Massive pyramids tower over the Giza Plateau near Cairo, Egypt. Built in the Bronze Age, these immense stone structures were engineered with remarkable precision. How did the ancient Egyptians construct them without the use of modern tools? Why were they built? Throughout the centuries, historians and archaeologists have studied the pyramids and other Egyptian artifacts in search of possible answers to these questions. The pyramids are filled with mysterious doors and passageways—what other secrets and treasures might lie inside? Find out more about the myths, science, and technology surrounding the creation and exploration of the Egyptian pyramids.

A “richly illustrated . . . engaging, lucid account” of Ancient Egyptian Pyramids, what we know about them now, what we don’t, and what is still debated today (Kirkus Reviews). Hailed by Science News as “the new seminal text,” The Pyramids is a comprehensive record of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring monuments and what Egyptologists now know about them today—from their construction and purpose to the culture that surrounded them. Distinguished Egyptologist Miroslav Verner draws from the research of the earliest Egyptologists as well as the startling discoveries made with late twentieth century technology. Here you will find a clear, authoritative guide to the ancient culture that created the pyramids five thousand years ago without iron or bronze, and with only the most elementary systems of calculation. As Verner explains the magnitude of this accomplishment, he also traces the stories and ideas of the intrepid scientists who uncovered the mysteries of the pyramids. “Editor’s Choice . . . this comprehensive volume details everything you ever wanted to know about pyramids.” —Rosemary Herbert, Boston Herald “Displays both a deep respect for the research of Egyptologists and a comprehensive knowledge of it . . . An important, comprehensive resource for the study of those most mysteriously, enduringly impressive structures.” —Kirkus Reviews “An accessible introduction to the culture of the ancient Egyptians.” —Die Welt

Reprint of the original, first published in 1874.

A decade ago, French architect Jean-Pierre Houdin became obsessed by the centuriesold question: How was the Great Pyramid built? How, in a nation of farmers only recently emerged from the Stone Age, could such a massive, complex, and enduring structure have been envisioned and constructed? Laboring at his computer ten hours a day for five years—creating exquisitely detailed 3-D models of the Pyramid's interior—Houdin finally had his answer. It was a startling revelation that cast a fresh light on the minds that conceived one of the wonders of the ancient world. Written by world-renowned Egyptologist Bob Brier in collaboration with Houdin, The Secret of the Great Pyramid moves deftly between the ancient and the modern, chronicling two equally fascinating interrelated histories. It is a remarkable account of the step-by-step planning and assembling of the magnificent edifice—the brainchild of an innovative genius, the Egyptian architect Hemienu, who imagined, organized, and oversaw a monumental construction project that took more than two decades to complete and that employed the services of hundreds of architects, mathematicians, boatbuilders, stonemasons, and metallurgists. Here also is the riveting story of Jean-Pierre Houdin's single-minded search for solutions to the mysteries that have bedeviled Egyptologists for centuries, such as the purpose of the enigmatic Grand Gallery and the Pyramid's crack.

There is a vast range of books on Egypt on the market at present, and it is often hard to make a choice between them; most have a decent text, and one can hardly avoid beautiful illustrations on such a subject. However if you are particularly interested in the pyramids, this may be the book for you. It claims comprehensiveness in being the first fully illustrated survey of all Egypt's pyramids, the text is well-written and based on up-to-date research, and the author is an expert in this field. There is information on many aspects of the pyramids; the legends surrounding them, the activities of archaeologists, the towns which grew around them, the priests and servants who had responsibility for them, and most of all the construction and craftsmanship of the structures themselves. The text is accompanied by many useful explanatory and reconstructive illustrations.

After four decades of research and multiple trips to Egypt, Brown believes he has solved the mystery of the Great Pyramid of Giza. He has concluded that the pyramid fits the profile of a type of chemical laser and that the Giza Plateau functioned as a massive industrial complex. Following the architectural principle that form follows function, Brown recognized it was impossible to enter the so-called burial chamber in the Great Pyramid because of the small size of the passage (less than four-feet square) and the extreme angle of the interior passages. This huge stone structure did not align with the supposed purpose, or with ancient Egyptian burial practices. Recently, a man-made tunnel was discovered under the Giza Plateau that connects the Great Pyramid to the Nile. In ancient times the annual flood waters from the Nile coursed through the Great Pyramid, and through a powerful chemical process created what Brown calls Earthmilk, electrified water. This enhanced elixir served many purposes, including enlivening the human body and flowing into the river to enrich animal life and soil on the banks, resulting in rich and abundant crops. Fire in Middle outlines Brown's compelling research and his journey of discovery. The book includes more than 350 stunning full-color images and diagrams. This is the second in a series of three volumes of research and evidence gathered from grassroots expeditions to Giza, Luxor, Saqqara, Abydos and Abu Simbel. This ground-breaking and ongoing research presents compelling evidence that the traditional interpretations of ancient Egyptian pyramids need to be reconsidered and re-evaluated.

A guide to the mythology and religion of ancient Egypt, and to the temples and tombs of the world's first great civilization. A chronology of ancient Egypt charts the events of a society that flourished for three millennia. A guide to the most famous burial sites, including Giza, Saqqara and the Valley of the Kings. A tour of sacred centers from the mortuary temples of the pharaohs to those dedicated to the many gods and goddesses. Illustrated with more than 900 color photographs. --From publisher's description.