Study reveals how the Great Pyramid of Giza withstood earthquakes for 4,600 years

But the Great Pyramid remains, having withstood major earthquakes, such as those of 1847 and 1992which destroyed thousands of modern buildings in Egypt.

Even though part of the outer covering has come off over the centuries, the core of the structure remains practically intact. And now science has a more detailed explanation of how this is possible. Follow to understand.

What did the new study reveal about the strength of the Pyramid of Giza?

A study conducted by researchers at Egypt’s National Institute for Research in Astronomy and Geophysics, published in the journal Scientific Reports, analyzed the resistance of the Great Pyramid of Giza to earthquakes.

How did scientists analyze the structure of the pyramid?

Scientists installed seismometers at 37 measuring points spread across the inner chambers, the building blocks and the surrounding terrain, using a technique called ambient vibration analysis.

The result was surprising. The pyramid has uniform fundamental frequencies, between 2.0 and 2.6 Hz, with an average of approximately 2.3 Hz throughout the structure, which indicates an exceptional homogeneity in its dynamic behavior.

Why doesn’t the Pyramid of Giza resonate during earthquakes?

Here’s the key point from the Giza Pyramid study: This frequency range is quite different from the surrounding ground frequency, which hovers around 0.6 Hz, a difference that prevents so-called resonance amplification, a mechanism that typically amplifies damage during seismic activity.

In other words, when a building vibrates at the same frequency as the ground, it “gets in tune” with the tremor and amplifies the movement, which can lead to collapse. As the frequency of the pyramid is very different from that of the ground, it does not enter this destructive cycle.

How does the pyramid shape increase its stability?

The geometry of the pyramid is not only aesthetic and also plays an important role in its resistance. The extremely wide base and low center of gravity, combined with a highly symmetrical geometry and gradual reduction in mass toward the top, help distribute seismic forces throughout the structure.

The lower it is, the more weight and more stability; the further up, the less mass to “sway” during a tremor.

Furthermore, this entire mass rests on a bed of solid limestone – a natural foundation that virtually eliminates the risk of subsidence or uneven displacement during seismic events.

Do internal chambers help protect the pyramid?

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the research lies in the inner chambers. The design of the relief chambers, located above the King’s Chamber, appears to have a central role in protecting the structure.

Measurements have shown that the amplification of vibrations decreases within these chambers, even though they are at higher points in the pyramid, suggesting that they help to dissipate seismic energy and protect the King’s Chamber.

The knowledge of the ancient Egyptians surprised researchers

Everything indicates that the structure was not planned as anti-seismic protection per se. Researchers believe the ancient Egyptians did not consciously design the pyramid to withstand earthquakesbut they developed structural solutions that ended up guaranteeing enormous durability.

According to one of the authors of the research, the builders of Ancient Egypt had practical knowledge about stability, foundation behavior, mass distribution and load transfer, probably accumulated over time through trial and error.

What can modern engineering learn from the Great Pyramid of Giza?

The mystery of the pyramids has always fascinated archaeologists, physicists and architects. And this study reinforces why.

The idea of ​​designing buildings whose natural frequency is deliberately different from that of the ground is already used in modern earthquake engineering, but seeing this principle “discovered” empirically millennia ago, without calculations, seismographs or computers, is what makes the discovery so impactful.

The construction of the pyramids in Egypt shows that, even without the tools of modern physics, the Egyptians arrived at solutions that we validate today with cutting-edge technology. And it is precisely this combination of Ancient Egypt and 21st century science that keeps the Great Pyramid of Giza at the center of attention of the scientific community.