DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6552#0402
APPENDIX.
303
opening of the Great Pyramid by the Caliph Al Mamoon: and
states that, to effect this purpose, he poured vinegar upon the
stones after they had been heated by fire, and likewise employed
battering engines.
He then details, with many curious exaggerations, the fabulous
stories already given by other authors of a party, who visited
the Pyramids, and who, he states, went down the first and second
descents, and passed along the base of the Pyramid, until they
came to a narrow passage,4 whence a cold wind proceeded, and
multitudes of bats, as big as black eagles; that one of their party
was sent forward to explore it, with a cord fastened to his waist
by which, in case of necessity, he might be withdrawn. That, after
lie had gone a short distance, the passage closed, and crushed him
to death, and that a dreadful sound scared the rest of thevparty
out of the Pyramid, of whom several died; and that as the rest
were consulting upon what had happened, their lost companion
suddenly appeared, and spoke to them in an unknown tongue.
The author adds that, according to another account, a basin was
found constantly overflowing with pure water, and in a chamber,
adorned with precious stones of various colours, a quantity of
treasure; and that those who took up any part of it were
obliged to replace it, for until they had done so, they could not
stir from the spot. After which he mentions the image instructing
the children, the cock, &c, and the figure of a woman, standing
upon her head, accompanied by roaring lions formed of white
stone, and that the exjdorers arrived at statues of black stone,
placed in a sandy desert, near the eastern side of the Pyra-
mid. He adds, that when these adventures were known, people
were sent in search of the sandy desert, but, (as it may be supposed,)
without much success. He then describes, in the usual manner,
the guardian spirits of the Pyramids, and subsequently mentions,
with many fabulous particulars, that Horgib embalmed and buried
his father, Surid, son of Shaluk, in the Great Pyramid, and after-
wards built the Pyramid of Dahasonon.5 He likewise gives a long
account of Edris, Noah, &c. in the same fabulous manner.
1 This appears to refer to the subterraneous chamber, and to the passage leading
from it to the southward.
4 Probably Dashoor.
303
opening of the Great Pyramid by the Caliph Al Mamoon: and
states that, to effect this purpose, he poured vinegar upon the
stones after they had been heated by fire, and likewise employed
battering engines.
He then details, with many curious exaggerations, the fabulous
stories already given by other authors of a party, who visited
the Pyramids, and who, he states, went down the first and second
descents, and passed along the base of the Pyramid, until they
came to a narrow passage,4 whence a cold wind proceeded, and
multitudes of bats, as big as black eagles; that one of their party
was sent forward to explore it, with a cord fastened to his waist
by which, in case of necessity, he might be withdrawn. That, after
lie had gone a short distance, the passage closed, and crushed him
to death, and that a dreadful sound scared the rest of thevparty
out of the Pyramid, of whom several died; and that as the rest
were consulting upon what had happened, their lost companion
suddenly appeared, and spoke to them in an unknown tongue.
The author adds that, according to another account, a basin was
found constantly overflowing with pure water, and in a chamber,
adorned with precious stones of various colours, a quantity of
treasure; and that those who took up any part of it were
obliged to replace it, for until they had done so, they could not
stir from the spot. After which he mentions the image instructing
the children, the cock, &c, and the figure of a woman, standing
upon her head, accompanied by roaring lions formed of white
stone, and that the exjdorers arrived at statues of black stone,
placed in a sandy desert, near the eastern side of the Pyra-
mid. He adds, that when these adventures were known, people
were sent in search of the sandy desert, but, (as it may be supposed,)
without much success. He then describes, in the usual manner,
the guardian spirits of the Pyramids, and subsequently mentions,
with many fabulous particulars, that Horgib embalmed and buried
his father, Surid, son of Shaluk, in the Great Pyramid, and after-
wards built the Pyramid of Dahasonon.5 He likewise gives a long
account of Edris, Noah, &c. in the same fabulous manner.
1 This appears to refer to the subterraneous chamber, and to the passage leading
from it to the southward.
4 Probably Dashoor.