Discovery of Ahramat: The Hidden Nile River That Helped Build Egypt’s Giant Pyramids

Recently, scientists have uncovered a long-lost branch of the Nile River that once flowed past over 30 pyramids. Known as Ahramat, this 64 km river runs through the Giza pyramid complex and other structures hidden beneath desert and farmland for centuries. The discovery, published in Communications Earth & Environment, sheds light on how the Egyptians transported stones to build tombs.

The research team, led by Eman Ghoneim at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, used radar satellite images to map out the course of the Ahramat. The river played a crucial role in transporting construction materials and labor needed to build the pyramids, with raised walkways leading to the Valley Temples serving as harbors. This newfound knowledge about water transportation helps explain how the Egyptians built such massive and durable structures so easily.

Suzanne Onstine, a co-author of the study from the University of Memphis, points out how changes in water flow and discharge influenced decisions made by different Egyptian kings during various dynasties. This discovery underscores how geography, climate, environment, and human behavior are interconnected in ancient Egypt.

In conclusion, scientists have discovered a long-buried branch of the Nile River that once flowed past more than 30 pyramids. The Ahramat played a crucial role in transporting construction materials and labor needed to build these massive structures so easily. The research provides insight into how geography, climate, environment