According to Ancient History Encyclopedia, The Great Pyramid, completed in 2560 BCE, was built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu. It is located in Modern Cairo, Egypt. Scientists have traveled into the pyramid for centuries, but recently, one international group of researchers discovered a giant “void” hidden inside. According to CNN, the team partnered with the Scan Pyramids project to literally scan the Great Pyramid using something called muon (a type of subatomic particle similar to an electron) radiography. This technique works like an x-ray machine allowing the scientists to see any big empty holes that the structure contains.

The void is definitely big. In fact, according to National Geographic, the space is at least 100 feet long. This is similar to the Grand Gallery of the Pyramid, which is 153 feet long and 26 feet tall. Although researchers aren’t positive of the exact function of the void, many agree that it is not another burial chamber or a place to store the Pharaoh’s wealth. As stated in The New York Times, the void is most likely an area that the pyramid’s architects created to evenly distribute the weight of the construction and prevent the walls from caving in.

This new void could possibly answer some questions that have been up for debate, such as who built the pyramid and how it was done. According to Ancient History Encyclopedia, some theories say that slaves were the main form of labor during the project, but many also point to the Egyptians themselves. As for how the pyramid was constructed, scientists are still astonished at how perfect the proportions are and how long the pyramid has survived. In addition to the building, its occupant, Pharaoh Khufu, is also strange, and little is known about him. As stated in The New York Times, “the only intact three-dimensional figure of him that archaeologists have found measures a mere three inches tall.” Researchers are hoping that the void will help give some insight into his life and reign.

The Great Pyramid of Giza took about 20 years to complete, and has been the subject of intense study for the last couple years. Now, scientists have found a void that might help them to understand the mysteries of Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty. It has even been called “the discovery of the century.”