4.1 MET: Inside the Pyramids

The pyramids have been looted many times over in history, and there is nothing to see inside. However, just physically being inside these mysterious structures is a lifetime experience.

Among others, you can go inside the Red Pyramid in Dahshur or the Great Pyramid of Cheops or the Khufu Pyramid, in Giza. I chose the less touristy and quieter Red Pyramid. It’s about 343 feet tall, and the entrance is 94 feet above the ground level. Stone and wooden steps were installed for easy access.



The tunnel into the interior is narrow, low, and long, and slopes 27 degrees downward. I practically crawled down the path with my backpack rubbing the rocks above. I arrived at Dahshur very early that day, so I was the first and the only one in the tunnel. I would imagine in the middle of a hot summer day, crawling down this passageway with dozens of other visitors would not be most comfortable.



The 206 foot length seems to extend for ever. Looking back at the opening, I seemed to understand why the pyramids were designed for the renaissance of the souls which could go though the long dark tunnel heading for the bright light at the end.



Finally I got to the bottom where the tunnel leads to a rectangular chamber with a pointed roof. The corbeled high ceiling tapers faster than the pyramid itself, leaving me wonder what lies between the large limestone walls of the chamber and the outer surface rocks. There aren’t any ornaments or objects in this bare chamber. On the other side, there is another opening.





The passageway on the other side connects to another chamber which resembles the first one. This chamber seems to be the only one lying directly beneath the apex of the pyramid. Yet another passage opens up on the other side leading to the final chamber believed to be the actual burial place. It also has a high stepped ceiling. The floor of the burial chamber has been excavated but no other passageway has been found so far.



I didn’t know what was first found inside the pyramid, nor could I imagine the excitement of the treasure hunters who first made it into the chambers. Mais, du centre de ces pyramides, quarante siècles m'encerclent. From the center of the chamber right under the apex, I took a deep breath, taking in, along the musty air, the forty centuries of solemnity and spirituality of a long lost civilization.