Pyramids designed with openable security for visitors. Proposed model: portcullis was openable, allowing inner pyramid access while maintaining security This allowed visitors to enter and make offerings without full access to the inner sanctum The Maidum pyramid and Red Pyramid have no portcullises or plugging evidence
Henri Houdin (Engineer) and Jean-Pierre Houdin (architect) proposed the portcullis visitor access model around 2006. Their theory suggests the portcullis was openable, allowing access to inner chambers while protecting the burial area. Some pyramid texts reference "opening doors" and granite plugging evidence is cited as support. The Maidum pyramid and Red Pyramid have no portcullises or plugging evidence. The Great Pyramid shows evidence of being plugged from inside, not outside. Lower chambers in these pyramids resemble vestibules—fully accessible spaces at the bottom of descending passages.
Key Facts
- Proposed model: portcullis was openable, allowing inner pyramid access while maintaining security
- This allowed visitors to enter and make offerings without full access to the inner sanctum
- The Maidum pyramid and Red Pyramid have no portcullises or plugging evidence
- The Great Pyramid shows evidence of being plugged from inside, not outside
- Lower chambers in these pyramids resemble vestibules - fully accessible spaces at bottom of descending passage
- Pyramids accommodated visitors from earliest designs - separating upper chambers was a security feature for allowed visitors, not thieves
- Air channels, liftable portcullises, and pyramid texts about opening doors to the sky all support visitor access model
Related site: Great Pyramid of Giza — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Why Pyramid Chambers Don't Add Up by History for GRANITE