EGYPT, DASHUR: AN ANCIENT CO/CO2 GAS GENERATOR DISCOVERED ON THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE BENT PYRAMID OF SNEFERU

Abstract

The article researches the design and the purpose of the lower tier chamber in the Bent Pyramid of Sneferu in Dashure. The review of the earlier archeological research materials has shown that the purpose of the chamber has not been determined. In the process of the current research a technological link between the lower and the upper tiers of the pyramid has been found. It has been proven that the lower tier elements (the chamber itself, the shaft, and the chimney) all together comprised an ancient furnace – a CO/CO2 gas generator. Its purpose was to produce a mixture of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gas to fill the space of the upper tier of the pyramid. The goal of the architect or was to make the pyramid chambers deadly for burglars. Constructive similarities between the furnace in the lower tier of the Sneferu Pyramid and the modern CO/CO2 gas generator have been established. A theory about the presence of the secret chambers in the pyramid, including the chamber containing the Sarcophagus of the Pharaoh has been substantiated. A theory explaining the purpose of changing the shape and the construction of the Bent Pyramid specifically has been proposed.

Keywords

• bent pyramid
• lower tier
• lower chamber
• chimney