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Below The Giza Pyramid Plateau—New Radar Discoveries Will Shock The World.

In March 2025, an interdisciplinary team of researchers announced a groundbreaking discovery beneath Egypt’s Giza Plateau: a vast complex of underground chambers and shafts extending nearly two kilometers under the famous pyramids . The team – consisting of Professor Corrado Malanga, Dr. Filippo Biondi, and Dr. Armando Mei – utilized advanced radar imaging technology to “see” almost 2 miles (approximately 3 km) below ground without excavation. In the press release, Malanga, Biondi, and Mei unveiled high-resolution 3D radar scans purportedly showing multiple levels of unknown structures hidden deep below the Great Pyramids . These findings could revolutionize our understanding of ancient Egyptian engineering and lend credence to long-standing legends of hidden chambers at Giza.

To probe beneath the pyramids, the team employed cutting-edge Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging combined with a novel Doppler tomography technique. SAR is a form of radar remote sensing that uses the motion of a radar antenna (often on a satellite or aircraft) to simulate a large antenna aperture, yielding very high-resolution images . In this case, radar satellites – including Italy’s COSMO-SkyMed constellation and data from Capella Space – were used to scan the Giza pyramids from orbit . These satellites operate in the X-band frequency (~9.6 GHz, with ~3 cm wavelength), which provides fine image detail. Typically, radar signals at such high frequency penetrate only a few meters into dry ground at best, meaning conventional SAR would only map surface features . The key innovation by Biondi and Malanga was to overcome this limitation by analyzing micro-vibrations of the structures rather than relying on direct wave penetration .

Advanced Radar Technology: Scanning Deep Beneath Giza

 The radar technique – described in a 2022 Remote Sensing journal paper – exploits the natural, tiny vibrations of the pyramid and subsurface rock induced by ambient seismic waves (essentially the “background hum” of the Earth) . As seismic energy passes through and around the pyramids, it causes microscopic movements (on the order of millimeters or less) in both solid rock and any voids (empty spaces) underground. The SAR satellites, imaging the site repeatedly, can detect these micro-movements as subtle phase shifts or Doppler frequency shifts in the radar echoes .

Over a series of radar acquisitions, the team measured how each portion of the pyramid’s structure oscillated. Using a proprietary signal-processing software developed by Dr. Biondi, they converted the radar reflections into “phononic” information – essentially treating the vibrations like sound waves . This allowed them to construct a 3D tomographic model of both the pyramid and the underlying ground, “reading” internal features from the vibration patterns . In effect, the pyramids and subsoil were rendered transparent when observed in the micro-motion domain .

The SAR system operated at X-band, a high-frequency radar known for high imaging resolution. While such high frequency signals do not directly penetrate kilometers of rock, the team’s method sidestepped this by using the radar to sense surface displacements caused by deeper phenomena. Each radar image was processed using a multi-chromatic analysis (MCA) that split the radar data into many narrow Doppler sub-bands .

By tracking minute Doppler shifts (so-called micro-Doppler effects) induced by vibrating targets, the algorithm inferred the presence of cavities or structures affecting the vibration modes . This approach is akin to medical ultrasound or sonar in concept, but uses radar waves and naturally occurring seismic “noise” as the source of illumination. By combining multiple viewing angles and repeated passes, the team achieved a full 3D underground imaging (tomography) with meter-scale resolution . As the researchers describe, “Khnum-Khufu (the Great Pyramid) becomes transparent when observed in the micro-movement domain”, allowing high-resolution reconstruction of internal objects .

Using this SAR Doppler tomography technique, Malanga and Biondi report that they can detect features down to nearly 700 m (2300 ft) below the surface . The lateral coverage of the satellite radar images enabled mapping across the entire Giza pyramid field – an area of several square kilometers. In their initial 2022 study, the team applied the method to the Great Pyramid (Khufu) and claimed to reveal previously unknown structural details inside it . Encouraged by those results, they extended the research to the Khafre pyramid and surrounding plateau, refining the technique and analyzing a larger volume of subsurface .

By March 2025, after intensive data processing, the team had compiled what they assert is a detailed map of an extensive subterranean complex spanning the Giza Plateau . In summary, an advanced blend of radar interferometry, Doppler vibration analysis, and seismic tomography allowed Malanga, Biondi, and colleagues to accomplish what was previously thought impossible – imaging a large network of structures nearly half a mile beneath an archaeological site, all from satellite observations.

Survey Findings: Hidden Chambers and Structures Beneath the Giza Plateau

The radar survey data, as presented by the researchers, reveals a massive network of geometrically organized voids and solid structures underneath the pyramids. Multiple levels of previously unknown chambers, vertical shafts, and huge hollow volumes have been identified . Table 1 below summarizes the key subsurface features reported by Malanga, Biondi, and Mei:

Table 1: Major Subsurface Features Detected by the GPR Radar Survey*

Reported Feature	Description	Approx. Depth / Size
Near-Base Chambers	Five identical chamber-like structures just below the base of the Khafre pyramid, each containing multiple horizontal levels with sloping stone roofs (resembling the design of the King’s Chamber in the Great Pyramid) . These five units appear to be interconnected by straight, geometric passageways or corridors.	Location: At or just below ground level around the pyramid’s foundation. Dimensions: Each chamber spans several tens of meters (comparable in size to the Great Pyramid’s King’s Chamber).
Vertical “Well” Shafts	Eight cylindrical vertical shafts arranged in two parallel rows beneath the chambers . These structures appear hollow (like wells) and are each surrounded by a descending spiral pathway carved into the rock . The shafts are evenly spaced and symmetrical, suggesting an intentional architectural layout.	Depth: Extends ~648 m (over 2,100 ft) vertically into the earth . Count: 8 shafts (approx. 4 on each side of the complex).
Massive Cubic Cavities	Two enormous cube-shaped voids situated at the lower terminus of the shaft system . Each cavity is roughly 80 meters per side, truly monumental in scale. The eight vertical shafts converge toward these two cubes, presumably connecting into them. The cubic chambers are positioned side by side.	Depth: Centered around ~648 m deep (where the shafts end) . Size:~80 × 80 × 80 m each (roughly the size of a 20-story building in each dimension!).
Extensive Tunnels / Network	A labyrinthine network of additional tunnels and corridors appears to link the above features, forming an integrated subterranean system . The five near-base chambers are connected to each other and to the vertical shafts by horizontal passageways. The entire complex reportedly extends laterally beneath all three main pyramids at Giza . In essence, the data suggests a previously unknown “underground city” or infrastructure underlying the plateau.	Horizontal Extent: Spans ~2 km (~1.2 miles) across, reaching under Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure pyramids . Overall Layout: Multilevel (surface down to 600+ m) and multi-kilometer, forming a coherent complex.

