Prevailing Theories
Explore, evaluate, and vote on the leading theories about the purpose of the Great Pyramids. Each theory is weighed against evidence for and against.
Mathematical Monument Theory
The pyramid was built to encode and preserve advanced mathematical and scientific knowledge including Pi, Phi (golden ratio), the Earth's dimensions, and fundamental constants.
Evidence For
- Pi encoded in perimeter-to-height ratio (2π)
- Phi in face angle
- Encodes Earth's circumference at 1:43,200 scale
- Speed of light in latitude coordinates
Evidence Against
- Some mathematical relationships may be coincidental
- Ancient Egyptians may not have known these constants explicitly
- Cherry-picking numbers
Royal Tomb Theory
The traditional view that the Great Pyramid was built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops). Supported by historical records from Herodotus and the discovery of the King's Chamber sarcophagus.
Evidence For
- Herodotus account
- King's Chamber sarcophagus
- Graffiti in relieving chambers mentioning Khufu
- Consistent with other Egyptian tomb practices
Evidence Against
- No mummy ever found inside
- Sarcophagus appears too large to fit through passages
- Extreme precision seems unnecessary for a tomb
- No inscriptions inside
Astronomical Observatory Theory
The pyramid served as a massive astronomical instrument for precisely tracking celestial bodies, seasons, and precession of the equinoxes.
Evidence For
- Shafts aligned to Orion's Belt and Sirius
- Cardinal direction alignment within 3/60th of a degree
- Encodes precession cycle
- Latitude matches speed of light value
Evidence Against
- Observing shafts blocked by construction
- More practical observatory designs exist
- Some alignments may be coincidental
Power Plant Theory
Proposed by Christopher Dunn, the pyramid functioned as a coupled oscillator that converted Earth's vibrational energy into microwave radiation via hydrogen gas in the Queen's and King's Chambers.
Evidence For
- Precise acoustic properties of chambers
- Chemical traces in Queen's Chamber shafts
- Granite's piezoelectric properties
- Extreme engineering precision
Evidence Against
- No surviving mechanical components
- Speculative chemistry
- No similar structures found
- Would require advanced material science
Sound/Resonance Chamber Theory
The pyramid was designed to produce and amplify specific acoustic frequencies for healing, altered consciousness, or communication purposes.
Evidence For
- King's Chamber resonates at specific frequencies
- Granite amplifies sound
- Coffer produces exact F# note
- Infrasound generation capabilities
Evidence Against
- Limited scientific testing done in situ
- Acoustic properties could be incidental to structure
- No historical texts describe sound use
Water Pump Theory
Proposed by Edward Kunkel and others, the internal chambers and passages functioned as a hydraulic ram pump to lift water from the Nile for irrigation.
Evidence For
- Grand Gallery dimensions fit hydraulic ram design
- Water erosion marks
- Subterranean chamber features
- Ancient Egypt's irrigation needs
Evidence Against
- No water supply infrastructure found
- Would be extremely over-engineered
- Simpler pump designs available
