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Treasures of Pharaoh
The Pyramid of Khufu was built by Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) in 4th Dynasty circa 2560 BC, making it over 4500 years old! It is widely accepted that pyramid was built to bury Pharaoh Khufu when he died. However, many other conspiracy theories abound as to why pyramids were built, ranging from astronomical observatories to alien artifacts.
Since Egyptian Pharaohs were noted for being buried with their great treasure, Arab conquerors attempted to gain entrance into Pyramid of Khufu in order to plunder it.
They managed to find a few narrow passages that led both up into center of pyramid, and down beneath massive structure. However, all they managed to find at end of these passages were empty chambers. No mummies or treasure was found in pyramid.
During Arabs' excavation of Pyramid of Khufu, they encountered various boulders and slabs that were used to seal passages and chambers within pyramid. They also found hidden doors. This probably fueled many myths about Egyptian pyramids being booby-trapped, and where a grave robber who managed to get in would never get out alive.
A 17th century Englishman managed to uncover another shaft connecting passages, but still no treasure was to be found.
Two conclusions can be derived from this. One, ancient tomb raiders have long since plundered all treasure from pyramid, leaving behind nothing but a few empty chambers. Or two, Khufu's mummy and treasure is still cleverly hidden within (or beneath) Great Pyramid.
For more information on Pyramids, visit http://www.nekhebet.com/w_pyramids.html
Steven maintains the informational website Wonders of Ancient Egypt at http://www.nekhebet.com . Do visit if you want to find out more about the wonders of Egypt such as the Pyramids and the Lighthouse; or mysteries such as mummifcation and conspiracy theories; or its religion and history.