precision Engineering

Built over a period of around 27 years some 4,500 years ago, the Great Pyramid stands as a testament to the surprisingly advanced engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. Its base is an impressive 755 feet long on each side, and it originally soared to a height of 41 feet with steep, smooth sides. What’s truly remarkable is the precision with which it was constructed, the sides of the base aligned to true north, south, east, and west with astonishing accuracy considering the technological limitations of the time.

The pyramid's design also exhibits an understanding of geometry and proportionality, as it was discovered that the ratio of the perimeter to the height, known as the pyramidion, is 1760/296, a ratio that has mathematical significance. This precision extends to the placement of the pyramid, which is at the geometric center of the Earth's landmass, further emphasizing an advanced understanding of geography and the deliberate intention to create a structure of global importance.

Interior Chambers And Passageways

Within the Great Pyramid, a complex network of interior chambers and passageways still awaits full exploration. The descending passage, for example, begins at the entrance and slopes downward, leading to a subterranean chamber. The purpose of this chamber remains unclear, with some speculating it was intended for the Pharaoh's “ka,” or spiritual double, to reside.

The Queen's Chamber, located above the descending passage, is marked by five recessed niches, their purpose unknown. The Grand Gallery, a soaring corridor with a corbeled roof, leads to the King's Chamber, where the Pharaoh was entombed and is notable for its impressive granite sarcophagus.

The Mystery Of The Pyramidion

The pyramidion (or capstone) of the Great Pyramid has been a subject of fascination and mystery for centuries. This crowning stone is missing and its whereabouts remain unknown, leading to speculation as to its original shape and composition. While some believe it may have reflected the shape of the larger structure, others suggest a more rounded or conical shape may have been used.

Adding to the mystery, discovered ancient texts hint that the capstone was made of a rare material, perhaps an electrum, a gold and silver alloy, or even a material unknown to modern science. But one thing’s for sure: the absence of the pyramidion leaves a gap in our understanding of the Great Pyramid and its purpose that’s yet to be unraveled.

Sounds Good

The Great Pyramid is not only a visual marvel, it’s also an acoustic wonder, with its interior spaces exhibiting unique sound characteristics that intrigue researchers and acousticians. Certain chambers and passageways create remarkable acoustic effects, with sound waves echoing and reverberating in specific ways. For example, it has been discovered that the Grand Gallery, with its corbeled roof, produces a distinct acoustic resonance that creates an entirely otherworldly, almost eerie, auditory experience.

Were these acoustic properties intentional? Some researchers believe so and have suggested that the ancient Egyptians may have held a profound understanding of sound and its impact on the human psyche, leading to the incorporation of acoustic design into their sacred structures. Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt the pyramid's acoustic qualities add a layer of mystery and intrigue.

The Breath Of Life

One of the most intriguing features of the Great Pyramid is the presence of narrow air shafts in both the King's and Queen's Chambers. Carefully constructed and strategically placed, they’ve sparked numerous theories about their purpose and significance. Some suggest that they served as a means of ventilation, providing fresh air to the chambers and creating a comfortable environment for the Pharaoh's spirit.

The precise placement and design of these shafts also suggest a symbolic or ritualistic purpose. In ancient Egyptian belief systems, air and breath held great importance and are often associated with life force and spiritual power. Air shafts may have represented the breath of life, possibly connecting the pharaoh's spirit to the outside world or facilitating communication with the gods.

Early Tourism?

The Great Pyramid could be considered a historical canvas bearing graffiti left by ancient visitors, leaving behind clues of the people who have interacted with it. Researchers have discovered marks that may have been made by tools used during the construction process, providing valuable insights into the building techniques employed.

Additionally, graffiti dating back over 2,000 years to the Greco-Roman period has also been found inside the pyramid. These inscriptions provide a fascinating record of ancient tourism and the enduring fascination with this monumental structure. Regardless of their purpose, the presence of these marks and graffiti certainly adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of the Great Pyramid.

