The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the world's most famous monuments, was designed with sophisticated techniques that allowed it to withstand earthquakes for more than 4,600 years, according to a new scientific study.
Built during the Old Kingdom of Egypt as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu, the pyramid has fascinated people for centuries with its incredible longevity. While many ancient buildings have disappeared due to earthquakes and natural disasters, it has remained remarkably stable.
To understand this exceptional resilience, researchers used seismometers to analyze the natural vibrations around and inside the structure. The devices recorded background tremors at 37 different points on the monument.
Scientists have observed that the pyramid exhibits a remarkably consistent and stable response to vibrations, despite its enormous size. Each face measures approximately 230 meters at the base, and the structure originally covered more than five hectares.
The study highlights several factors explaining this robustness: an extremely wide base, a very low center of gravity, a perfectly symmetrical geometry, and a mass that gradually decreases towards the apex. The pyramid's internal chambers also appear to play a significant role in limiting the amplification of vibrations.
Researchers also point out that the monument was built on a particularly solid limestone rock base, further reinforcing its stability against seismic shocks.
According to Mohamed ElGabry of the National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research, all these characteristics together form a "balanced and coherent" structure. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, suggests that the builders of ancient Egypt possessed a far more advanced understanding of structural engineering than previously thought.
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