Pyramids likely built 22,500-20,500 years ago during Last Glacial Maximum. Great pyramids constructed during 2,000-year humid period in Last Glacial Maximum Estimated construction date: 22,500 to 20,500 years ago Average temperature was 7 degrees Celsius lower than present
According to controversial paleoclimate analysis by researcher Antoine Donini, the Great Pyramids may have been constructed 22,500 to 20,500 years ago — far older than conventional dating. This would place construction during a humid period in the Last Glacial Maximum, when temperatures averaged 7°C cooler than today. The pyramid civilization reportedly collapsed around 15,000 years ago during a severe drought, and Giza was not reoccupied until much later. However, most mainstream Egyptologists consider such claims to have a very low level of probability, and these findings remain highly controversial within the scientific community.
Key Facts
- Great pyramids constructed during 2,000-year humid period in Last Glacial Maximum
- Estimated construction date: 22,500 to 20,500 years ago
- Average temperature was 7 degrees Celsius lower than present
- Sphinx ditch was catch basin for mining site excavated during semi-arid climate
- Pyramid civilization ended around 15,000 years ago during 4-millennia-long severe drought
- Giza repopulated by ancient Egyptians approximately 6,000 years after pyramid civilization fell
- No archaeological evidence or legends remain due to 5,000+ year time gap
Related site: The Great Pyramid of Giza — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: How Old Are the Great Pyramids? Surprising Distant Timeline of Giza Pyramids & Sphinx by Curious Being