Two hidden air-filled voids have been detected behind the eastern face of the Menkaure Pyramid in Giza, Egypt, renewing long-standing theories about a possible undiscovered entrance to the ancient structure. The discovery was made by researchers from Cairo University and the Technical University of Munich (TUM), working as part of the ScanPyramids project.
The team used non-invasive methods, including ground-penetrating radar, ultrasound, and electrical resistivity tomography, to scan the pyramid’s eastern side.
These technologies confirmed the presence of two cavities, each filled with air and concealed behind a smooth section of granite blocks. This finding marks the first time such structural anomalies have been located in this part of the pyramid.
Precise data confirms hidden cavities
The anomalies are situated 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) and 1.13 meters (3.7 feet) beneath the eastern facade. The larger void measures roughly 1 meter (3.3 feet) high and 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) wide, while the smaller one is about 0.9 meters (3.0 feet) by 0.7 meters (2.3 feet).
Researchers said the detection was made possible through a technique called image fusion, which combines results from multiple scanning methods to generate a more precise view of the internal structure.
For years, experts have questioned the unusual finish of a section on the pyramid’s eastern face, where granite stones are polished across an area about 4 meters (13.1 feet) high and 6 meters (19.7 feet) wide.
This kind of refined surface is otherwise only seen at the known northern entrance. In 2019, researcher Stijn van den Hoven suggested that the smooth eastern section might indicate the presence of another entrance hidden from view.
Air-filled voids in Giza’s Menkaure pyramid support entrance theory
This latest discovery supports that hypothesis. According to Christian Grosse, a professor of non-destructive testing at TUM, the scanning methods developed by the team allow researchers to investigate the pyramid’s internal layout without causing damage.
Grosse noted that the idea of a second entrance now seems more credible, and the results take researchers a significant step closer to verifying it.
The team previously made headlines in 2023 when they confirmed the presence of a hidden corridor in the neighboring Pyramid of Khufu. The new detection of air-filled voids in the Menkaure Pyramid builds on that success and highlights the continued potential of non-invasive technology in uncovering secrets within Egypt’s ancient monuments.
The findings have been published in the journal NDT & E International.
