World’s Oldest Paved Canal Found Near Giza Pyramids Limestone-Lined Canal To Carry Water Was Built 4,500 Years Ago

Archaeologists have found what they believe is the world’s oldest paved canal, built about 4,500 years ago near the pyramids of Giza, an Egyptian scholar said Saturday.

The canal was probably used to carry water from the Nile for the ritual bathing of the body of pharaoh Chephren, whose pyramid is the second largest of the three at Giza, said Zahi Hawass of the Egyptian Antiquities Authority.

Chephren’s pyramid is also the most complete, and includes an associated temple complex. Hawass said the discovery of the canal and a nearby tunnel will broaden knowledge of how the pharaoh was prepared for burial.

The archaeologist, in charge of the Giza plateau for the Antiquities Authority, said the canal’s walls are lined with limestone, making it the oldest paved canal ever found. About 50 yards have been excavated so far.

Archaeologists have long theorized that such canals were used in connection with the burial of the pharaohs, but this is the first physical evidence for the theory, he said.

The discovery of the tunnel, which runs under the Valley Temple, could also be a “very exciting” but researchers have yet to determine the tunnel’s use, he said.

Excavators also found small holes and a basin indicating a tent may have been set up for purification rituals in front of the Valley Temple, which is connected by a causeway to Chephren’s pyramid.

The canal was found accidentally by workers tearing down an outdoor theater built about 30 years ago.

Chephren ruled from 2558 B.C. to 2532 B.C. His pyramid is about 136 yards high. The Valley Temple is located southwest of the Sphinx.