Thunder And Lightning

The Pyramid Texts, ancient Egyptian funerary spells, offer a glimpse into the beliefs and rituals surrounding the afterlife at the time. Within them are mentions of strange beams of light and even a "thunderclap" sound that some believe represents the Pharaoh's soul ascending to the heavens. This captivating tale certainly suggests a connection between the physical structure of the pyramid and the king’s spiritual journey.

And that thunderclap? It’s speculated that this may be a reference to the power and might of the pharaoh, akin to the force of a lightning strike, with this ancient text providing vivid imagery that invites readers to marvel at the profound spiritual and symbolic significance of both the man, deemed a god to his people, and the magnificent building that housed his remains.

Modern Discoveries

The Great Pyramid continues to captivate and inspire exploration and discovery. Recent advances in technology have allowed researchers to probe the pyramid's interior in non-invasive ways, leading to exciting discoveries. The use of advanced scanning techniques such as muon tomography and infrared thermography has revealed previously unknown voids and structures within the pyramid. For example, in 2017, a team of scientists discovered a large void deep within the pyramid. Known as the "ScanPyramids Big Void," it sparked new questions and theories about the purpose and function of this hidden space.

Ongoing scanning projects continue to reveal the pyramid's secrets, highlighting the enduring allure of this ancient wonder. As for the future? One thing’s for sure: the potential for future discoveries thanks to advanced technologies will certainly revolutionize our understanding of ancient Egypt.

UNEARTHED: The Secrets of Ancient Egypt

There’s no doubt that the Great Pyramid of Giza, with its strange discoveries, continues to captivate our imaginations. And while each new exploration, each revelation, brings us closer to unraveling the ancient secrets it holds, there’s no doubt this fascinating structure’s precision engineering, mysterious chambers, and ancient texts will continue to impress upon us the incredibly advanced knowledge and skills of its builders. As we continue to be intrigued by these eight strange discoveries about the Great Pyramid of Giza, one thing’s abundantly clear: this ancient monument continues to challenge our understanding of the world around us.

Source: World Atlas

Discovering Hidden Gems: A Journey Through World Wonders Unveiled

Hello there! Today I bring you the hidden gems in the world. Trust me you cannot afford to miss out in visiting this 5 historical places. Give yourself a real treat by indulging a jouyney of discovery to these 5 precious and beautiful places. You will surely thank me later.

Great Wall of China:

Great Wall of China: National Geographic

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe. Apart from defense, other purposes of the Great Wall have included border controls, allowing the imposition of duties on goods transported along the Silk Road, regulation or encouragement of trade and the control of immigration and emigration.

The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Pyramids of Egypt: Posters

The pyramids of Giza is among the seven wonders of the world. It is believed to have been constructed to house the remains of the deceased pharaohs who ruled Ancient Egypt. A portion of the pharaoh's spirit called his ka was believed to remain with his corpse. Proper care of the remains was necessary in order for the "former Pharaoh to perform his new duties as king of the dead". It is theorized the pyramid not only served as a tomb for the pharaoh, but also as a storage pit for various items he would need in the afterlife. The people of Ancient Egypt believed that death on Earth was the start of a journey to the next world. The embalmed body of the king was entombed underneath or within the pyramid to protect it and allow his transformation and ascension to the afterlife.

Borobudur Indonesia: Borobudur, also transcribed Barabudur is a Buddhist temple in Indonesia. Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and ranks with Bagan in Myanmar and Angkor Wat in Cambodia as one of the great archeological sites of Southeast Asia. Borobudur remains popular for pilgrimage, with Buddhists in Indonesia celebrating Vesak Day at the monument. Among Indonesia's tourist attractions, Borobudur is the most-visited monument.

Borobudur: Indonesian Travel

The Colosseum: It is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world, despite its age. According to the Codex-Calendar of 354, the Colosseum could accommodate 87,000 people, although modern estimates put the figure at around 50,000. The Colosseum is also the site of Roman Catholic ceremonies in the 20th and 21st centuries. For instance, Pope Benedict XVI led the Stations of the Cross called the Scriptural Way of the Cross (which calls for more meditation) at the Colosseum on Good Fridays. The Colosseum is generally regarded by Christians as a site of the martyrdom of large numbers of believers during the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire, as evidenced by Church history and tradition.