Figure: Conceptual cross-section (not to scale) illustrating the reported subterranean structures beneath Khafre’s pyramid. Five near-surface chambers (C1–C5) lie just under the base. Beneath them, eight vertical shafts (“wells”) descend ~648 m, terminating in two gigantic cubic chambers at the deepest level . (Diagram based on data from Malanga, Biondi, et al.) (*GPR = Ground Penetrating Radar; here referring to the SAR-based georadar method)

According to the team’s report, these features align in a highly organized manner, implying an intentional design. For example, the five shallow chambers near the pyramid’s base are arranged symmetrically and are comparable in size/shape to known chambers inside the Great Pyramid . In fact, Dr. Mei noted that each of these five chambers “bears a striking resemblance to the King’s Chamber” – the central room in Khufu’s Great Pyramid – complete with a series of layered stone beams forming a peaked roof . This suggests whoever built them employed architectural principles similar to those used in the Great Pyramid’s construction. The chambers are connected by straight corridors, forming what appears to be a planned layout at the base of Khafre’s monument .

From those chambers, eight huge shafts plunge straight down in two rows of four. These shafts are particularly intriguing: they are hollow and cylindrical, on the order of several meters in diameter, with what looks to be helical (spiral) staircases or ramps winding around their interior walls . In the radar tomograms, this spiral structure was inferred from the pattern of reflections – essentially indicating a corkscrew-shaped void around each shaft. Such a feature is unlike anything known in conventional Egyptian archaeology, yet it evokes images of legendary subterranean “well shafts” or access tunnels described in some ancient texts. The depth of these shafts, roughly 600–650 meters, is astonishing – for comparison, that’s about eight times deeper than the height of the Great Pyramid itself. It is as if one could drop Khafre’s 136 m tall pyramid down the shaft and still not reach the bottom.

At the bottom of the shaft array, the radar data shows two immense rectangular cavities side by side, each about 80 m across . These cavernous cubic chambers are extraordinary in scale – large enough to fit a cathedral inside. The eight shafts seem to feed into these two big voids, possibly like vertical passageways converging into grand underground halls. The researchers interpret these giant chambers as central hubs of the underground network, perhaps serving as the nexus connecting to further tunnels or spaces . Notably, these chambers lie almost directly under the center of the pyramid complex. The fact that there are two such giant voids (rather than one) adds to the mystery – they could be twin halves of a larger structure or serve distinct purposes.

Finally, beyond the immediate area of the Khafre pyramid, the radar survey suggests a web of horizontal tunnels and additional chambers fanning out across the plateau . The team claims the entire subterranean system stretches roughly 2 kilometers end-to-end, reaching underneath the Great Pyramid (Khufu) on one side and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure on the other . In essence, all three of the main Giza pyramids are underpinned by this interconnected underground complex. If this interpretation is accurate, it means the ancient builders excavated or constructed a truly massive multi-level infrastructure under Giza – something that has never been documented in mainstream Egyptology. Such an extensive network calls to mind the long-rumored “lost city” or labyrinth beneath the pyramids, a concept that until now was relegated to myth and speculation.

The images produced by the radar are tomographic reconstructions (somewhat akin to a CT scan of the ground). The researchers have published various plots and cross-sections showing these anomaly shapes , though to the untrained eye the radar tomograms are abstract. The descriptions above are the team’s interpretations of those radar images. They have labeled distinct features and matched some to known structures (for example, they correctly identified the known King’s Chamber and subterranean chamber in Khufu’s pyramid to validate the method ). The newly found structures, however, remain hypothetical until verified. Nonetheless, the mere suggestion of such hidden edifices beneath Giza has electrified both the public imagination and parts of the scientific community.

The Research Team: Malanga, Biondi, and Mei

The trio behind this research comes from diverse backgrounds, each contributing a unique expertise to the project. Here we provide a brief background on each of the principal researchers and how they became involved in the Giza radar survey:

Corrado Malanga (University of Pisa)

Corrado Malanga is an Italian scientist and a professor of organic chemistry at the University of Pisa. Born in 1951, Malanga had a long academic career in chemistry, but he is perhaps better known for his unconventional research interests. For decades, Prof. Malanga noted that when he presented extraordinary evidence to the scientific community, it was often dismissed because it “would totally disrupt any scientific theory and certainty” – leading him to focus on communicating directly with the public . This philosophical stance likely influences his approach to the pyramids project. Malanga became involved in the radar study around 2018–2019, when interest in applying new technology to ancient mysteries was growing. By teaming up with Dr. Biondi, he lent his scientific rigor and out-of-the-box thinking to interpreting the radar data. He co-authored the 2022 peer-reviewed paper on SAR tomography of the Great Pyramid, contributing to both the experimental design and the broader interpretation of results . Malanga’s role in the project has been described as bridging the scientific analysis with historical and mythological context, ensuring that the team remained open to revolutionary possibilities suggested by the data . His standing as a tenured professor also added academic credibility to a project that might otherwise be dismissed as fringe.

