Great Pyramid of Khufu

North Face

Above, the ancient entrance connecting the north face to the burial chamber. Although blocked over when the pyramid was completed, some think it was also intended as a magical exit for Pharaoh's spirit to join the north circumpolar stars, which never set below the horizon. Below and to the right is the entrance used in modern times. It was originally cut in 820 A.D. by Caliph Abdullah al-Mamoun, who was looking for treasure.

Related articles by Egyptologist Zahi Hawass may be found on The Plateau website.