In the pyramids today electric lights help us see our way, steps aid in climbing and rails help us find our way. Over 300 years ago, the early explorers didn?t have such convenience. Instead, they had candlelight to see through and the hands of their guides to lead them into the intense heat and fearsome darkness of the pyramids. The dust that thickened the air was enough to suffocate anyone. But the intrepid explorers who braved these dangers had many adventures.

The first tourists to visit the pyramids were the Egyptians themselves. Next were the Greeks, then the Romans and after the Arab invasion of Egypt in AD 639, the outer stones from the pyramids were used to build the city of Cairo.

Throughout history there has been many theories and legends about the Pyramid?s use. In the 19th century, some people believed that the measurements of the Great Pyramid were inspired by god, and that from them the future could be foretold. By that time scholars could read the Hieroglyphs and had started to dig up ancient Egyptian sites. The pyramids were now known to be the last resting places of Egypt?s early kings.

NAPOLEON?S NIGHTMARE

Napoleon Bonaparte, the Emperor of France, led an invasion of Egypt in 1798.  Legend has it that he ventured into the Great Pyramid alone, only to emerge pale, shaken and gasping for air. What secrets did he encounter in the darkness? We will never know.

TREASURE HUNTERS

In the early 19th century, great damage was done by collectors and their agents. They entered the tombs in all sorts of ways, including blasting their way in. A former circus strong man named Giovanni Belzoni was hired by a collector to gather ancient Egyptian artifacts. One of his writings describes how he clumsily crushed Late Period mummies as he forced his way into a tomb. Belzoni even carved his name on the stones of the pyramids.

In AD1196, Malek Abd al-Aziz Othman ben Yusif, son of Saladin, mounted a concerted attack on the pyramid of Menkaure to dismantle it and remove it?s stone. Eight month?s work merely damaged the pyramid?s northern face. Such enormous and unsuccessful- efforts increase our admiration for the skill of the ancient builders in creating such durable monuments.