Hi All,
We have been told ad infinitum that the casing stones on the Great Pyramid are of Tura limestone and rose to the apex of the pyramid. But is this really the case?
Recent questions around the type of construction concerned the white "plaster" which is present on, not only the casing stones, but also the core blocks. Where did this "plaster" come from, when and why was it used? Is it a product of the original builders, a post structural measure or a recent addition?
The image below taken in 1857 shows an extensive build up of sand around the base of the Great Pyramid.
![]()
In 1909 Dow Covington began to excavate the sand and detritus from the base directly in front of the entrance on the north face.
![]()
This task was accomplished by 1910.
![]()
Dow Covington could then the sit upon blocks many thousands of years old and admire the spectacle which was due to his efforts. The hill of detritus to the east is now completely removed.
![]()
Not only were the casing stones eroded in a peculiar fashion which sees the most eastern stones in quite reasonable condition, considering their age, but some of the remainder are badly deteriorated towards the west, and one, at least, having a large chunk removed. However, no sign of any "plaster" is present.
![]()
Not only do recent images not show the missing chunk but most of the blocks have now been remodelled.
![]()
The blocks at the western end show large amounts of white "plaster" as do many core blocks. If this "plaster" was used by the original builders, how did it drip onto such heavily eroded blocks, and was it present at the time of excavation?
![]()
William Osburn in his 1854, "The Monumental History of Egypt," writes that, contrary to the conclusions of Lepsius and Vyse who were of the opinion that the casing stones were of Tura limestone, he disagreed stating :
"We are compelled to say that such is not our impression.
In the course of repeated visits to Gizeh, including a residence there for some time, it occurred to us that the casing had been removed from the pyramid of Suphis (Cheops) at a very early period, long before the days of Herodotus.
We were induced by this consideration carefully to examine the mounds of detritus which everywhere, and to an enormous depth, encumber the platform on which the pyramid stands.
We found that they were composed all but entirely of fragments of a grey granite, identical in appearance with that which lines the interior passages and vaults." (Pp. 273 - 274)
As no Tura limestone casing blocks exist on the faces of the Great Pyramid, and the detritus has been long removed, could Osburn have been correct in his stance that granite, and not Tura limestone, was the source material and, if so, was this granite placed upon the few remaining limestone blocks from a much earlier age?
lover
We have been told ad infinitum that the casing stones on the Great Pyramid are of Tura limestone and rose to the apex of the pyramid. But is this really the case?
Recent questions around the type of construction concerned the white "plaster" which is present on, not only the casing stones, but also the core blocks. Where did this "plaster" come from, when and why was it used? Is it a product of the original builders, a post structural measure or a recent addition?
The image below taken in 1857 shows an extensive build up of sand around the base of the Great Pyramid.
In 1909 Dow Covington began to excavate the sand and detritus from the base directly in front of the entrance on the north face.
This task was accomplished by 1910.
Dow Covington could then the sit upon blocks many thousands of years old and admire the spectacle which was due to his efforts. The hill of detritus to the east is now completely removed.
Not only were the casing stones eroded in a peculiar fashion which sees the most eastern stones in quite reasonable condition, considering their age, but some of the remainder are badly deteriorated towards the west, and one, at least, having a large chunk removed. However, no sign of any "plaster" is present.
Not only do recent images not show the missing chunk but most of the blocks have now been remodelled.
The blocks at the western end show large amounts of white "plaster" as do many core blocks. If this "plaster" was used by the original builders, how did it drip onto such heavily eroded blocks, and was it present at the time of excavation?
William Osburn in his 1854, "The Monumental History of Egypt," writes that, contrary to the conclusions of Lepsius and Vyse who were of the opinion that the casing stones were of Tura limestone, he disagreed stating :
"We are compelled to say that such is not our impression.
In the course of repeated visits to Gizeh, including a residence there for some time, it occurred to us that the casing had been removed from the pyramid of Suphis (Cheops) at a very early period, long before the days of Herodotus.
We were induced by this consideration carefully to examine the mounds of detritus which everywhere, and to an enormous depth, encumber the platform on which the pyramid stands.
We found that they were composed all but entirely of fragments of a grey granite, identical in appearance with that which lines the interior passages and vaults." (Pp. 273 - 274)
As no Tura limestone casing blocks exist on the faces of the Great Pyramid, and the detritus has been long removed, could Osburn have been correct in his stance that granite, and not Tura limestone, was the source material and, if so, was this granite placed upon the few remaining limestone blocks from a much earlier age?
lover