Researchers from Higashi Nippon International University, Tohoku University, and the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) in Egypt conducted comprehensive geophysical exploration in the Western Cemetery of Giza, Egypt, between 2021 and 2023. What they found is a previously unknown underground structure, whose function and characteristics are a mystery.

Using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), the research team managed to detect the structure, which spans about 33 feet by 33 feet, is located at a depth of between 1.6 and 6.5 feet below the surface, and has an “L” shape in the horizontal plane.

According to the analysis, this surface structure appears to have been later filled with sand, suggesting that it may have served as an entrance to another deeper structure.

Location of the projected survey area on Google Maps. The red rectangle shows the initial survey area. The color figure shows the horizontal profile of the GPR. The view is to the north
Location of the projected survey area on Google Maps. The red rectangle shows the initial survey area. The color figure shows the horizontal profile of the GPR. The view is to the north. Credit: M.Sato et al. / Archaeological Prospection

Indeed, scientists found beneath it, at a depth of between 16.5 and 33 feet, a high electrical resistivity anomaly extending over a similar area of 33 feet by 33 feet.

Neither the GPR nor the ERT could accurately determine the properties of this anomaly, explains the team. However, researchers believe it to be an archaeologically significant structure, possibly a tomb or underground chamber, which remains unexcavated.

The Western Cemetery of Giza is known to be the resting place of royalty and high officials of ancient Egypt. Although the area features a large number of mastabas (flat surface tombs) lined up from north to south, there is a flat, empty area between them that had not been deeply explored until now.

L-shaped structure detected next to the pyramids of Giza
L-shaped structure detected next to the pyramids of Giza. Credit: Higashi Nippon International University

There are no significant remains on the ground in this area, but is there really nothing beneath the surface? wondered the researchers. Now it seems the answer is a resounding “no”.

Findings obtained through GPR and ERT point to the possible existence of buried archaeological remains that need to be urgently excavated to determine their purpose and historical significance. “It is important to explore beneath the surface of this blank area to investigate the entire Western Cemetery,” conclude the scientists.

With this discovery, the Western Cemetery of Giza once again emerges as one of the most intriguing and enigmatic archaeological sites in Egypt, awaiting further research to unveil the secrets it still holds beneath its sands.

Sources

Sato, M., Saito, R., Abbas, A., Mesbah, H., Taha, A., Gaweish, W., Aldeep, M., Ali, A., Kurokouchi, H., Takahashi, K., El-Qady, G. and Yoshimura, S. (2024), GPR and ERT Exploration in the Western Cemetery in Giza, Egypt. Archaeological Prospection. doi.org/10.1002/arp.1940

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