Some researchers and independent historians have proposed a striking idea: that parts of the Giza complex—particularly the Great Sphinx and structures associated with Pharaoh Khafre—were not originally built underground, but rather stood on the surface and were later buried by sediment and sand over time. While this theory challenges traditional archaeological interpretations, it raises a compelling question: can this be reconciled with the biblical worldview? And could the evidence of buried monuments actually confirm the truth of Scripture?

Ancient Ruins and Shifting Sands
Geologically, it is plausible that once-visible structures in Egypt could have been gradually buried over time. The Egyptian desert is an ever-changing environment. Sand accumulation, Nile flooding (before the construction of the Aswan Dam), and climate fluctuations could have easily covered lower portions of temples, roads, and even portions of pyramids. The Great Sphinx, for example, was buried up to its neck in sand for most of recorded history, and only fully excavated in the modern era.

Khafre’s pyramid itself contains a unique feature: a chamber carved directly into the bedrock. Unlike the standard construction of limestone blocks, this chamber suggests it was either intended to be subterranean or became subterranean over time due to sedimentation. What’s especially intriguing is the presence of water erosion on the Sphinx enclosure—something observed by geologist Robert Schoch. These patterns are not consistent with mere wind erosion; they point to massive and sustained rainfall, which Egypt has not experienced in thousands of years. If accurate, this would place the origin of these structures far earlier than mainstream timelines suggest—potentially aligning with the time of Noah’s Flood or shortly after.

The Flood and the Burial of Civilization
From a biblical standpoint, this theory fits remarkably well. Scripture tells us in Genesis 7:19–20 (KJV): “And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.” The Flood was not a local event—it was global and catastrophic, covering every mountain and reshaping the entire surface of the earth.

If any structures existed before the Flood, they would have been destroyed, eroded, or deeply buried under sediment. This would also explain the rapid burial of structures that were above ground. More likely, however, these ancient monuments were constructed after the Flood, as humanity repopulated and spread across the earth following the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). The Giza Plateau, then, would have become a prime location for early post-Flood civilizations to build monuments reflecting the strength, creativity, and intelligence of man made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).

As creation apologists like Ken Ham and Dr. Jason Lisle often emphasize, ancient people were not primitive brutes evolving from apes—they were fully human from the beginning, with the intellect and ability to construct complex architectural wonders shortly after the Flood.

Could Khafre’s Pyramid Have Been Taller?
If the question is whether the pyramid itself lost vertical height due to burial, that's unlikely. Khafre’s pyramid still retains its upper casing stones and much of its original height. However, surrounding features—like temples, causeways, and entrance passages—could easily have been partially buried over time. Between post-Flood climate changes, wind-driven sand, and geological shifts, structures that once stood fully exposed may now appear sunken or semi-subterranean.

In the biblical timeline, these developments are not only possible—they’re expected. A young earth, shaped by the judgment of the Flood and repopulated by intelligent post-Babel societies, provides a consistent framework for understanding the rise of early empires like Egypt.

A Biblical Framework Makes Sense of the Evidence
The idea that ancient monuments like those at Giza were once fully exposed and later buried does not contradict the Bible—it actually affirms it. The global Flood described in Genesis would have caused exactly the kind of massive sediment displacement and erosion we see evidence of today. Instead of viewing these buried ruins as relics of a mysterious and forgotten past, we can understand them as echoes of real history—history that matches the record God has already given us in His Word.

As we continue to explore and uncover the ancient world, we should do so with Scripture in one hand and the evidence in the other—remembering that both ultimately come from the same Author.

Key Scriptures:

Genesis 7:19–20 – The global extent of the Flood

Genesis 11:1–9 – The dispersion from Babel

Genesis 1:27 – Man created in the image of God

For those interested in going deeper, the works of Ken Ham, Dr. Jason Lisle, and others in the field of biblical creation apologetics provide helpful resources for understanding how archaeology and Scripture go hand in hand.

Books:

“The Genesis Record” by Dr. Henry M. Morris

A comprehensive verse-by-verse commentary on Genesis from a creationist perspective. Morris lays out how the Flood would have impacted geology, sediment layers, and early civilizations.

“Already Gone” by Ken Ham and Britt Beemer

While more focused on worldview and church trends, this book includes solid reasoning for trusting the early chapters of Genesis and how that impacts our understanding of history and archaeology.

“Taking Back Astronomy” by Dr. Jason Lisle

Offers powerful insights into how we interpret historical and scientific evidence—including archaeological findings—based on presuppositions. It’s great for understanding why secular dating methods often conflict with biblical history.

“Unwrapping the Pharaohs” by David Down and John Ashton

This is directly tied to biblical Egyptology. It explores how Egyptian history fits into the biblical timeline, including discussions on monuments like the pyramids.

“The Lie: Evolution” by Ken Ham

A foundational work for understanding how secular assumptions distort our interpretation of scientific and historical data.

Articles and Journals:

"The Sphinx Controversy: Geology vs. Egyptology" – Answers in Genesis (AiG)

Discusses the water erosion evidence and how it supports a post-Flood framework for Egyptian monuments.

"Was There Really a Noah’s Flood?" – Institute for Creation Research (ICR)

Breaks down geological and archaeological evidence for a global flood in plain terms.

“Towers, Temples and Timeframes” – Creation Magazine

An excellent article explaining how early post-Flood civilizations rapidly built complex structures and how this aligns with the Babel dispersion.

"A New Chronology for Egypt" – Journal of Creation (formerly TJ)

This academic-level article reevaluates the Egyptian timeline to better fit the biblical record, offering alternatives to the standard chronology.

“The Pyramids: Monumental Testimony to Man’s Ingenuity” – Creation Magazine

Explores how the construction of the pyramids shows advanced post-Flood intelligence and design, not evolutionary progression.