What Happened to the Sunken Pyramids of Ancient Egypt?
Unearthing the Mysterious Origins and Possible Locations of the Colossi of Baihmu — Are They Herodotus’ Missing Pyramids?
The ancient world is filled with fascinating tales and enduring mysteries that have captivated generations. Among these, the story of the missing pyramids of Ancient Egypt holds a unique allure, entwining history, mythology, and archaeological intrigue. Located within the heart of the Faiyum Oasis, lies the ancient artificially-fed Lake Moeris, where one of the most enduring mysteries surrounding these unidentified pyramids is said to be anchored.
Lake Moeris, once an expansive freshwater lake, now exists as a much smaller saltwater body called Birket Qarun. This natural oasis has been a source of fascination and intrigue since ancient times, when Greek historian Herodotus first mentioned it in his Histories. According to Herodotus, two pyramids stood at the center of this vast expanse of water, with one even sinking into the lake’s depths during his time.
“In the centre there stand two pyramids, rising to the height of fifty fathoms above the surface of the water, and extending as far beneath, crowned each of them with a colossal statue sitting upon a throne.”
Herodotus, Histories
This account ignited a series of hypotheses and speculations about the existence, nature, and location of these enigmatic structures.
The ancient Egyptians themselves are believed to have utilized the resources of Lake Moeris extensively, transforming it into a vast water reservoir through a network of canals and waterways. This ambitious engineering project allowed them to store surplus water for use during dry periods and provided an essential water supply for the surrounding area. In addition to its strategic importance, the lake was also used as part of a freight transport system, with remains of the ancient Lake Moeris Quarry Road — the oldest known paved road in the world — leading to the Giza Necropolis.
Herodotus’ claim to have seen these missing pyramids at the center of the expansive Lake Moeris has fueled endless debates and scholarly inquiries about their existence, purpose, and even their potential for future archaeological endeavors. As we delve into this fascinating realm of historical mysteries, the enigmatic Lake Moeris stands as a powerful focus of intrigue, bringing us one step closer to unravelling the ultimate historical puzzle: The Elusive Quest for Ancient Egypt’s Missing Pyramids.
Lake Moeris: An Elaborate Engineering Wonder
The ancient engineers of Egypt, particularly those who lived during the Twelfth Dynasty, demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and advanced understanding of hydraulics when they constructed the intricate irrigation system that fed and sustained Lake Moeris. This elaborate engineering wonder allowed them to regulate the water levels of the lake within a specific range — from 17–20 meters above sea level — to meet their agricultural needs and support the thriving oasis community in the Faiyum region.
The construction and maintenance of this sophisticated irrigation system involved numerous interconnected channels, canals, and waterways, which diverted waters from the Nile river to Lake Moeris. The most prominent among these was the Bahr Yusuf, a side branch of the Nile that channeled water to the lake. This carefully managed water supply not only enabled them to maintain stable water levels but also allowed them to manipulate the inflow and outflow of water to maximize its benefits for their agricultural activities.
This hydraulic masterpiece was an essential component of the ancient Egyptians’ agricultural strategy, particularly during the reign of Pharaoh Amenemhet III and his successors. The strategic placement of these irrigation networks not only sustained the expansive Lake Moeris but also facilitated the cultivation of various crops, such as grapes, figs, and papyrus, which were essential for their economy.
Furthermore, this sophisticated engineering marvel played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and people across the Faiyum region. The ancient Lake Moeris Quarry Road — the world’s oldest known paved road — extended from the Giza Necropolis to the lake, connecting the bustling metropolises along the Nile with the thriving oasis community in the Faiyum.
The Carcasses of Giants
The Pedestals of Biahmu, also known as the “Colossi of Biahmu” or the “Pyramids of Biahmu”, are the remnants of two monumental statues erected by the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Amenemhat III. Located in the Faiyum Oasis about 4 miles (6.4 km) north of the city of Faiyum, these colossal ruins once stood on the shores of Lake Moeris. The original statues have long been destroyed, but their bases, referred to as pedestals, still stand today.
Historical records from ancient authors like Herodotus, Diodorus Sicilian, and Pliny the Elder, as well as more recent archaeological research by William Matthew Flinders Petrie and Labib Habachi, suggest that these pedestals were part of a monumental structure dedicated to Prince Biahmu, the son of Pharaoh Amenemhat III. The statues once stood on a causeway flanking Lake Moeris and were likely accompanied by a courtyard with embanked walls, which displayed representations of the 42 nomes (territorial divisions) of ancient Egypt. Between these two statues was a road that led to the ancient city of Arsinoe (also known as Crocodilopolis).
Each pedestal stands approximately 3 meters high and is adorned with elaborate hieroglyphic inscriptions and intricate carvings. They were first re-discovered during the late 19th century excavation of the ancient city of Hawara, which is situated near modern-day El Fayoum, Egypt. The exact purpose and significance of these pedestals remain unclear, but their size and complex design suggest that they were intended for a grand monument of great importance, possibly as the entrance to a massive mortuary temple dedicated to Prince Biahmu.
Is the Mystery Solved?
Are the Pedestals of Biahmu the pyramids that Herodotus saw? Despite numerous theories and speculations, there is no concrete evidence to support the idea that the Pedestals of Biahmu are, in fact, the missing pyramids described by Herodotus.
The descriptions given by ancient historians such as Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus, and Pliny the Elder do not explicitly mention the presence of these pedestals in their accounts of the lost pyramids of Egypt. Furthermore, the absence of any accompanying burial chambers or tombs within the vicinity of these pedestals further casts doubt on their status as actual pyramidal structures.
The Pedestals of Biahmu are significant architectural marvels that highlight the advanced engineering skills and artistic prowess of ancient Egyptian builders. However, they remain enigmatic remnants of an unresolved historical mystery rather than the long-lost pyramids sought by historians and archaeologists alike. While it is possible that future discoveries might unearth further evidence to support this hypothesis, for now, the Pedestals of Biahmu remain fascinating pieces of architectural heritage that offer invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian culture and civilization, without necessarily being considered as the missing pyramids.
So were are the Lost Pyramids mentioned by Herodotus? We may never know but one clue seems tantalizing. Herodotus mentions the pyramids were in the water and crowned by statues. This matches up with the account of the Arabic writer Abu Osman el-Nabulsi el-Safadi, who saw statues on the pedestals as late as 1250 CE. According to him, the heads of the statues had been plundered. Presumably, Herodotus could only see the tips of the pedestals emerging from the water, making him believe that the statues were on tops of large submerged pyramids.
Another very important detail is that Lake Moeris was a gigantic lake, covering hundreds of square miles and must have seemed like an ocean to Herodotus.
It was also heavily engineered with water levels being raised and lowered for thousands of years. This type of hydraulic engineering can have unexpected effects on building foundations as the bed of the lake changes due to hydraulic and erosive forces.
We may never know whether or not the pyramids seen by Herodotus were the Colossi of Baihmu or whether there are, as yet, undiscovered pyramids that rival those of the Giza Plateau lying beneath the shifting sands of the dried lake bed or waters of Birqet Qurun. Someday, perhaps through some unforeseen breakthrough or technological advancements, they may just finally unveil the long-lost secrets of these ancient Egyptian monuments and marvels of architectural wonder.
