Egyptologist reacts to the cancellation of the restoration of the third pyramid of Giza

“It will continue to collapse”

Serious debate unfolded around the Pyramid of Menkaure, the lowest and youngest of the three Egyptian pyramids of Giza. The restoration project, which involved facing the monument with ancient granite slabs, was prepared for a long time and was already approved, but after criticism began, the project was canceled. Leading researcher at the Center for Egyptological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Roman Orekhov, considers this decision to be erroneous.

The Pyramid of Menkaure was built in 2540-2520 BC. e. and from the very beginning was lined with red Aswan granite. At the end of the 12th century, Sultan Al-Malik al-Aziz tried to demolish the Giza necropolis and started with this smallest “red pyramid”, the smallest of the three. But he couldn’t finish it – the ancient blocks were left lying around at the foot of the structure.

In January 2024, they planned to begin the reconstruction of the pyramid – the project, prepared by Japanese specialists together with Egyptian ones, was approved by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. However, due to the criticism that arose at the beginning of the work, the ministry hastily assembled a commission and decided to take everything back.

“Personally, I am in favor of restoration,” Roman Orekhov, a leading researcher at the Center for Egyptological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, tells MK. – Before starting work, the Japanese measured all the blocks, and with the help of computer modeling, each one was “tried on” to the pyramid. We have done the calculations – all that remains is to assemble the blocks like a puzzle. Critics of the project simply did not delve into the details. We are talking about ancient slabs that were knocked down centuries ago and remained lying at the foot of the pyramid. There is no remake here. It is realistic to restore 70-80% of its original appearance, as envisaged by the project, in three years.

– What are the consequences of refusing restoration?

– The pyramid will continue to collapse due to wind and other natural factors. If you return it to its original appearance, it can be preserved for centuries and will have a historical appearance. Now it looks different from how it was built.