The hypothesis of a secret entrance on the eastern side of the pyramid, which is over 60 meters high, was first put forward in 2019 by researcher Steen van den Hoeven, based on a strange observation, where the granite blocks in this area appear exceptionally polished over an area of four meters high and six meters wide, a smoothness that is only observed at the current entrance of the pyramid on the northern side.
Using advanced, non-harmful techniques, including ground-penetrating radar, ultrasound, and electrical engineering, the research team was able to uncover tangible physical evidence supporting this hypothesis. The results revealed two air voids located 1.4 meters and 1.13 meters behind the outer facade, with dimensions of 1 meter by 1.5 meters and 0.9 meters by 0.7 meters, respectively.
The integration of photographic data from different techniques played a crucial role in confirming this discovery, as the "image merging" method allowed for an accurate determination of the nature and location of these voids.
In this regard, Professor Christian Gross of the Technical University of Munich commented: "After confirming the existence of a hidden passageway in the Great Pyramid of Giza in 2023, the Residents of the Pyramids project has achieved another milestone in Giza." He added: "The methodology we have developed allows us to draw precise conclusions about the interior of the pyramid without damaging this precious historical monument. The hypothesis of an additional entrance seems very plausible, and our results bring us a significant step closer to confirming it."
The Pyramid of Menkaure was built during the Fourth Dynasty as a tomb for Pharaoh Menkaure, and for thousands of years it remained shrouded in secrecy. This new discovery opens the door to a deeper understanding of the construction techniques and architectural design of these pyramids, which continue to reveal their secrets little by little thanks to modern technology.
The work was published in the journal NDT & E International.