Why It’s Time to Rewrite the History of Giza

The Giza Plateau, with its iconic pyramids and the enigmatic Great Sphinx, is often viewed as the pinnacle of 4th Dynasty achievements in Ancient Egypt. However, recent analysis suggests that the origins of this world-renowned site may extend far earlier than traditionally thought, possibly into Pre-Dynastic or Early Dynastic periods. Evidence from the Khafre causeway, surrounding quarries, and the Sphinx enclosure itself raises intriguing questions about the true timeline and development of Giza’s most famous structures.

The Khafre Causeway: A Central Feature of the Plateau

The Khafre causeway, a 495-meter-long limestone ridge, connects the Khafre Pyramid to the valley temple, passing the Great Sphinx along the way. Unlike other areas of the plateau that were heavily quarried, this narrow band of bedrock was intentionally left intact. Egyptologists traditionally attribute this feature to Khafre’s architectural plan, but the evidence suggests that it might have existed long before his reign.

French architect Jean-Pierre Houdin has proposed that the ridge served as a natural ramp for Khufu, Khafre’s predecessor, during the construction of the Great Pyramid. This ridge provided a low-gradient path for transporting heavy granite blocks from the harbor to the pyramid’s construction site. If Khufu intentionally preserved this ridge, it implies that it predated his reign and was recognized as a valuable feature of the landscape.

The Quarries Surrounding the Causeway

The quarries flanking the Khafre causeway also provide crucial clues about the plateau’s history. The southern quarry is widely accepted as the primary source of limestone for Khufu’s Great Pyramid. This area, extensively studied by Mark Lehner in 1985, is often referred to as the “Khufu Quarry.”

To the north of the causeway lies another quarry, partially associated with Khafre. However, archaeological evidence, including parallel stone walls and mud-seal impressions bearing Khufu’s name, suggests that the eastern section of this northern quarry may also date to Khufu’s reign. If true, this means that both the northern and southern quarries were in use during Khufu’s time, leaving the central ridge of the causeway intentionally untouched.

Lehner’s studies also indicate that Khufu’s architects may have envisioned a long-term plan for the plateau. The ridge could have served as an early roadway or pathway, potentially used in Pre-Dynastic or Early Dynastic times. If so, this ancient feature might have influenced the layout of later constructions, including the pyramids and their associated causeways.

Solar Alignments and Master Planning

Another compelling aspect of Giza’s layout is its potential alignment with celestial phenomena. The name of the Great Pyramid, Akhet Khufu (Horizon of Khufu), hints at a deep connection with the sun and the horizon. Mark Lehner has noted that during the summer solstice, the sun sets almost perfectly between the Khufu and Khafre pyramids when viewed from the Sphinx Temple. This alignment creates the image of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyph akhet, symbolizing the horizon, with the sun framed by two mountains.

Such a precise alignment suggests intentional planning and raises the possibility that the Giza Plateau was conceived as a unified royal necropolis from the start. The solar symbolism inherent in the plateau’s design may reflect religious beliefs that predate the 4th Dynasty, further supporting the theory of an earlier origin for some of Giza’s key features.

The Sphinx Enclosure and Causeway Erosion

The weathering patterns on the Great Sphinx and its enclosure have long been a topic of debate. Some researchers argue that the erosion is consistent with heavy rainfall, which was more common during the Pre-Dynastic or Early Dynastic periods. If true, this would mean the Sphinx—and potentially the ridge upon which the Khafre causeway was built—predates the pyramids.

The construction of the Khafre causeway itself incorporated parts of this ancient ridge. Alongside the covered causeway, walkways on either side of the ridge suggest that it was a pre-existing pathway adapted and enhanced during Khafre’s reign. The ridge’s central position and continued use through multiple reigns underscore its importance in the plateau’s development.

Implications for the History of Giza

If the Khafre causeway and its surrounding features are indeed older than traditionally thought, it calls into question the accepted narrative of Giza’s development. Rather than being a product solely of 4th Dynasty innovation, the plateau may have been a sacred site with a history stretching back to Egypt’s earliest periods.

This reinterpretation does not diminish the achievements of Khufu, Khafre, or their successors but instead highlights their ability to integrate and build upon an already significant landscape. Recognizing the potential Pre-Dynastic and Early Dynastic contributions to the Giza Plateau enriches our understanding of its history and deepens our appreciation for its enduring legacy.

Conclusion

The evidence from the Khafre causeway, surrounding quarries, and celestial alignments suggests that the Giza Plateau’s origins may predate the pyramids and the Sphinx. This narrow limestone ridge appears to have been a central feature of the plateau, influencing the layout of later constructions and serving practical, symbolic, and possibly even religious purposes.

As new studies continue to challenge traditional timelines, it becomes increasingly clear that the history of Giza is far more complex and ancient than previously believed. By revisiting and reinterpreting the evidence, we can uncover a richer and more nuanced story of one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.