DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6551#0239
OPERATIOXS CARRIED ON AT GIZEII.
195
than those at Gizeh; but I consider that the comparative
smallness of the pieces, and their peculiarly exposed situa-
tion to the corroding air of the desert, will sufficiently
account for their decay: besides, it is to be observed,
that at this place the large masses of granite appear
sound and entire, although the surface may have scaled
off; and, also, that small fragments may be found near
the Third Pyramid at Gizeh completely perished. Granite
is known to be of different qualities, and one species is
termed disintegrating, from its fragile texture. The stone,
however, in both these instances, appears to be of the
same quality; but it is evident that neither granite nor
basalt can resist the action of the desert sand.
The valley to the eastward, and immediately below
the cliffy side of the mountain, seems to contain antient
remains, which I had not an opportunity of examining;
but I hope to receive a detailed account from Mr. Per-
ring, who has undertaken to survey them, in time for
insertion in the Appendix. I have already mentioned
that we ascended by a causeway from the north-east; we
returned by another on the contrary side of the mountain,
which had at first a south-westerly direction, and then
turned to the south-east. We arrived at Gizeh in a heavy
shower of rain. In going round the works we were
informed by the Arabs that there were other ruins still
further to the northward, but we could not obtain any
positive information about them.
March 18th.
Reis, 7. Men, 109. Children, 98.
Great Pyramid.—Excavation of southern front.
- Excavation of northern front.
195
than those at Gizeh; but I consider that the comparative
smallness of the pieces, and their peculiarly exposed situa-
tion to the corroding air of the desert, will sufficiently
account for their decay: besides, it is to be observed,
that at this place the large masses of granite appear
sound and entire, although the surface may have scaled
off; and, also, that small fragments may be found near
the Third Pyramid at Gizeh completely perished. Granite
is known to be of different qualities, and one species is
termed disintegrating, from its fragile texture. The stone,
however, in both these instances, appears to be of the
same quality; but it is evident that neither granite nor
basalt can resist the action of the desert sand.
The valley to the eastward, and immediately below
the cliffy side of the mountain, seems to contain antient
remains, which I had not an opportunity of examining;
but I hope to receive a detailed account from Mr. Per-
ring, who has undertaken to survey them, in time for
insertion in the Appendix. I have already mentioned
that we ascended by a causeway from the north-east; we
returned by another on the contrary side of the mountain,
which had at first a south-westerly direction, and then
turned to the south-east. We arrived at Gizeh in a heavy
shower of rain. In going round the works we were
informed by the Arabs that there were other ruins still
further to the northward, but we could not obtain any
positive information about them.
March 18th.
Reis, 7. Men, 109. Children, 98.
Great Pyramid.—Excavation of southern front.
- Excavation of northern front.