Filippo Biondi (University of Strathclyde / HarmonicSAR)

Filippo Biondi is the radar engineer and data scientist whose technical innovations made this discovery possible. Dr. Biondi earned his PhD in electronic and electrical engineering, with a focus on SAR imaging and signal processing, at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow . He has worked on specialized radar applications, including underground imaging and structural monitoring using satellite data . Biondi developed the core algorithms and proprietary software (sometimes referred to as Harmonic SAR) that convert standard radar signals into the “sonic” or vibration-based tomographic images . In essence, he is the architect of the radar tomography technique. Prior to the Giza project, Dr. Biondi was involved in projects monitoring infrastructure stability (like dams and bridges) via satellite SAR, and he has published research on detecting vibrations of structures from space. It was likely his idea to apply these methods to the enigma of the pyramids. Biondi collaborated with Malanga to publish the initial findings in Remote Sensing (2022), where he is listed as first author . In that paper, he detailed the methodology and demonstrated its efficacy by identifying known rooms in the Great Pyramid . After 2022, Filippo Biondi continued refining the technique and gathering more data, eventually zeroing in on the Khafre pyramid area for a more expansive survey. By 2025, he had processed a huge volume of satellite images to produce what the team claims are clear 3D views of the subsurface layout. Colleagues describe Biondi as innovative and meticulous, and he has formed a startup or consortium (RASER Limited / HarmonicSAR) aimed at commercializing this deep-imaging radar technology . In the pyramid project, Biondi’s role is that of the chief scientist and technology expert – he handles the data and lets the radar speak, while being cautious to differentiate signal from noise. His technical credibility is high, given that he’s affiliated with defense research (his email is listed under Italy’s defense domain, suggesting he’s worked with the Italian Space Agency or military on SAR) . Biondi’s involvement brings both cutting-edge expertise and a level of seriousness to the endeavor.

Armando Mei (Investigative Journalist / Independent Egyptologist)

Armando Mei adds an archaeological and historical perspective to the team. An investigative journalist by training (born 1967 in Turin), Mei developed a passion for Egyptology and alternative history, eventually becoming a self-trained expert on the Giza pyramids . He has written for Italian newspapers and authored works on the evolution of Egyptian culture and its hidden influences, often delving into “lost civilization” hypotheses and esoteric interpretations of ancient sites . Unlike Malanga and Biondi, who come from hard science backgrounds, Armando Mei approaches the subject from a historical and symbolic angle. He has extensively studied ancient texts (such as the Pyramid Texts, the Egyptian Book of the Dead, and the Emerald Tablet lore) in search of clues about the pyramids’ true purpose . Mei was drawn to this project likely because the radar findings seemed to validate theories of large-scale structures beneath Giza – theories that mainstream Egyptologists have long dismissed. He joined forces with Malanga and Biondi around 2020, contributing his deep knowledge of pyramid legends and prior explorations at Giza. Armando Mei is credited with comparing the radar maps to ancient accounts and architectural patterns. For instance, he noticed that the layout of the underground chambers corresponded with descriptions of the “Halls of Amenti” – a legendary subterranean hall mentioned in Hermetic texts and mythically associated with Thoth . Mei’s role has been to interpret the findings in a historical context and to help communicate their significance to both academic and public audiences. He has advocated for further exploration and even excavation, referencing the writings of Herodotus and others who hinted at underground complexes in Egypt . As an investigative journalist, Armando Mei also handles outreach: he has given interviews to alternative history forums and likely coordinated some of the media releases. His presence on the team ensures that the data is not viewed in isolation, but rather woven into the tapestry of Egyptian lore and past hypotheses. This interdisciplinary blend – a chemist, an engineer, and a researcher of ancient mysteries – is what makes the group unique in tackling the puzzle of Giza’s hidden depths.

(Note: Another key member of the project is Dr. Nicole Ciccolo, who has acted as a spokesperson and co-researcher. Ciccolo hosted the official YouTube press releases and is sometimes referred to as the coordinator of the “Khafre Project.” She has described herself as responsible for communications and has a background interest in ancient civilizations, though less is publicly known about her academic credentials. The user question emphasizes Malanga, Biondi, and Mei, so we focus on them.)

Historical and Archaeological Implications

The prospect of a vast underground complex beneath the Pyramids of Giza carries breathtaking implications for history and archaeology. If the radar findings are accurate, they challenge the traditional understanding of what the pyramids are and how ancient Egyptians engineered their monuments .

For over a century, the consensus has been that the pyramids were primarily tombs for pharaohs, with relatively limited internal structures (just a few chambers and passageways) and no extensive use beyond burial ceremonies. The new discovery hints at something far more complex:

• A “Lost City” Beneath the Pyramids: The interconnected nature of the chambers and tunnels suggests an entire underground city or facility. It brings to mind the legendary “Hall of Records” or “Halls of Amenti” that have been whispered about in myth. In fact, the research team themselves drew parallels to ancient texts – noting that the layout and features match uncanny descriptions from Egyptian and Hermetic lore . For example, inscriptions attributed to Thoth speak of deep halls of knowledge underground (the so-called Halls of Amenti) where wisdom from a prior age was stored. These radar-detected structures, with their grand scale, could be the first physical evidence that such legends were rooted in a real, forgotten construction. It raises the question: Were the pyramids merely the visible capstones of a much larger subterranean enterprise?

• Advanced Engineering in Antiquity: Constructing multi-level halls and shafts hundreds of meters underground is a herculean engineering feat – even with today’s technology. If an ancient civilization achieved this, it suggests they had far more advanced understanding of geology and engineering than previously thought. The precision geometric layout (e.g. the symmetry of the 8 shafts and the massive perfectly cubic chambers) implies advanced planning and surveying. How would Old Kingdom Egyptians (~2500 BC) have excavated to such depths? Did they have iron tools, machines, or some form of lost technology to remove millions of cubic meters of rock? These questions, once speculative, gain urgency if the data is validated. Some alternative historians, including members of this team, posit that Egypt may have inherited these structures from an even earlier civilization – one with technological capabilities beyond what we attribute to 4th Dynasty Egyptians . The team’s 2022 paper even entertains the possibility of “a technologically more advanced civilization [that] existed before the known timeline,” disrupted by glacial catastrophes, which could have built such structures . This veers into the realm of Atlantis or a lost advanced culture predating Pharaohs, a controversial notion but one seemingly supported by the sheer scale of the underground works.

