Ancient accounts describe labyrinth exceeding pyramids. Herodotus (5th century BC) wrote the labyrinth surpasses the pyramids in grandeur Diodorus Siculus (1st century BCE) visited Egypt and described the labyrinth's impossible-to-navigate passages Strabo described it as equal to the pyramids in scale with 12 palaces
Ancient writers were awestruck by Egypt's Labyrinth at Hawara. Herodotus wrote it surpassed the pyramids in grandeur. Strabo noted 12 courts and 12 palaces. Pliny the Elder described 3,000 chambers with an attached pyramid. These classical accounts went largely unquestioned for centuries.
Key facts claimed:
- Herodotus (5th century BC) wrote the labyrinth surpasses the pyramids in grandeur
- Diodorus Siculus (1st century BCE) visited Egypt and described the labyrinth's impossible-to-navigate passages
- Strabo described it as equal to the pyramids in scale with 12 palaces
- Authors described 12 courts, 3000 chambers, and a pyramid attached to the structure
Key Facts
- Herodotus (5th century BC) wrote the labyrinth surpasses the pyramids in grandeur
- Diodorus Siculus (1st century BCE) visited Egypt and described the labyrinth's impossible-to-navigate passages
- Strabo described it as equal to the pyramids in scale with 12 palaces
- Pliny the Elder dated its construction to 3,600 years ago (around 3600 BCE)
- Authors described 12 courts, 3000 chambers, and a pyramid attached to the structure
Related site: Pyramid of Amenemhat III at Hawara — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: The Unknown Ancient Site said to be 'Greater than the Pyramids?' Confirmed with Satellite scans! by UnchartedX