Radiocarbon dates from Giza pyramids run 200-300 years older than written records. Initial radiocarbon studies suggested Old Kingdom dates 200+ years older than historical records The discrepancy is consistent across the entire 4th Dynasty, not isolated to a few samples Samples were taken from mortar between inner stone blocks (not outer casing stones, which were removed)

Early radiocarbon studies of the Giza pyramids returned dates running 200+ years older than the historical record — a discrepancy consistent across the entire 4th Dynasty. Samples came from mortar between inner stone blocks (outer casing stones were removed long ago), with charcoal — not ash — used for dating. Some researchers argue the hard data was bent to fit written records rather than the reverse.

Key Facts

  • Initial radiocarbon studies suggested Old Kingdom dates 200+ years older than historical records
  • The discrepancy is consistent across the entire 4th Dynasty, not isolated to a few samples
  • Samples were taken from mortar between inner stone blocks (not outer casing stones, which were removed)
  • Charcoal (not ash) within the mortar was the material dated
  • Critic argues hard data was manipulated to fit the written record rather than vice versa

Related site: The Great Pyramid of Giza — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.