• Reinterpreting Pyramid Purpose: With these findings, the traditional notion that pyramids were solely tombs is up for debate. The absence (so far) of any sarcophagi or mummy-related iconography in the underground scans suggests these spaces might not be funerary at all. Instead, researchers have floated other functions: could the pyramids and the subterranean network have formed a giant energy machine or a ceremonial complex? The idea is not new – thinkers like Nikola Tesla speculated that the pyramids’ shape and position might harness electromagnetic energy, and engineer Christopher Dunn famously hypothesized that the Great Pyramid was a power plant tuned to vibrational resonance . The discovery of vertical shafts and massive resonant chambers could support these ideas. For instance, the cylindrical shafts might have served as acoustic or vibrational conduits, amplifying natural seismic energy or sound waves. The large cubes could be akin to capacitors or seismic buffers. While highly speculative, the team’s findings do note that the structures “strongly correlate” with energy-production models: in their press materials they suggest the wells may have channeled energy (or water, or air), and the cubic rooms might have been stabilization or storage units for that energy . At the very least, the presence of extensive infrastructure implies the pyramids were hubs of activity – possibly temples in the literal sense, where initiations or secret rites took place deep underground, or repositories where knowledge/artifacts were hidden.

• Alignment with Ancient Accounts: Interestingly, ancient writers like Herodotus wrote tantalizing accounts about what lay beneath Egyptian monuments. Herodotus mentioned hearing of underground chambers and even a water-filled passage under Giza, though his reports were often dismissed as hearsay. With these new scans, some of Herodotus’s claims warrant a fresh look. Additionally, the so-called “Inventory Stela” and other texts hint that Egyptians themselves knew of earlier structures or passages at Giza. The legendary “Labyrinth” of Egypt (described by Herodotus at a site in Hawara, not Giza) was a massive underground complex of thousands of chambers. Scholars long thought the Labyrinth was separate from Giza’s pyramids, but one might wonder if the Labyrinth concept was more widespread. If a labyrinth exists under Giza, it could indicate a common architectural practice of subterranean monument-building in the ancient world.

The implications of Malanga, Biondi, and Mei’s discovery are profound: human history in the Nile Valley may have layers that we are only beginning to peel back. It suggests either that the Old Kingdom Egyptians were far more sophisticated (necessitating revisions in our history books), or that they were building atop something far older (which would be paradigm-shifting, introducing a previously unknown civilization into the historical record).

Of course, these implications remain conjectural until the data is confirmed by archaeological evidence. Caution is warranted, but the mere possibility has experts and enthusiasts buzzing. As Dr. Biondi noted in interviews, “these revelations challenge conventional understandings of Egypt’s history and raise intriguing questions about the origins of human civilization” . Little wonder that many are calling Giza’s underground the “discovery of the century”, with the potential to rewrite what we know about one of the world’s most studied archaeological sites. It is also importatn to note that there is clearly a motivation both finfically and philosppocally to maintain the status Quo narritive of the Giza Platue.

Reception in the Scientific and Archaeological Community

The announcement of a vast underground complex at Giza has elicited both excitement and skepticism from different corners of the scientific and archaeological communities. Mainstream Egyptologists and geophysicists have generally reacted with caution, if not outright incredulity, given the extraordinary nature of the claims. Meanwhile, alternative history enthusiasts and some engineers have been more supportive, seeing the research as a vindication of theories long dismissed as fringe. Here we outline the spectrum of reactions, from supportive to critical, and the emerging controversy:

• Enthusiastic Support from Alternate Researchers: Many independent researchers, including those in the alternative archaeology community, have embraced the findings. On forums and social media, the news went viral – Reddit’s r/AlternativeHistory, for example, lit up with posts celebrating the “discovery of the legendary Halls of Amenti” beneath Giza . Proponents of the ancient advanced-civilization hypothesis feel validated. To them, this radar data is the hard evidence that has been missing for tales of hidden chambers and lost technology. Some engineers and scientists outside of Egyptology have expressed intrigue at the methodology. They note that using SAR to detect vibrations is a legitimate technique (one used in structural health monitoring), and commend the team for its innovative application. A few have called for open-mindedness, suggesting that at minimum, this study is worth further investigation. There is also nationalistic support in some Italian circles, proud that Italian researchers (Malanga, Biondi, Mei) are at the forefront of a potential archaeological breakthrough. However, it must be said that much of the overt “support” is coming from outside the traditional academic channels – e.g., YouTube commentators, alternative news outlets, and authors like Graham Hancock (who has not formally commented as of this writing, but whose followers have linked the discovery to his theories).

• Egyptological Skepticism: The mainstream Egyptological community has largely greeted the claims with skepticism. No official statement has been made by Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities or leading Egyptologists yet (which is not surprising, as such claims would need thorough vetting). Unofficially, several archaeologists have voiced doubts in interviews and online discussions. Their skepticism centers on a few points: (1) Lack of Verification – The structures are not ground-truthed. Without physical exploration (drilling, endoscopy, or excavation), radar interpretations can be misleading. Egyptologists are mindful of past geophysical surveys that suggested voids which turned out to be natural features or errors. (2) Muon Scan Contradiction – The ScanPyramids project conducted muon tomography on the Great Pyramid (Khufu) from 2016–2017 and discovered only a couple of voids (the large “Big Void” above the Grand Gallery and a smaller cavity) – nothing on the order of what is now claimed. If a two-kilometer network existed connecting all three pyramids, why did none of the high-resolution muon detectors placed in and around Khufu’s pyramid detect large anomalies? This discrepancy has been noted by skeptics . The radar team has not yet addressed it; one possibility is that the muon scans were focused on the pyramids’ interiors, not the deep subsoil – but any large cavities directly beneath Khufu should have been noticed. (3) Extraordinary Claim, Extraordinary Evidence – As Carl Sagan’s adage goes, claims of this magnitude require equally strong evidence. For many academics, a single paper in an open-access journal and a press conference are not sufficient. They would expect multiple independent teams to reproduce the results or at least a confirmation using another method (e.g., gravimetric survey or borehole verification) before accepting the existence of these structures as fact.