 

Colosseum: Wikipedia pictures

Petra, Jordan: Is a historic and archaeological city in southern Jordan. Famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system, Petra is also called the "Rose City" because of the colour of the sandstone from which it is carved; It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. UNESCO has described Petra as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage. In 2007, Petra was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Petra is a symbol of Jordan, as well as Jordan's most-visited tourist attraction. Tourist numbers peaked at 1.1 million in 2019, marking the first time that the figure rose above the 1 million mark. Tourism in the historical city was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but soon after started to pick up again, reaching 905,000 visitors in 2022.

Petra Jordan: World Atlas

I have it in my bucket list to visit these places in my life time. As I am an INTREPID ADVENTURER. I do not know about you!

 

1 Spectacular Place Every Queer Person MUST Visit!

When I first heard about this spectacular and wonderful place. I was dumbfounded. Never did I imagine in my wildest imaginations that such a place really existed! By the way, is there anything we would not see on earth? No wonder they say what a wonderful world! 

You will be wondering why this place is a very important place. Yes, it is important because it is meant for specific people. That is why it is recommended for Queers. They say cheers to queers. But if you are not Queer you can still visit it to satisfy your curiosity. So, without any further ado, join me as I welcome you to the wonderful Penis Park! Yes, you heard that right...penis park. 

What is Penis Park? Why is it called a Penis Park? Let us see what legend has to say about this wonderful place:

The Legend of Penis Park

Haesindang Park, also known as Penis Park also called Penis Park, is a park located on the east coast of South Korea in a city called Samcheok. The park is noted for its number of Phallic Statues.

A tragic legend known as the "Legend of Auebawi and Haesindang shrouds the statues of the park. According to the legend, a woman was once left by her man on a rock in the sea while he worked. The man was later unable to retrieve her because of a storm, and the woman drowned. After that, the village people were not able to catch fish. Some said that it was because of the dead woman. 

One day, a fisherman urinated into the water and afterward, he was able to catch fish, so it was thought that exposing the deceased virgin to male genitalia pleased her. To soothe her spirit further, the local village people made several phallic wooden carvings and held religious ceremonies on her behalf. 

After a while, the fish slowly returned and the villagers were able to live comfortably again. The place where the woman died was named Auebawi Rock and the building where the religious ceremony is held twice a year was named Haesindang. 

The ceremony is still honored today as a traditional folk event. Below are some wonderful pictures from the Penis Park

Penis Picture: Wandering Traveler

Penis Park: Haeshindang Park (Travel Blog)

Penis Park: Japan Times

Welcome to Abuja—the HEART of Nigeria!!

Abuja City Gate

Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria. It is the capital and eighth most populous city of Nigeria. Situated at the centre of the country within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Central Bank of Nigeria is located in Abuja.

Central Bank of Nigeria

I have been hearing about Lagos…but to be honest, Lagos has been overrated…the noise, overpopulation, pollution and other things. Abuja is serene and organized. At least in Abuja drivers will slow down for you to cross or signal you with their hands to cross. The zebra sign is respected in Abuja road networks. Where do you get that kind of pampering in Lagos—where everyone is always in a rush and hurry; with the endless go-slow. Hmmm…I wonder if I can actually stay in Lagos because that rush-rush helter-skelter lifestyle is never harmonious with me. That is not to say that I am not energetic. I am; but the ideal life is not the one you live under tension, rushing and hurrying. It was reported some time ago in Lagos how a man using the zebra crossing was almost crushed by a car!

Jabi Lake

Abuja is actually a beautiful place to be; another thing that makes me love Abuja is the breathtaking rocks, hills and mountains that grace it—adding beauty and magic to it. Beholding these mountains, rocks and hills could not have been more refreshing! Suffice to say that it is uplifting and quite refreshing! 

