North Face, Great Pyramid of Khufu

This is an ancient entrance connecting the north face of the pyramid to the burial chamber. Although blocked over when the pyramid was completed, some think it was also intended as a magical exit for Pharaoh's spirit to join the north circumpolar stars, which never set below the horizon. Below and to the right is the entrance used in modern times. It was originally cut in 820 A.D. by Caliph Abdullah al-Mamoun, who was looking for treasure.

The chevrons above the original entrance define a relieving arch. There are also relieving arches inside the pyramid, above the king's and queen's chambers.

Related articles by Egyptologist Zahi Hawass may be found on The Plateau website.