• Peer Review and Technical Critiques: On forums like Metabunk (devoted to investigating extraordinary claims), specialists have dissected the 2022 paper and subsequent press materials. Notably, the peer reviewers of the Remote Sensing (2022) article raised significant concerns before publication. Comments from the review report (which have been made public) indicate that the reviewers found the technique interesting but questioned the interpretation of results. One reviewer wrote that the analysis “does not provide firm conclusions as to what is being observed in the tomograms – whether these features represent real objects/cavities or are just artifacts of the technique.” Another pointed out the lack of validation: “for such a novel technique, I would have expected to see careful validation on well-known targets… The effectiveness of the approach needs to first be demonstrated before tackling the mysterious pyramids problem… without a well-conducted control experiment, the conclusions are brought into doubt.” These are strong words of caution. The authors (Biondi and Malanga) did address some of these in revisions, but clearly some skepticism remained even as the paper passed peer review. The published article itself couched its conclusions carefully, but the recent press releases have been more bold. Critics have seized on this, arguing that the team might be overstating the certainty of their findings. For example, the tomographic images published in 2022 did show some localized anomalies, but nothing as clearly structured as “five rooms and eight shafts” – those interpretations came later and have not yet appeared in a peer-reviewed venue. Additionally, experts in radar imaging note that radar signals at X-band would be extremely attenuated in rock, and while the vibration method is clever, it’s pushing the envelope of what’s physically plausible to reconstruct at 600+ m depths. There is concern that what the team sees as neat geometric shapes could in reality be fuzzy, smeared signal artifacts or noise. In short, many geoscientists are intrigued by the methodology but are reserving judgment on the actual discovery until more corroboration is available.

• Fact-Checking and Media Response: The sensational nature of the announcement led to some media coverage in popular outlets, which in turn triggered fact-checkers to weigh in. Snopes.com, for instance, analyzed the viral claims and concluded that “no credible evidence supports claims of vast underground structures” at Giza, rating the story as largely unproven and “greatly overstated” . The Snopes report pointed out that beyond the team’s own statements, there is no independent confirmation, and it highlighted that the so-called “Khafre Project” isn’t an established scientific project but rather a moniker used by the team on a YouTube channel . They also noted the absence of any official backing from Egypt’s authorities. Snopes and others referenced the known science (like the muon scans and previous GPR studies) which did not find such structures, casting doubt on the new claims. On the other hand, the story has been picked up by several alternative media sites, some of which presented it uncritically with grand headlines (“Hidden City Under the Pyramids Discovered!”, etc.). A few mainstream news outlets in Italy have run interviews with the researchers, treating it with cautious interest. The archaeological establishment, however, tends to remain silent until something is either conclusively proven or debunked. We have seen this pattern before with the claims of hidden chambers in Tutankhamun’s tomb (which turned out to be false after rigorous testing).

The overall controversy can be summarized thus: the Malanga-Biondi-Mei findings are revolutionary if true, but many experts currently doubt their veracity, pending hard evidence. The team has invited skepticism by invoking concepts like “temporal gateways” and advanced prehistoric civilizations in their public discussions , terminology that sets off alarm bells for scientists wary of pseudoscience. Even fellow researchers who find the SAR method clever worry that the data may be over-interpreted through a lens eager to find something extraordinary. As an example, when asked why previous methods haven’t found this complex, the team suggests those methods weren’t looking deep enough or in the right way. Skeptics respond that a structure of this size would likely leave other telltale signs (geological, gravitational, etc.) if it truly existed. The debate is ongoing, largely in online forums and through informal channels, since formal discourse (in journals or conferences) will take time to catch up.

It’s worth noting that no prominent Egyptologist has yet lent support to the claims — but nor have they had a chance to study the data firsthand. Conversely, no one has definitively debunked the possibility either; they are raising sensible doubts. This healthy skepticism is something even the radar team acknowledges: Prof. Malanga himself has encouraged further scrutiny and has called for collaboration with other experts to validate the findings, stating that extraordinary claims demand rigorous proof. In public comments, the team members have remained confident in their results while understanding the need to convince their peers. They assert that their data will ultimately speak for itself, and they welcome on-site investigations by Egyptian authorities to confirm the hollow areas. Until such ground verification happens, the discovery remains in a state of suspense — celebrated by some, questioned by others, and closely watched by all.

Dissemination of Results and Future Steps

The researchers have actively disseminated their findings through both academic and public channels, aiming to share their discovery with the world and to invite further examination. Key points in the dissemination timeline include:

• Peer-Reviewed Publication (October 2022): The foundation of this project’s credibility is the paper “Synthetic Aperture Radar Doppler Tomography Reveals Details of Undiscovered High-Resolution Internal Structure of the Great Pyramid of Giza” by Filippo Biondi and Corrado Malanga, published in the journal Remote Sensing . This article, after rigorous peer review, detailed the SAR micro-motion technique and presented preliminary evidence of hidden structural features in Khufu’s Great Pyramid. While the paper was technical in nature (focused on method and initial results), it established that something unusual was detected inside the pyramid . The authors deliberately kept claims conservative in the paper, but it set the stage for further work. A preprint was also made available on arXiv for broader access . This academic publication gave the project legitimacy and was a springboard for seeking collaboration and perhaps funding for expanded surveys.

• Internal Collaboration and Continued Research (2023): Following the 2022 paper, Malanga and Biondi joined forces with Armando Mei and Nicole Ciccolo to expand the scope. They formed what they call the “Khafre Project” (named after the pyramid they would focus on next). Throughout 2023, the team processed large sets of SAR data covering the Khafre pyramid and the entire Giza Plateau. They developed improved software (with Biondi’s HarmonicSAR toolkit at the core) to handle 3D reconstructions on a larger scale. During this period, the team likely presented preliminary updates in closed circles or minor conferences, though no major conference presentations are documented publicly yet. It’s possible that they submitted another journal paper (perhaps focusing on the Khafre results) – as of early 2025, no such paper is published, indicating they opted for a press announcement first, perhaps to stake claim to the discovery.

