404 



NOETH-EAST AFEIOA. 



west.* To what cause is this deviation to be attributed ? Is it to be regarded as 

 the result of an error in the calculation, or has there been a change in the axis of 

 the earth itself, which, instead of being fixed, as formerly supposed, has been gra- 

 dually displaced so far to the west ? 



The blocks used in building the pyramids of Gizeh were drawn from the num- 

 mulitic formations of Torah and Masarah, which skirt the east bank of the Nile, 

 and which still supply the materials required for the enlargement of Cairo since 

 those obtained from the ruins of Memjohis have been exhausted. According to 

 the popular legend, the countless fossils in the stones forming the steps of the 

 pyramids are the lentils left by the workmen engaged in erecting them. Formerly 



Fij>;. 124.— Thk Sphinx. 



the nummulitic blocks were faced by a smooth limestone resembling marble. A 

 portion of these facings even still survives towards the summit of the Pyramid of 

 Khephren, but no trace remains of the hieroglyphics which at one time decorated 

 the surface of these monuments. 



The passages in the interior, so disposed as to lead treasure -seekers astray, and 

 prevent them from penetrating to the sepulchral chambers, are faced in granite. 

 After long subterranean explorations, archaeologists have at last discovered the 

 sarcophagi of the sovereigns for whom these vast burial-places were prepared. 

 That of Khufu is still in situ in its vaulted chamber. The blocks of black granite 

 * Flinders Petiie, " The Pyramids and Temples of Gizeb." 



