Pyramids along barren desert strip could hint at long-lost branch of the Nile

Press/Media: Expert Comment

Description

A famous strip of ancient Egyptian pyramids could be a clue pointing to a long-lost branch of the river Nile now buried under farmland and desert, according to Australian and international researchers. 31 pyramids, including the Giza complex, have sat for over 4700 years in a strip on the edge of the unliveable Western Desert. The researchers say others have speculated that the Nile likely once split into several more branches than it now does, and one of these may have flown by these pyramids. Using satellite imagery and surveys of the area, the researchers say they found evidence of river sediments beneath the surface, supporting the theory of a long-lost river. They say it's possible a major drought about 4200 years ago led to the migration of the river and a build-up of sand that buried this region.

Period17 May 2024

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • TitlePyramids along barren desert strip could hint at long-lost branch of the Nile
    Media name/outletSciMex
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    Date17/05/24
    DescriptionA famous strip of ancient Egyptian pyramids could be a clue pointing to a long-lost branch of the river Nile now buried under farmland and desert, according to Australian and international researchers. 31 pyramids, including the Giza complex, have sat for over 4700 years in a strip on the edge of the unliveable Western Desert. The researchers say others have speculated that the Nile likely once split into several more branches than it now does, and one of these may have flown by these pyramids. Using satellite imagery and surveys of the area, the researchers say they found evidence of river sediments beneath the surface, supporting the theory of a long-lost river. They say it's possible a major drought about 4200 years ago led to the migration of the river and a build-up of sand that buried this region.
    URLhttps://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/pyramids-along-barren-desert-strip-could-hint-at-long-lost-branch-of-the-nile
    PersonsTim Ralph