The Great Pyramid of Giza: A Puzzling Monument That Was Never Lost

The Great Pyramid of Giza has stood looming over the Egyptian landscape for nearly 5000 years. It is one of the most recognizable and enigmatic structures of ancient times. While it might be tempting to think of the pyramid as a mystery that was 'discovered' by scholars, the truth is much more nuanced. The Great Pyramid, the largest of the three significant pyramids in the Giza complex, has been embedded in the collective consciousness of Mediterranean cultures from its construction in around 2750 BC.

Myths and Misconceptions

Myths about the discovery of the Great Pyramid are common, but they do not accurately represent the historical truth. It is often claimed that the pyramid was discovered or lost and then found. However, the reality is quite different. The Great Pyramid, part of the necropolis of the Fourth Dynasty pharaohs, has always been visible and known to people in the region and far beyond. It was not 'lost' in any way. But, as the collective understanding of its significance evolved, so too did the ways in which it was documented and studied by various explorers and scholars.

Identifications and Discoveries

John Greaves: In the 17th century, John Greaves, a British astronomer, identified the Great Pyramid of Giza as belonging to Pharaoh Khufu. This identification was based on Greaves's detailed drawings and measurements of the monument, which helped to confirm the ties between the pyramid and the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Greaves's work marked a significant milestone in the study of ancient architecture and history.

Early Explorers and Archaeologists

The Great Pyramid of Giza not only stood as a testament to ancient engineering but also as a gateway to understanding the civilization that built it. Giovanni Battista Caviglia, an Italian explorer, explored the interior chambers of the pyramid in the late-18th/early-19th centuries. These explorations provided valuable insights into the architecture and the internal workings of the pyramid, contributing to the growing body of knowledge about these ancient structures.

The Forgotten Era of Discovery

The period of European interest in ancient Egyptian civilization, particularly through the study of the Great Pyramid, began in the 17th and 18th centuries as Western powers became more curious about the past. The identification of the pyramid as belonging to Pharaoh Khufu by John Greaves marked the beginning of a new era in archaeological exploration. It was during this time that historical accounts and interpretations of the pyramid began to take shape, as scholars sought to understand the monumental structures and the ancient people who built them.

Ancient Sources and Names

The Greeks, in their efforts to understand and document the ancient world, named the pharaohs of the Fourth Dynasty. For Pharaoh Khufu, the Greeks used the name 'Cheops' or 'Kheops.' This name, alongside the other names of the pharaohs, was based on the difficulty of pronouncing the Egyptian names in Greek. Thus, the pyramid was known to the ancient Greeks as the 'Pyramid of Cheops.'

The Misconception of Discovery

It is a common misconception that the Great Pyramid of Giza was just 'discovered' by modern scholars. This idea ignores the long history of its presence and understanding by local and Mediterranean cultures. In fact, the Great Pyramid was the tallest building in the world until the 19th century and was always a recognizable feature of the Egyptian landscape. As such, attempts to 'discover' its significance or origin among the Western world, such as Greaves's and Caviglia's contributions, should be celebrated for how they enriched our collective knowledge of ancient Egypt.