Proctor, Richard A.: The Great Pyramid: observatory, tomb, and temple (New York, 1883)

THE PROBLEM OF THE PYRAMIDS. 177

learn, according to the astrological doctrines in
which he believed, the future fortunes of his
brother, and even be able to rule the planets in his
own defence, where their configurations seemed
favourable to Chephren and threatening to him-
self.

7. But it may be urged that, beyond the gene-
ral statement that the pyramids were intended as
the tombs of their respective builders, we learn too
little from ancient writers to form any satisfactory
idea of their object.

It so happens, however, that the only precise
statement handed down to us respecting the use of
the pyramids—not merely of the Great Pyramid,
but of all the pyramids—accords with the astro-
logical theory in every detail, and with no other
theory in any degree. For we learn from Proclus
that the pyramids of Egypt (which, according to
Diodorus, had existed 3,600 years before his
history was written, about 8 B.C.) terminated above
in a platform, from which the priests made their
celestial observations.

Observe how much is implied in this short
statement :—

First, all the pyramids had a use independent
of their final purpose as tombs ; a use, therefore,
during the lifetime of their future tenants, and
Ν