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The secret gates at the heart of the Great Pyramid may be opened for the first time in 2012, a British robot company believes - solving a mystery that has puzzled archaeologists since 1872.
Scoutek UK had already begun exploring behind the gates earlier this year - and produced the first-ever images from behind the gates using a 'micro snake' robot. But the exploration was halted by the recent unrest in Egypt.
Expedition leader Shaun Whitehead said, 'I'm very confident we can resume work in 2012.'
New revelations on the enduring mystery were already expected this year, following a robot exploration of the 4,500-year-old pharaonic mausoleum.
But unrest in Egypt froze the project at its most promising stage, after it produced the first ever images behind one of the Great Pyramid's mysterious doors.
'The main plan is to carefully survey and document the shafts, to gather as much information as possible to allow archaeologists to determine their purpose. We also still plan to look beyond the blocking stones at the ends of the shafts, if it is safe and practical to do so.'
The four narrow shafts deep inside the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramid have puzzled archaeologists ever since they were first found in 1872.
The shafts are just eight inches across - and thus can't be explored by human explorers. Many experts believe that the shaft was designed to provide an 'exit' for the Pharaoh's spirit into.
What seems to be missing from this story is warnings about an ancient curse that will be placed on whoever opens the door!
Originally posted by mblahnikluver
on the other its disturbing the dead and their afterlife beliefs. I guess Im supersticious but I think we should leave their tombs the way they are, but then I go back to its cool to learn about them.... So yea can't make up my mind on that particular topic.
Originally posted by jibeho
I am constantly reminded of Pandora's Box....
Should be interesting... This stuff is simply fascinating!!
It may be the environment that's responsible more than the metal. When I lived in Ohio I was used to seeing cars look like a rusty mess after a decade with all the rain and salt on the roads. Then I went to Phoenix and saw some really old cars without a hint of rust anywhere. They were made of the same metal, in fact the older metal was less corrosion resistant. Apparently metal can corrode very slowly in a dry place and that part of Egypt has been pretty dry for at least the last 5000 years.
Originally posted by NeoVain
What metal does not erode in 4000 years? Also, no other metal was ever used in the construction of the pyramid...