The Giza Pyramids are the most studied ancient structures in the world, and their age is not debated by scholars. However, their origins remain mysterious and have been challenged by independent researchers. To date the pyramids, archaeology, historical writings, and scientific methods have been used.
The rich archaeology of the Giza Plateau is enough to place the construction of the pyramids in the fourth dynasty of the Old Kingdom. The Great Pyramid belongs to Khufu, the second pyramid belongs to Khafra, and the third pyramid belongs to Menkaure.
However, some say the evidence is circumstantial and not proof that they built them. Written historical sources attribute the monuments of Giza to Khufu, Khafra, and Menkaure, but they were written hundreds of years later, making them less credible sources. Scientific methods, such as surface luminescence dating and radiocarbon dating, have also been used to date the pyramids.
Surface luminescence dating was used on the Menkaure pyramid, and the results were published in 2014. The method works by erasing geological luminescence on stone surfaces through solar radiation. The contact between the stones and the mortar also provides a date range. Despite using multiple methods, not everyone agrees on who built the pyramids.
