The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids that still stands in the El Giza complex of Egypt, and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built over a period of roughly 20 years, the colossal structure was sanctioned under the ruler of the fourth dynasty – Khufu – who is believed to have been buried inside. For years archaeologists have tussled with conspiracy theorists, who wildly claim the advanced technology needed to build these pyramids must have come from out of this world.
They cite the bizarre carvings and inscriptions found inside the ancient buildings, and their astronomical configuration – which is said to line up perfectly with Orion’s Belt.
However, Bettany Hughes revealed during her Channel 4 show “The Nile: Egypt’s Great River” how any rumours were finally put to bed six years ago.
She said last month: “The Great Pyramid took two decades to complete, with its original polished, white limestone casing, it would have gleamed out in the Egyptian Sun.
“Exactly who built it, and how, has been the subject of wild speculation for centuries.
“It’s been said that this was built by aliens from outer space.
“But, thank goodness, some new historical evidence has appeared that tells us, without a doubt, that this pyramid was made by humans."
The Diary of Merer is the name for the papyrus logbooks discovered in 2013 by a French mission under the direction of Pierre Tallet in a cave near Wadi al-Jarf.
The text is written with hieroglyphs and hieratic and tells the story of Merer, a middle-ranking official with the title “inspector”, who helped transport limestone needed for the Great Pyramid.
Ms Hughes added: “It is this remarkable thing, a copy of an ancient papyrus.