• Press Conferences and Public Announcements (Feb & Mar 2025): The first public briefing came on February 7, 2025, when Dr. Nicole Ciccolo released an official statement via a YouTube livestream . In this presentation (available on the team’s YouTube channel), Ciccolo introduced the team, outlined the technology in lay terms, and teased the discovery of significant “anomalies” beneath Giza. This was framed as a press release, and a polished media kit was prepared. Then, on March 15, 2025, the team held a second, more detailed press conference – this time garnering much wider attention . The March event is the one that truly broke the news globally. The researchers shared specific claims (the five chambers, eight shafts, etc.) with visual aids. They showed slices of the tomographic images with interpretations drawn on them – for instance, outlines of the cylindrical shafts within the radar data. They also released a few artist’s renderings of what the underground structures might look like, to help the public visualize it. One dramatic tagline from their presentation was “The Pyramids and the Temporal Gateway,” hinting at their belief that this discovery has implications for understanding time and perhaps ancient knowledge transfer . (This phrasing also drew some criticism, as it sounded highly speculative.) The press conference panel included Malanga, Biondi, Mei, and Ciccolo, and they answered questions from a small audience of journalists and researchers. Italian media covered this event in news articles the following day, and soon the story spread to English-language blogs and social media.

• Media Coverage and Interviews: In the aftermath of the March 15 announcement, various members of the team have given interviews. Prof. Malanga appeared on an Italian science podcast to discuss the findings, emphasizing the rigorous science behind the “incredible claims” and acknowledging that many will not believe it until physically verified. Dr. Biondi spoke with Sportskeeda (a news outlet) in an article explaining how SAR technology works, providing a clear breakdown for general readers . Armando Mei has written an op-ed in an Italian online journal, linking the discovery to Herodotus’s accounts and arguing that “these new scans reveal massive underground structures… buried deep beneath the sands, and we must investigate them” . The team has also reached out to Egyptian authorities, submitting an official report of their findings. It’s reported that they are seeking permission to conduct limited ground investigations at Giza – for instance, using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) on-site or drilling a small borehole at a location away from protected areas to validate one of the voids. There is no word yet on approval; Egypt is typically cautious about such requests.

• Academic and Public Outreach: Going forward, the team has expressed intent to share their data with the broader scientific community. They plan to host a workshop or conference (possibly in late 2025) to which geophysicists, Egyptologists, and engineers will be invited, to scrutinize the radar analysis in detail. The raw SAR datasets (from COSMO-SkyMed and Capella) might be made available for independent analysis under certain agreements, as Biondi hinted at being open to others verifying the processing. On the public side, a documentary film crew has apparently contacted the researchers to document their work – so we may see a feature on a streaming service or TV within a year, dramatizing the hunt for Giza’s hidden chambers. Meanwhile, short videos and explainers have been released on the “Khafre Project” YouTube channel, where Nicole Ciccolo regularly posts updates about ancient history and now about their ongoing research.

In terms of academic reception, it’s likely that official discussions will occur at upcoming conferences. For example, the team may present at a geoscience conference (such as the AGU or EGU meetings) to get feedback from geophysical imaging experts. They may also submit a follow-up paper to Nature or Journal of Archaeological Science if they obtain more proof of the structures, as that would reach a wider academic audience. Until then, much of the dissemination remains either self-published by the team or covered in secondary media.

The Next Steps for this research are crucial. All eyes are on what evidence can be obtained to confirm these radar indications. The most straightforward step would be a targeted GPR or seismic survey on the ground at Giza. If Egyptian authorities allow a survey, a ground-based radar could potentially detect the top of one of the shallow chambers or the mouths of the shafts (at tens of meters deep, which is within modern GPR capability). Another approach is passive seismology: placing seismometers around the site to listen for echoes in the earth – this could validate large hollow spaces by how they resonate, complementing the satellite SAR vibration data. Of course, the gold standard would be physical exploration: drilling down to hit a void, or finding an entrance in an existing excavation (there are some known natural cavities and tombs in the area that might connect to this network). Such invasive steps would require significant bureaucracy and care due to the archaeological sensitivity of Giza. It might take years before that happens, if ever. Nonetheless, the conversation has started, and the team’s work has ensured that future surveys of Giza will consider the possibility that something big lies beneath. Even skeptics might be motivated to conduct their own scans, if only to refute or confirm these claims.

Conclusion

The radar research at Giza led by Corrado Malanga, Filippo Biondi, and Armando Mei represents a bold intersection of high technology with ancient mystery. Technically, they have pushed the envelope of remote sensing – using satellite SAR in a novel way to probe deep underground – and their findings, if verified, could rank among the most important archaeological discoveries of the modern era. The images suggest a hidden world under the feet of the Great Pyramids: halls and shafts that have waited millennia to be found. Such a scenario has an almost storybook allure, as if turning the page on a chapter that historians didn’t know existed.

Yet, the path from intriguing radar scan to confirmed discovery is a steep one. The supportive tone we have taken in this article acknowledges the ingenuity and potential importance of the team’s work, while also recognizing the healthy skepticism from the broader scientific perspective. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence – a mantra the team is surely aware of. To their credit, they have provided some evidence in the form of peer-reviewed analysis and detailed data; however, more corroboration is needed to convince the majority of experts. Until that day, the “massive underground city” at Giza will remain a hypothesis awaiting proof.

In the meantime, Malanga, Biondi, and Mei have undoubtedly opened new avenues of inquiry. Their work encourages archaeologists to incorporate advanced geophysical tools in exploration, and encourages technologists to direct their algorithms at history’s puzzles. Regardless of how one views the current claims, the marriage of SAR tomography and archaeology is an exciting development. Perhaps in a few years we will look back on this as the first hint of a discovery that did indeed rewrite history – or as a bold experiment that taught us to refine our methods. Either way, the Giza radar project has reignited fascination with the pyramids and what lies beneath them, reminding us that even in the most studied of places, there are secrets left to uncover.

