In 2025 and recent years, there have been sensational claims by some researchers of major buried structures or “cities” beneath the pyramids.
- A group of Italian and some Scottish researchers claimed to have detected eight vertical cylindrical shafts extending 2,100 ft (≈ 648 m) downward, plus additional unknown structures even deeper 4000 ft (≈1219 m), beneath the Pyramid of Khafre.
- They also claim that radar imaging shows spiral staircases, channels, and interconnected chambers, and even that a “lost city” lies beneath the pyramids.
What are the criticisms and challenges
Because the claims are so dramatic, they meet strong scrutiny. Here are the main criticisms and challenges:
Technical and logistical challenges: Even if anomalies exist, physically accessing them (digging or drilling) under a sensitive, heavily studied monument is extremely difficult from both engineering and preservation standpoints.
Penetration depth limits: Radar / electromagnetic methods have limited ability to penetrate dense rock at large depths, especially with high resolution. Some critics argue that statements about structures at 600+ meters depth exceed what the methods can reliably resolve.
Lack of peer-review / independent verification: Many of the sensational claims haven’t passed through rigorous peer review or been independently confirmed. Without that, the scientific community remains cautious.