Zuma Rock

Personally, I love nature and I love spending time in nature too. Seeing these beautiful beings and wonders of creations also serve as a reason to think about life, appreciate life and the Grand Designer.

Millenium Park

 

Me and my Comrades

"I have been to this Millennium Park in an event with my comrades."

One lovely sunny morning, I went for a shopping in a supermarket. While I was minding my own business doing my shopping as a gentleman that I am; I heard a conversation between two friends sharing their experiences on their first day of visit to Abuja. It was actually a hilarious and dramatic one! I have a similar experience like theirs but not to the extent of how dramatic their own was—I can actually say with gratitude and joy that I did not have to be caught up in a maze of finding my way on my first day in Abuja. In fact, it was Divinely arranged and I will call it a “Cosmic Ride…”

Here is the conversation that the two friends were discussing among themselves:

First Friend: I will never my first time to Abuja. The Abuja roads trend is very amusing and confusing. Because if you get car, you go lost, if you no get car, you go still lost.

Second Friend: You ask too much question you go lost more.

First Friend: Airport Road is Lugbe, Airport Junction is in Jabi by Life Camp, you get flight and you go stop for Airport junction, I laugh in Hebrew na GUO night bus you go enter las las.

Second Friend: You enter bus because you hear Galadima and na Galadimawa you dey go, my dear you haff lost

First Friend: You wan go buy something for Jahi and you land yourself for Jabi safe journey my dear

Second Friend: Them tell you say make you come Gwagwa, you begin go Gwagwalada, Adieu my dear

First Friend: You find yourself for Wuye and your interview nah for Wuse, my dear return to LinkedIn jobs and start applying again.

Second Friend: You dey go Idu magically find yourself for Iddo hope you haff strength

First Friend: You think Area 1 to Area 11 dey in order bah? You will trek. Zone 1 to Zone7? Better enter Bolt ooo

Second Friend: You dey go Apo dem carry you go Aco? Na tomorrow you go reach house

First Friend: You wan see craze, Assume that Wuse 2 and Wuse Zone 2 na the same place or Katampe in Mpape and Katampe in Kubwa express na same place…kikikikiki, I laugh in Hindu!! LMFAO!!!

Second Friend: City Gate na where Abuja start, the other places na FCT, don’t be deceived.

First Friend: There’s Berger in Berger and Berger in Lugbe.

Second Friend: There’s Police Signboard in Lugbe and Police Signboard in Dutse. Know there is Dutse in Wuse, and remember that Wuse and Wuye has no business.

First Friend: My dear, download Uber/Rida/Bolt.

Second Friend: You are driving and you miss a bridge, Hehehehehehe welcome to Nasarawa.

First Friend: You are driving and you take the wrong flyover, Niger State appreciates your presence my dear. The only thing that you can count on here is your Power bank and Airtime

Serengeti Shall Not Die!

Serengenti National Park: Google Images

For many years back, I have been hearing about Serengeti. I only knew it was a National Park in Tanzania; but did not know much about it. It was not until recently that I read more about the Serengeti and guess what? I could not help but add it to my list of favorite travel destinations as I am an intrepid adventurer. In fact, the story surrounding Serengeti is truly heartwarming and epic. The question one would want to ask is: where did the word “Serengeti shall not die originate from”? Find out below:

“Serengeti shall not die” is a statement that reflects the importance of preserving the Serengeti ecosystem, which is a vast plain in East Africa spanning across Tanzania and Kenya. The Serengeti ecosystem is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and many more.

The statement “Serengeti shall not die” was made famous by the German documentary film of the same name, which was released in 1959. The film was directed by Bernhard Grzimek and his son Michael and documented their efforts to save the Serengeti from destruction.

Since then, the Serengeti ecosystem has faced several threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. However, concerted efforts by conservationists, governments, and local communities have helped to protect the ecosystem and its wildlife.

Today, the Serengeti National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It continues to inspire people around the world to work towards preserving the natural world and its many wonders.

Now, having read about the Serengeti National Park I have completely agreed with Grzimek: “Serengeti shall not die!”