The ancient pyramids of Egypt are some of the most iconic and mysterious structures in the world. For centuries, people have been fascinated by these massive tombs built to house the remains of pharaohs and other high-ranking officials. However, despite their impressive size and seemingly impenetrable defenses, many of the pyramids have been looted by thieves over the centuries. In this article, we’ll explore the methods and motivations of these tomb raiders and examine how they managed to breach the pyramids’ formidable defenses.
The Great Pyramids of Egypt
The Great Pyramids of Egypt were built during the Old Kingdom, between 2686 and 2181 BC. These massive structures were built as tombs for the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and were designed to protect their remains and worldly possessions for eternity. The pyramids were built with impressive precision, with each block weighing several tons and fitting together so tightly that a knife blade could not fit between them.
Despite their impressive construction, the pyramids were not impervious to theft. In fact, tomb raiding was a major problem in ancient Egypt, with thieves often targeting the tombs of pharaohs and other high-ranking officials in search of treasure and valuable artifacts.
Tomb robbery methods
So how did these tomb raiders get past the pyramids’ defenses? There are several methods they used, including
- Bribery: Tomb raiders often bribed workers and officials to gain access to the pyramids. They would offer money or other incentives to those who could provide them with information about the layout of the tomb and the location of the burial chamber.
- Tunneling: Some tomb raiders dug tunnels into the pyramid from the outside, bypassing the entrance and other defenses. These tunnels were often small and narrow, and required the use of simple tools such as chisels and hammers.
- Breaking and entering: In some cases, tomb raiders simply used brute force to break through the pyramid’s defenses. They would use hammers, chisels, and other tools to break through the stone blocks and gain access to the tomb.
Motivations of tomb raiders
The motivations of tomb raiders varied from individual to individual. Some were motivated by greed, seeking to steal valuable treasures and artifacts from the tombs. Others were motivated by a sense of adventure and excitement, seeking to explore the hidden chambers and passageways of the pyramids.
Additional information about tomb raiding and its consequences
- Punishments for grave robbing: Tomb raiding was a serious crime in ancient Egypt, and those caught in the act could face severe punishment. Punishments ranged from fines and beatings to being buried alive or having one’s nose and ears cut off.
- Protective measures: The ancient Egyptians took a number of measures to protect their tombs from theft, including building false chambers, sealing off passageways, and using traps and curses to deter would-be thieves.
- Famous tomb raiders: Some of the most famous tomb raiders in history include Giovanni Belzoni, who discovered the tomb of Seti I in the Valley of the Kings, and Howard Carter, who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922.
- Modern looting: Unfortunately, tomb raids and looting continue to be a problem in Egypt today. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile thefts from Egyptian museums and archaeological sites, with priceless artifacts and treasures stolen and smuggled out of the country.
By exploring these and other aspects of tomb robbery in ancient Egypt, readers can gain a fuller understanding of this fascinating and often dangerous practice.
Conclusion
Tomb raiding was a major problem in ancient Egypt, with thieves often targeting the tombs of pharaohs and other high-ranking officials in search of treasure and valuable artifacts. The methods and motivations of these tomb raiders varied, but they all shared a willingness to risk life and limb to breach the formidable defenses of the pyramids. By examining the techniques used by these ancient tomb raiders, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges involved in protecting the treasures of the past.
FAQ
How did thieves get into Egyptian pyramids?
Generally, the thieves entered the pyramids through tunnels. A number of these tunnels still survive, like the one used to enter the Pyramid of Senusret III at Dahshur.
How did robbers get into the pyramids?
Multiple passages were built so the robbers would be lost inside the pyramid for a long time. Fake doors were made which opened to a blank wall behind it. Doors were built of very heavy granite so the robbers had to be strong and put a lot of effort into opening them.
Who robbed the pyramids in Egypt?
Giuseppe Ferlini (April 23, 1797 – December 30, 1870) was an Italian soldier turned treasure hunter, who robbed and desecrated the pyramids of Meroë.
| Giuseppe Ferlini | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Italian |
| Occupation | Treasure hunter |
| Known for | The plundering of the pyramids of Meroë |
How did pyramids protect from thieves and grave robbers?
First, they used deep holes that were covered in thin layers of packed sand so the tomb robbers stepped on the thin sand and the robbers, well, fell to their death or starved in the hole.
Why did grave robbers steal bodies in ancient Egypt?
Ancient Egyptians robbed the tombs of the wealthy for many of the same reasons people rob others in the present day: excitement, money, and a kind of empowerment in taking what one does not own.
How did people break into the pyramids?
Generally, the thieves entered the pyramids through tunnels. A number of these tunnels still survive, like the one used to enter the Pyramid of Senusret III at Dahshur.
Who looted the pyramids?
In 1818, Giovanni Belzoni, an Italian circus owner, dug his way through Egypt, destroying everything in his way from Giza to Abu Simbel in his search for gold and monuments. He even sought one day to dismantle the third pyramid at Giza to see if it contained a burial chamber, but found the project too expensive.
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Why was Tut’s tomb not robbed?
The tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1922 by excavators led by the Egyptologist Howard Carter. Whereas the tombs of most pharaohs were plundered by graverobbers in ancient times, Tutankhamun’s tomb was hidden by debris for most of its existence and therefore not extensively robbed.
Why did pyramids have gold tops?
A pyramidion was “covered in gold leaf to reflect the rays of the sun“; during Egypt’s Middle Kingdom pyramidia were often “inscribed with royal titles and religious symbols”.
Why did pyramids have trap doors?
The pyramids’ main purpose was to keep the pharaohs’ bodies safe. Granite doors, false passages, and fake chambers were there to keep out robbers.
Did the pyramid of Giza get robbed?
The Pyramids of Giza Have Been Looted By Grave Robbers
Over the years, the Pyramids of Giza have been looted several times, like many other royal tombs. Since it was known that the pharaohs were buried with gold and jewels, grave robbing was quite common in ancient Egypt.
Were the Great Pyramids robbed?
The Great Pyramid of Giza was robbed of its treasures thousands of years ago. The passage that all tourists enter today is the Robber’s Tunnel that was presumably used for plundering everything of value inside.
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