Badgshare
The pyramids of Giza are one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the world. These massive structures, built over 4,500 years ago, have stood the test of time and continue to captivate and inspire us to this day. Yet, despite centuries of study and exploration, there remains one great mystery about these ancient wonders: the missing capstones.
At the top of each of the three main pyramids at Giza, there was once a capstone, or pyramidion, that sat atop the pyramid’s apex. While no physical examples of the capstones themselves have ever been found, there are some historical records and other evidence that suggest what they may have looked like and what they were made of.
Historical records
One important piece of evidence comes from the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who visited Egypt in the 5th century BCE. Herodotus described the capstones as being made of “a single stone” and covered in “figures of animals” and other decorative elements. This suggests that the capstones were made of a valuable material, such as gold or electrum, and were highly ornate.
Also one important source of information is the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, which describes the afterlife and the journey of the deceased through the underworld. The book includes a section on the pyramids and their construction, and it describes the capstones as being made of a precious metal called “ba-nu,” which is generally believed to be a reference to electrum. Electrum is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, and it was highly prized in ancient Egypt for its beauty and durability.
The aforementioned capstone found at the mortuary temple of Khafre. This capstone is made of granite, which is a hard, durable stone that was often used in ancient Egyptian construction. The capstone is relatively small, measuring just 2 feet (0.6 meters) high and 3.5 feet (1.1 meters) wide, but it is highly decorated with intricate carvings of animal figures and other decorative elements. This suggests that the capstones atop the pyramids may have been similarly ornate and decorative.
In addition to these sources, there are also depictions of capstones in ancient Egyptian art and iconography. For example, there are numerous statues and reliefs that depict pharaohs wearing the capstone on their heads as a symbol of their authority and power. These depictions show the capstone as being highly ornate, with intricate carvings and other decorative elements. It is likely that the capstones atop the pyramids would have been similarly elaborate and decorative.
Number of theories
The capstones of the pyramids may have been taken by extraterrestrial beings
One of the main arguments put forth by proponents of this theory is the fact that the capstones have never been found, despite the extensive archaeological excavations that have taken place at the pyramids. Some theorists suggest that this is evidence of an advanced technology that was able to remove the capstones without leaving any trace.
Another argument put forth is that the pyramids themselves are evidence of an advanced civilization that had access to technology that was far beyond what was available to ancient Egyptians. Some theorists argue that the design and construction of the pyramids would have been impossible without the help of extraterrestrial beings.
Looting
The possibility that ancient robbers removed the capstones of the pyramids is a theory that cannot be ignored. Ancient Egypt was a civilization that placed great importance on precious materials, and it is not hard to imagine that robbers were attracted to valuable materials such as gold and electrum. In fact, looting was a common occurrence in ancient Egypt, and many tombs and monuments were targeted by robbers who were willing to risk their lives for the chance of obtaining valuable objects.
Although the idea of looting may seem like a plausible explanation for the missing capstones, the task of removing them would have been nearly impossible due to their size and weight. The capstones were not only enormous but also located at the very top of the pyramids, making them very difficult to access. It is conceivable that robbers were able to remove the capstones, but it would have taken an incredible amount of effort and resources to do so.
Moreover, it is important to note that the construction of the pyramids was a sacred process, and the capstones were believed to be an essential part of their spiritual significance. The Egyptians believed that the capstones represented the pharaoh’s journey to the afterlife, and it was considered sacrilegious to tamper with them. Therefore, any attempt to remove the capstones would have been met with fierce resistance from the Egyptians.
Reuse
It is well-documented that many pharaohs in ancient Egypt reused the materials from older structures for their own building projects.
In fact, it was common practice for pharaohs to use the materials from older structures to build new ones. This was done for a variety of reasons, including the fact that it was often cheaper and easier to use existing materials rather than quarrying new ones. Additionally, reusing materials from older structures was seen as a way of connecting the new building to the past, and thus imbuing it with greater significance.
Given this practice, it is possible that later pharaohs removed the capstones from the pyramids in order to use them for their own building projects. However, this theory is controversial, as it would suggest that the pyramids were not seen as sacred or important by later rulers.
This notion is contradicted by the fact that later pharaohs did take steps to preserve and protect the pyramids. For example, the pharaoh Ramses II had his name inscribed on the Great Pyramid in an attempt to claim it as his own. Additionally, many pharaohs added their own structures to the pyramids, further reinforcing their importance.
Structural issues
While the idea of structural issues causing the removal of the capstones is not as popular as some other theories, it is still a possibility that cannot be entirely dismissed. The ancient Egyptians were known for their advanced engineering skills and their ability to build monumental structures that have stood the test of time. However, even with their expertise, it is possible that the weight and instability of the capstones posed a significant risk to the stability of the pyramids.
The capstones of the pyramids were large and heavy, with some estimates suggesting that they weighed as much as several tons. The placement of the capstones at the very top of the pyramids, in addition to their size and weight, may have made them vulnerable to damage or instability. It is possible that ancient engineers and architects recognized the risk that the capstones posed to the rest of the pyramid structure and decided to remove them to prevent any potential collapse.
One argument in favor of this theory is the fact that there are examples of other structures from ancient Egypt where capstones were removed for structural reasons. For example, the Bent Pyramid of Sneferu, which was constructed in the 26th century BCE, has a capstone that is much smaller than those found on other pyramids. It is believed that the original capstone was too heavy and was removed for safety reasons. If this practice was carried over to other pyramids, it could explain why the capstones are missing from some of them.
Additionally, some historians argue that the capstones may have been removed and replaced multiple times over the course of the pyramid’s lifespan. The weight and size of the capstones may have caused them to become unstable over time, which would have necessitated their removal and replacement with a lighter or more stable capstone.
Never existed
The idea that the capstones of the pyramids never existed is a highly controversial theory that challenges the traditional beliefs about the construction of these ancient wonders. According to this theory, the idea that there were once capstones on the top of the pyramids is simply a myth or legend that has been perpetuated over time.
The argument put forth by proponents of this theory is that there is no physical evidence to support the existence of the capstones. Despite extensive excavations of the pyramids, no capstones have ever been found. Furthermore, the descriptions of the pyramids in ancient texts, such as the Pyramid Texts and the Coffin Texts, do not mention the presence of capstones on the pyramids.
However, this theory is highly controversial because it challenges the long-held beliefs about the construction of the pyramids. For centuries, scholars and archaeologists have assumed that the pyramids were built with capstones on top, and this assumption has been supported by various depictions of the pyramids in ancient artwork.
Tantalizing questions
Whatever the reason, the fact remains that the missing capstones add to the allure and mystique of these ancient structures. They leave us with tantalizing questions about the past and inspire us to explore the mysteries of the ancient world.
But why do the pyramids themselves continue to captivate us? Perhaps it is their sheer size and grandeur, which still dwarfs even the tallest buildings of our modern era. Or maybe it is the fascinating stories of the pharaohs and their monumental building projects, which still capture our imaginations to this day.
Whatever the reason, the pyramids of Giza continue to be a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the ancient Egyptians. They stand as a reminder of the incredible achievements of our ancestors and the enduring mysteries of the human experience. As we continue to explore and uncover the secrets of these ancient structures, we are reminded of our own place in the grand scheme of history and the remarkable possibilities of human creativity and achievement.
