Some believe the pyramids were built by alien colonies that have long since disappeared, or some highly advanced civilization that died by some catastrophe, similar to the way dinosaurs died off. But in fact, the multi-dimensional triangular shape was just the most structurally sound way to build a high structure at the time.
Classes on hieroglyphs are popular even today, but most people believe the Egyptians invented them when in fact West Asian invaders most likely introduced the art form/written language to Egyptians. Contrary to popular belief, the hieroglyphs were not used to curse someone or do magic spells—they were mainly used to depict historical events or write inscriptions on tombs.
Slaves were forced to build the pyramids
The pyramids were such an enormous undertaking that many believe no one would willingly build them. This has lead to the widespread belief that the pharaoh at the time enslaved hundreds of people and forced them to build these structures. In reality, the pyramids were built by villages of workers who lived near the construction site and the pyramids were a project that united neighboring communities.
The famous Greek historian Herodotus speculated a lot about the mummification process, and one of the most popular speculations was that mummies still have their hearts intact. For the most part, only the very wealthy or the royal got to keep their hearts.
Or as some prophecy for future generations, or by non-Egyptians working based on a message from God. It’s tempting to associate the pyramids with Christian mythology or even some grand scheme, but actually the pyramids were simply built to serve as royal tombs—there’s even a chapel near the northern entrance to the burial chamber.
Those insisting that aliens built the pyramids attempt to back up their argument by pointing out that there are alien figures in the carvings within the tomb walls. But closer examination of the samples referenced shows that those images are taken out of context, and are just parts of well-documented ancient Egyptian sacrificial rituals.
Only two eccentric Pharaohs from the First Dynasty of Egypt had their servants buried with them, but this story quickly turned into the myth that all of the 300-plus Pharaohs followed suit.
The movie “The Mummy” played on this fear, which was ignited when explorer Lord Carnarvon and some of his team died shortly after disturbing the tomb of Tutankhamun. But Lord Carnarvon had 58 members on that team, of which only 8 died, and even that was within a dozen years of opening the tomb—not immediately after.
Stories of Cleopatra’s power over men has led many to deduce that she was very physically striking but actually, carvings and artwork done of her during her lifetime have shown her to have very masculine features, a large nose and thin lips. Cleopatra was, however, very charming and intelligent, which could be why she won so many men over.
With their giant pyramids built as resting places for the dead, and often-ornate gifts placed inside of tombs, it’s easy to believe the Egyptians were fascinated with death. But the truth is, the idea behind placing objects inside of a mummy’s tomb was so that that mummy would have what he or she needed to pick up his job again where he left off, in the after life. And the carvings on the walls of tombs depict lively figures farming, hunting and fishing.
