The mysteries and controversies surrounding the pyramids of Egypt have been followed passionately by scientists and the general public for ages. Now a recent discovery opens a new field of research into the Pyramid of Cheops (Great Pyramid), the largest of the pyramids and the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the World. An international team of archaeologists from Nagoya University (Japan) has used cosmic rays to explore the interior of the Great Pyramid. This technique uses muons (elementary particles of high energy) that are able to penetrate the rock to estimate the mass of the object and to determine if there are solid walls or empty spaces. Thanks to these cosmic rays, a secret chamber has been discovered in the pyramid.  

It is not yet known what this new room may contain, but it is expected that there will be figures, papyri and statues. However, there is also the possibility that it is completely empty, and that its function was simply architectural to support the construction. Archaeologists have already begun to study how to gain access to this new chamber in hopes of revealing a bit more about the fascinating history of ancient Egypt. The oppressive Egyptian government has denied the importance of this discovery saying that the existence of empty spaces in the construction was something that was previously known. Experts say that this is merely a way for the government to cover up their embarrassment that Egyptian scientists did not discover this first.