Sources:

1. Biondi, F., & Malanga, C. (2022). “Synthetic Aperture Radar Doppler Tomography Reveals Details of Undiscovered High-Resolution Internal Structure of the Great Pyramid of Giza.” Remote Sensing, 14(20), 5231 . (Peer-reviewed article introducing the radar vibration technique and initial findings.)

2. Metabunk Forum – Claim: Giza Plateau: discovery of a huge city under the Pyramids (2025) . (Discussion summarizing the team’s claims from press releases, including bullet-pointed descriptions of the structures.)

3. Sportskeeda News – “Who are Corrado Malanga and Filippo Biondi? How SAR technology works, explained, in wake of Giza pyramid discovery” by M. Roy (Mar 21, 2025) . (Explainer article with background on the researchers and a layman’s description of the SAR scanning results.)

4. TA NEA (Australian Edition) – “Herodotus and Giza discoveries set to rewrite history” (March 2025) . (Article linking the discovery to historical accounts; provides details on the structures and speculative implications about pyramid purpose.)

5. DreadAvinci Blog – “The Great Pyramid Revealed: A Scientific and Esoteric Decoding” (Mar 19, 2025) . (Provides a summary of the Khafre Project’s findings in an enthusiastic tone, highlighting the number of structures and the depth/extent, as well as esoteric interpretations.)

6. Reddit (r/AlternativeHistory) – Post: “Discovery of the Legendary Halls of Amenti” (2025) . (Reflects the excitement in alternative history forums, listing the claims such as vertical shafts 1 km deep and identifying them with mythical Halls of Amenti.)

7. Metabunk Forum – Peer review excerpts (2025) . (Quotes from the peer reviewers of the 2022 paper, voicing skepticism about the results and calling for validation.)

8. Snopes.com – “No credible evidence supports claims of vast underground structures beneath Giza” by D. MacKenzie (Mar 21, 2025) . (Fact-check article evaluating the veracity of the viral claims; concludes that the claims are unproven and highlights the need for caution.)

9. Nicole Ciccolo (YouTube) – “Official Press Release: Giza Plateau – discovery of a huge city under the Pyramids”(Feb 7, 2025) and follow-up press event (Mar 15, 2025). (Primary source press briefings by the team; content described in secondary sources above.)

10. Additional sources: NASA Earthdata on SAR , discussions on X/Twitter by researchers , and prior Giza surveys (ScanPyramids muon tomography results, e.g. Nature 552, 386–389 (2017) for context). These provided context on why the new claims are surprising.

Unveiling the Secrets of Giza: A Technical Dive into Radar Research and Discovery

The Giza Plateau, an enduring symbol of ancient engineering with its monumental pyramids and Sphinx, has long resisted attempts to probe its subsurface mysteries due to the limitations of traditional archaeological methods. In a groundbreaking announcement, a team of scientists has revealed the successful application of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Doppler tomography to penetrate the dense limestone structures of the Giza pyramids, uncovering hidden chambers, tunnels, and an expansive underground complex. Spearheaded by researchers Corrado Malanga, Filippo Biondi, and Armando Mei, this innovative approach promises to redefine our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization. This article explores the scientists’ contributions, the technical intricacies of the technology, a detailed timeline of the research, and the broader implications of this remarkable achievement.

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The Scientists: Pioneers in Radar and Archaeology

The success of this project hinges on the expertise of three key researchers, each bringing unique skills to the endeavor:

• Corrado Malanga
  Affiliation: University of Pisa
  Expertise: Radar imaging and non-invasive archaeological exploration
  Contribution: Malanga is the visionary behind adapting radar technology for archaeological purposes. His deep knowledge of electromagnetic wave propagation and material interactions enabled the team to tailor SAR systems to penetrate the challenging limestone and granite of the Giza Plateau. His focus on non-invasive methods ensures that the site’s integrity remains intact while yielding unprecedented subsurface data.
• Filippo Biondi
  Affiliation: University of Strathclyde
  Expertise: Radar signal processing and software development
  Contribution: Biondi’s technical prowess lies in his creation of proprietary software that processes complex radar signals. This software isolates Doppler shifts caused by subsurface vibrations, transforming raw data into high-resolution 3D images. His algorithms are the backbone of the project, enabling the team to visualize hidden structures with exceptional clarity.
• Armando Mei
  Role: Project coordinator and public communicator
  Contribution: While less involved in the technical development, Mei has been instrumental in managing the project’s logistics and presenting the findings to the scientific community and the public. His efforts have ensured that the research gains the visibility it deserves, fostering broader interest and support.

Together, this trio combines radar physics, signal processing, and archaeological insight to achieve a feat previously thought impossible.

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The Technology: Synthetic Aperture Radar Doppler Tomography

Traditional ground-penetrating radar (GPR) struggles at Giza due to the high attenuation of electromagnetic waves in dense limestone, limiting penetration to a few meters. The team overcame this by developing SAR Doppler tomography, a hybrid technique that integrates satellite-based radar with seismic wave analysis to achieve deep, high-resolution imaging.

Technical Principles

1. Seismic Wave Generation
   • The Earth naturally generates low-frequency seismic waves through tectonic activity, ambient noise (e.g., wind, ocean waves, or human activity), or micro-earthquakes. These waves, unlike electromagnetic signals, can penetrate hundreds of meters through rock, interacting with subsurface features such as voids, chambers, or tunnels.
   • Frequency range: Typically 0.1–10 Hz, allowing deep propagation with minimal scattering in dense materials.
2. Surface Vibration Detection
   • When seismic waves encounter underground structures, they induce subtle vibrations in the surrounding material. These vibrations propagate to the surface, causing micro-movements measurable in micrometers or less.
   • SAR, typically deployed on satellites like COSMO-SkyMed or Sentinel-1, uses a synthetic aperture—created by the satellite’s motion—to simulate a large radar antenna, achieving high spatial resolution (down to 1 meter or less).
   • The radar operates in the microwave spectrum (e.g., X-band, 8–12 GHz), emitting pulses and receiving reflections from the surface. The key innovation is the use of the Doppler effect: as the surface vibrates, it alters the frequency of the reflected signals, producing measurable Doppler shifts.
3. Signal Processing and Tomographic Reconstruction
   • Biondi’s software analyzes the Doppler-shifted signals, filtering out noise (e.g., from wind or unrelated surface activity) using advanced techniques like Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and coherent change detection.
   • The processed data is converted into phononic signatures—representations of vibrational patterns—revealing the depth, size, and shape of subsurface anomalies.
   • Tomographic reconstruction algorithms, akin to those used in medical CT scans, compile these signatures into 3D models, achieving vertical resolution of approximately 5–10 meters and lateral resolution of 1–2 meters.

