An international team of archaeologists from Egypt, Australia and the United States has discovered a long-buried tributary of the Nile River that lies alongside more than 30 pyramids in Giza, Egypt. Scientists believe that it was used to deliver multi-ton stone blocks during the famous construction of the pharaoh’s tombs. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Contact Earth and Environment (CEE).
According to experts, the canal, which is approximately 64 kilometers long, has been hidden by desert and agricultural lands for thousands of years. Its existence explains why 31 pyramids were erected in a chain at this particular location between 4,700 and 3,700 years ago.
Archaeologists have suggested that ancient Egyptians may have transported huge blocks to build the pyramids by water, but no one knew exactly where this channel was located.
The team discovered the ancient riverbed using radar satellite images. The open branch of the Nile was called Ahramat, which means “pyramids” in Arabic.
According to scientists, many pyramids had special roads leading to river ports. The bodies of the pharaohs were also transported to their tombs by boats.
Experts believe that during severe drought, Akhramat became shallow over time and became covered with sand. Therefore, subsequent dynasties of Ancient Egyptian rulers had to build pyramids elsewhere.
Previous scientists clarified The mystery of the first mummies in ancient Egypt.