How the pyramids in ancient Egypt were built thousands of years ago has always been a question for many scientists. However, an American author revealed a compelling theory that could cast light on why the Egyptians were motivated to embark on one of the most ambitious building projects in human history. In Amazon Prime’s 2007 documentary, “Egypt: Quest for the Lord of the Nile”, presenter Richard Bangs said: “One of the reasons may be the crocodiles.”
During the annual floods, the River Nile would tear down the Egyptian valley bringing “fertile soil and lots of crocodiles”.
According to historical reports, the Nile flooded every year between June and September, in a season the Egyptians called Akhet– the inundation.
Melting snow and heavy summer rain in the Ethiopian mountains sent a torrent of water causing the banks of the Nile in Egypt to overflow on the flat desert land.
The documentary explains that many of the Egyptians “equated the presence of the crocodiles with the rebirth of the dead soil”.
Mr Bangs suggests the pyramids were built as a place to keep precious objects in the hope that they could “carry them to the afterlife”.
He said: “It gave them faith that there may, in fact, be an afterlife.
“They would build these monuments and fill then with precious objects and everyday items in hope that they could carry them alongside them to the afterlife.”
The Egyptians both respected and feared the power of the crocodile as they were a real danger to them.
The Nile, which was full of crocodiles, was important to the livelihood of the ancient society.
Crocodiles were represented by the god Sobek.
Possessing the strength and nature of a crocodile, he was a symbol of the Pharaoh’s power.
Mummified crocodiles were placed in tombs to protect the dead and bring power and fertility to the hereafter.
