DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6551#0341
OPERATIONS CARRIED OX AT GIZEII.
289
ments prevent any accumulation of rubbish, and it would
appear, also, the deposition of the sparry excrescence,
which was found only in the upper. Nor should the
masonry of the chamber be forgotten, which is probably
the finest specimen in the world. It consists entirely
of enormous masses of polished granite worked down, and
laid with the greatest exactness, and has retained its
original perfection for unnumbered centuries, whilst
other mighty fabrics, composed of coarse workmanship
and materials, have gradually crumbled away into shape-
less masses of stones and of rubbish.* In this instance
every block is as fresh and as perfect as when taken
from the quarry; and such is the ponderous solidity and
perfection of their texture, and the labour and science
employed in their arrangement, that they seem to set at
defiance the effects of time, and the efforts of human
violence. It has been remarked that the upper chambers
were finished from the east, and the vast blocks of this
floor appear to have been closed in by a smaller oblong
stone at the north-western corner. This had been removed,
no doubt, in very early times, in search of treasures sup-
posed to have been concealed beneath the sarcophagus.
The excavation is mentioned by Greaves; and, when it
was cleared out for the boring, an opportunity was
afforded of observing the great care with which the sup-
ports and bedding for the blocks had been constructed,
* It may likewise be observed, that of all the remarkable objects
which were formerly considered peculiarly worthy of notice, and there-
fore termed the " Seven Wonders," the Pyramids alone at present
remain.
VOL. I. U
289
ments prevent any accumulation of rubbish, and it would
appear, also, the deposition of the sparry excrescence,
which was found only in the upper. Nor should the
masonry of the chamber be forgotten, which is probably
the finest specimen in the world. It consists entirely
of enormous masses of polished granite worked down, and
laid with the greatest exactness, and has retained its
original perfection for unnumbered centuries, whilst
other mighty fabrics, composed of coarse workmanship
and materials, have gradually crumbled away into shape-
less masses of stones and of rubbish.* In this instance
every block is as fresh and as perfect as when taken
from the quarry; and such is the ponderous solidity and
perfection of their texture, and the labour and science
employed in their arrangement, that they seem to set at
defiance the effects of time, and the efforts of human
violence. It has been remarked that the upper chambers
were finished from the east, and the vast blocks of this
floor appear to have been closed in by a smaller oblong
stone at the north-western corner. This had been removed,
no doubt, in very early times, in search of treasures sup-
posed to have been concealed beneath the sarcophagus.
The excavation is mentioned by Greaves; and, when it
was cleared out for the boring, an opportunity was
afforded of observing the great care with which the sup-
ports and bedding for the blocks had been constructed,
* It may likewise be observed, that of all the remarkable objects
which were formerly considered peculiarly worthy of notice, and there-
fore termed the " Seven Wonders," the Pyramids alone at present
remain.
VOL. I. U