Pyramid Power

Question 1

The Orion Correlation Theory (1993+)

Answer 1

Orion Correlation Theory claims that there is a correlation between the location of the 3 largest pyramids of the Giza pyramid complex and the 3 middle stars of the constellation Orion

More Detail:

• Theory by Robert Bauval, a Belgian engineer
• Later joined by Graham Hancock, a journalist author in 1997 who expanded the theory
• Great Sphix was consturcted ~10,500 BCE and it’s lion shape was a reference to the consteallation Leo
• Further claim that the 4th Dynasty “unfinished Pyramid” south of Giza represents the star Bellatrix in Orion, and the pyramid of Djedefre at Abu Rawash, north of Giza represents the star Saiph
• This means that the pyramids were intended to create an earthly copy of the stellar netherworld and these pyramids and positions of the Sphinx, Giza Pyramids, and the Nile River relative to one another on the ground is put forward as a map of the constellations of leo, Orion and the Milky Way

Question 2

Issues with the Orion Correlation Theory and their explanation

Answer 2

-Only works if the Sphinx was built ca. 10,500 BCE

> Their explanation is that the pyramids are not necessarily that old, but they do argue that the idea of mapping the netherworld on the Giza plateau was conceived that early but only later carried out.

Question 3

Mastabas

Answer 3

Mud-brick structures over the burial pits of kings of Egypt (~5100 years ago)

Question 4

Stepped Pyramid of Djoser/Zoser

Answer 4

Egypt’s OLDEST known pyramid, 2630 BC (~4530 years ago) located at the Saqqara Plateau

Djoser/Zoser was 2nd king, Egypt’s 3rd dynasty,

Question 5

Causeways

Answer 5

One theory for construction used Causeways

Causeways hauled the stone blocks on wooden sleds up the side of the pyramids, massive blocks fitted together so tightly a postcard could not fit between

Question 6

Pyramid of Khufu

Answer 6

150m tall

13.1 acres

2,300,000 stone blocks that weight 2 tons each (2275kg)

Question 7

King Khufu

Answer 7

Ruled from 2589-2566 BC

Son of King Sneferu and Queen Hetpeheres

Known as “Cheops”

Father of pyramid building at Giza

Son named Kafre

Question 8

Kafre

Answer 8

Son of King Khufu

Known as Rakhaef or Chephren

Ruled from 2520-2494 BC

Second largest pyramid complex at Giza (include Sphinx and a Montuary Temple)

Question 9

Menkaure’s Pyramid

Answer 9

Menkaure, known as Mycerinus, ruled from 2490-2472 BC

King of the samllest of the three pyramids at Giza, believed to be Khufu’s grandson

Question 10

Cemetery of the Pyramid Builders

Answer 10

South of the pyramids of Giza

600 small tombs in the area, 70 more elaborate tombs

Simple, and skeletons which could not be mummified (on cost)