Casing stones stripped from Great Pyramid between 1336 and 1395 AD. Casing stone removal occurred in late 14th century, not from 1303 earthquake as commonly cited Ludolfph von Sudheim witnessed intact casing stones in 1336 French nobleman from Anglur observed pyramid with half its casing stones removed by 1395
New timeline for the Great Pyramid's casing stones! Recent analysis suggests the removal occurred later than traditionally thought — the 1303 earthquake may have damaged but not destroyed the outer casing, with significant removal continuing into the late 14th century. Historical sources document that visitors saw the outer casing stones intact in the mid-1300s, with the pyramid appearing significantly stripped by the late 1300s. This suggests both seismic damage and human quarrying contributed to the loss of the pyramid's white limestone shell.
Key Facts
- Casing stone removal occurred in late 14th century, not from 1303 earthquake as commonly cited
- Ludolfph von Sudheim witnessed intact casing stones in 1336
- French nobleman from Anglur observed pyramid with half its casing stones removed by 1395
- Damage to Cairo may have incentivized using Great Pyramid as quarry
Related site: The Great Pyramid of Giza — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: What the Great Pyramid Inscriptions Reveal by History for GRANITE