The mystery of the Great pyramid : traditions concerning it and its connection with the Egyptian Book of the dead : with numerous illustrations

“THE TEMPLE OF OSIRIS”

the presence of which Egyptologists are generally unable to explain except on grounds which, on examination, are found to be untenable, just as they fail to see the real meaning of the coffer in the King’s Chamber which they describe—incorrectly—as a sarcophagus or coffin, of the so-called well-shaft, and other details found in the construction of the Great Pyramid.

For about three-quarters of the height of the Antechamber a wainscot is carried up each wall, and against this wainscot are projecting pilasters, between which are thus formed grooves, three in number (ABC in accompanying diagram). Egyptologists holding the tombic theory maintain that these grooves each originally contained a portcullis, which was lowered into position to block entry into the King’s Chamber beyond ; and that previous to their being closed they were held up on the wall itself, just as the granite-leaf (D) is still supported, but, after interment of the king’s body, they were lowered gradually: by cutting away the wall until they finally rested on the floor.

Examination will show, however, that these grooves sink below the floor, clear proof they could not have been chiselled out after the chamber had been built, but that, on the other hand, the wainscots were originally constructed with these grooves formed in them, and built into the walls before even the floor was laid. In addition, no such portcullis blocks have ever been seen, nor any fragments of them found, neither is there any record, traditional or historical, about them, just as no lid, nor any possible remains of one, of the supposed sarcophagus have been discovered.

These grooves are therefore obviously intended merely to symbolize the position of three successive veils or screens ; being symbolic only, there was no need actually to erect a

Io!