Produced by: Manoj Kumar
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”