DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6552#0337
298
APPENDIX.
Briggs and Walnias, found a piece of bone in the sarcophagus ; and
upon further investigation, other pieces were found, which having
been carried to London, proved to be those of a bull; and it was
therefore supposed that the sarcophagus was intended to contain
the bones of that animal, although it was not larger than was
necessary for the reception of the wooden cases in which em-
balmed human bodies were antiently placed.
As the base of this Pyramid had heen levelled by cutting
away the rock on the northern and western sides, and as there
are many extensive quarries in the neighbourhood, he concludes
that the Pyramids were built with stones cut upon the spot, and
also that they were tombs. The causeways, he supposes, were
for the accommodation of visitors, particularly at High Nile.
He gives the following dimensions of the Second Pyramid: —
Feet.
Base - - - '- 684
Inclined height ... 568
Perpendicular - 456
Coating from the apex to the place where it ends - 140
He does not believe that any inference can be drawn respect-
ing the age of the Pyramids, from the circumstance that hiero-
glyphics have not been found in or upon them, or that the First
Pyramid had been cased, or that the exterior of the Second was
completely finished, because stones applicable to that purpose have
not been found near them.
With respect to the Third Pyramid, he observes, that an
attempt had been made to penetrate the eastern side, but that
he commenced his labours on the northern, " and after moving
a great quantity of materials," he " found a considerable accumu-
lation of enormous hlocks of granite, which had evidently formed
the coating : proceeding yet lower," as he " cleared away the rub-
bish," he " found that part of the coating still remained in its
place, down to the base. The removal of these blocks would
evidently have brought" him " to the entrance into the Pyra-
mid, but it required more money and time than" he " could
spare."4
He also adds as follows :—"The consul, Mr. Salt, would have
been kind enough to have paid all the expenses I had incurred in
* M. Belzoni was right in liis conjecture, as subsequent examination lias shewn.
APPENDIX.
Briggs and Walnias, found a piece of bone in the sarcophagus ; and
upon further investigation, other pieces were found, which having
been carried to London, proved to be those of a bull; and it was
therefore supposed that the sarcophagus was intended to contain
the bones of that animal, although it was not larger than was
necessary for the reception of the wooden cases in which em-
balmed human bodies were antiently placed.
As the base of this Pyramid had heen levelled by cutting
away the rock on the northern and western sides, and as there
are many extensive quarries in the neighbourhood, he concludes
that the Pyramids were built with stones cut upon the spot, and
also that they were tombs. The causeways, he supposes, were
for the accommodation of visitors, particularly at High Nile.
He gives the following dimensions of the Second Pyramid: —
Feet.
Base - - - '- 684
Inclined height ... 568
Perpendicular - 456
Coating from the apex to the place where it ends - 140
He does not believe that any inference can be drawn respect-
ing the age of the Pyramids, from the circumstance that hiero-
glyphics have not been found in or upon them, or that the First
Pyramid had been cased, or that the exterior of the Second was
completely finished, because stones applicable to that purpose have
not been found near them.
With respect to the Third Pyramid, he observes, that an
attempt had been made to penetrate the eastern side, but that
he commenced his labours on the northern, " and after moving
a great quantity of materials," he " found a considerable accumu-
lation of enormous hlocks of granite, which had evidently formed
the coating : proceeding yet lower," as he " cleared away the rub-
bish," he " found that part of the coating still remained in its
place, down to the base. The removal of these blocks would
evidently have brought" him " to the entrance into the Pyra-
mid, but it required more money and time than" he " could
spare."4
He also adds as follows :—"The consul, Mr. Salt, would have
been kind enough to have paid all the expenses I had incurred in
* M. Belzoni was right in liis conjecture, as subsequent examination lias shewn.