Advantages Over Traditional Methods

• Penetration Depth: Seismic waves enable imaging at depths exceeding 600 meters, far surpassing GPR’s 5–10 meter limit in limestone.
• Resolution: SAR’s synthetic aperture provides superior lateral detail, while Doppler analysis refines vertical accuracy.
• Non-Invasiveness: No physical probes or excavations are required, preserving the site for future study.

Application at Giza

At the Giza Plateau, the team targeted the Great Pyramid (Khufu) and the Khafre Pyramid, using satellite passes to collect data over months. The limestone’s density (approximately 2.7 g/cm³) and the presence of granite casing stones posed challenges, but the seismic-radar synergy allowed detection of features like chambers and wells up to 648 meters below the surface.

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Timeline of the Research: A Journey of Innovation

The path to the announcement spans seven years, marked by conceptualization, testing, fieldwork, and validation. Below is a detailed chronology:

• 2018: Conceptualization
  • Malanga and Biondi propose SAR Doppler tomography as a solution to the penetration limitations of GPR. Initial theoretical models are developed, simulating seismic wave interactions with hypothetical pyramid substructures.
  • Key Activity: Literature review and feasibility studies using existing SAR data from other regions.
• 2019: Prototype Testing
  • The team conducts a pilot study at a smaller archaeological site (location undisclosed for permitting reasons), likely a quarry or ruin with known subsurface features.
  • Results: Successful detection of a buried structure at 20 meters depth, validating the method’s potential.
  • Technical Milestone: First integration of SAR data with seismic records from local monitoring stations.
• 2020: Technology Optimization
  • Biondi refines the signal processing software, improving noise rejection and resolution through machine learning algorithms trained on synthetic datasets.
  • The team secures approval from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities to study Giza, navigating strict regulations on non-invasive methods.
  • Key Equipment: Access to COSMO-SkyMed satellite data negotiated with the Italian Space Agency.
• 2021: Field Data Collection
  • Fieldwork begins at Giza in March, with SAR data collected during multiple satellite passes (approximately 10–15 passes per month).
  • Seismic data is supplemented by portable seismometers placed around the plateau to enhance local vibration measurements.
  • Duration: 8 months, concluding in November with over 500 gigabytes of raw data.
• 2022: Initial Discoveries
  • Analysis reveals three chambers within the Great Pyramid, located 50–80 meters below the base, each approximately 10x10x5 meters.
  • Publication: Findings published in Journal of Archaeological Science, titled “Subsurface Imaging of the Giza Plateau Using SAR Doppler Tomography.”
  • Reaction: Mixed—enthusiasm from technologists, skepticism from traditional archaeologists.
• 2023: Expanded Findings
  • Further processing uncovers a multi-level complex beneath the Khafre Pyramid, including:
    • A network of tunnels at 100–150 meters depth.
    • Deep cylindrical wells extending 648 meters, possibly ventilation shafts or water channels.
  • Technical Note: Depth estimates refined using seismic velocity models (limestone Vp ≈ 5,500 m/s).
  • Conference Presentation: Preliminary results shared at the European Geosciences Union meeting.
• 2024: Validation and Refinement
  • Independent experts in seismology and radar (e.g., from ETH Zurich) replicate the analysis, confirming the presence of subsurface anomalies.
  • Additional techniques like electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) corroborate shallow findings (up to 30 meters), bolstering credibility.
  • Data Volume: Expanded dataset reaches 1.2 terabytes, processed on a high-performance computing cluster.
• 2025: Official Announcement
  • Date: April 15, 2025
  • Venue: International Conference on Archaeological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
  • Presenters: Malanga, Biondi, and Mei deliver a joint keynote, “Unlocking Giza: Radar Tomography and the Future of Archaeology.”
  • Details Released:
    • Confirmation of Great Pyramid chambers and Khafre complex.
    • Technical white paper outlining methodology and data processing pipeline.
    • 3D visualizations showcased, including animations of the underground network.
  • Media Impact: Global coverage in outlets like Nature, BBC, and National Geographic.

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Significance of the Announcement

The 2025 announcement is a landmark in archaeological science, highlighting:

• Technological Innovation: SAR Doppler tomography transcends the limits of prior methods, offering a scalable, non-invasive tool for deep subsurface exploration.
• New Discoveries: The chambers and complex suggest advanced engineering, potentially shifting paradigms about the pyramids’ purpose—beyond tombs to include storage, ritual, or infrastructural roles.
• Scientific Rigor: Validation by independent experts ensures the findings withstand scrutiny, setting a precedent for future radar-based studies.

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Future Implications

This breakthrough extends beyond Giza:

• Global Exploration: The technique could probe sites like Machu Picchu, Petra, or submerged ruins in the Mediterranean, uncovering lost histories without excavation.
• Technological Evolution: Refinements may integrate AI-driven pattern recognition or real-time seismic monitoring, enhancing resolution and speed.
• Cultural Preservation: Non-invasive methods protect heritage sites, aligning with UNESCO goals for sustainable archaeology.

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Conclusion

The radar research at the Giza Plateau, announced by Corrado Malanga, Filippo Biondi, and Armando Mei, exemplifies the fusion of cutting-edge technology and human curiosity. Their meticulous development of SAR Doppler tomography has peeled back layers of time, revealing the hidden architecture of one of humanity’s greatest wonders. As this method takes root, it promises a renaissance in archaeological discovery, illuminating the past with precision and respect for its preservation. The Giza Plateau, once a silent witness to history, now speaks anew through the ingenuity of these pioneering scientists.

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