‘8, not 4’: A discovery in 1940 reveals a hidden truth about the Great Pyramid of Giza
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Hidden Eighth
The Great Pyramid of Giza, thought to have four sides, may actually have eight. Researchers, including British Egyptologist Flinders Petrie, uncovered the mystery of its concave faces under specific light conditions.
Lighting Secrets
In 1940, aerial observations revealed subtle indentations on each of the pyramid’s sides, forming a concave pattern visible only from the air. This discovery sparked debates about the true structure of the iconic Wonder of the World.
Octagonal Truth
A 1975 study by I.E.S. Edwards concluded that the Great Pyramid’s packing blocks were arranged with inward slopes, creating a concave octagonal structure—a feature unique among all known pyramids.
Concave Design
Akio Kato’s 2023 study in the Archaeological Discovery journal confirmed the pyramid’s concave character, describing its subtle indentations as a marvel of ancient engineering, visible only from above.
Petrie’s Clue
Flinders Petrie’s early analysis in the 1800s suggested the unusual hollows were deliberate design features, enhancing the pyramid’s visual symmetry and perhaps its structural integrity.
Purposeful Indents
Some researchers believe the concave design was an intentional choice to prevent erosion or as a symbolic architectural marvel. Others suggest it may have aligned with celestial or mathematical principles.
Airborne Mystery
Despite being visible for centuries, the octagonal design wasn’t widely discussed until aerial photography captured its concavity—proof that some secrets of the pyramids lie beyond ground-level observation.
Engineering Wonder
The concave feature is believed to be an engineering feat, requiring precise craftsmanship to align massive blocks perfectly. Theories link it to the pyramid’s astronomical alignment and symbolic purpose.
Unfinished Puzzle
The eight-sided pyramid remains a mystery, inspiring ongoing research. As Kato noted in 2023, “This concavity is so subtle that it escapes ground observation, but its discovery reshapes our understanding of ancient ingenuity.”