Did Muslims Ever Really Try to Destroy the Pyramids?

Seminal stories and historical accounts have intrigued many about the possibility of Muslim rulers destroying the pyramids during various periods. While some of these claims appear frequently, it is essential to examine the actual historical facts and verify the authenticity of such assertions. This article delves into the misconceptions and actual events that have occurred over centuries regarding the pyramids in Egypt, focusing on the actions of Muslim rulers and other historical figures. We will also explore the role of modern organizations like ISIS in their claims against the pyramids and other artifacts.

The Carvings and Theories of Al-Aziz Uthman

One of the most cited examples of a Muslim ruler destroying the pyramids involves Al-Aziz Uthman, a 12th-century Ayyubid Sultan and a son of Saladin. Historical records suggest that in 1185–1186 CE, Al-Aziz Uthman initiated an operation to dismantle the Great Pyramid of Giza. According to contemporary reports, this work commenced on the northern side of the pyramid, only to be abandoned after eight months. The marginal damage caused to the pyramid is still visible today. Although the project had aimed to tear down the structure, the effort and cost proved too significant, leading to its abandonment.

(Source: The Telegraph, Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

Legends and Misinformation

Often conflated with the tales of destruction are claims that the French and other modern invaders have been responsible for removing the casing stones that once adorned the pyramids. It is a widely believed myth that the French looted these stones, possibly during their occupation of Egypt. However, these reports lack credible historical evidence. The casing stones, which were mainly composed of white limestone, were discovered by local tomb robbers and traders who had no intention of preserving the grand structures. They simply dismantled the pyramid’s casing to use the stones for other construction projects, reflecting a lack of regard for preserving historical artifacts. This practice, rather than an organized effort by a specific group, was widespread and occurred before and long after Muslim rulers.

The Role of ISIS and Contemporary Threats

In modern times, ISIS has made headlines with its destructive acts around the world, and the pyramids and Sphinx in Egypt are not immune to such threats. An enclave of ISIS in Egypt has openly declared its intention to destroy the sites, justifying their actions under the guise of religious doctrine and a desire to erase perceived idolatry. ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi reportedly proclaimed that demolishing these monuments was a religious duty. This desecration has not only alarmed the international community but also risked the erosion and damage of this culturally significant heritage. However, it is important to note that these claims are often exaggerated and that the organization lacks the capability to undertake such extensive destruction. The real historical context of the pyramids was not that of destruction but rather of preservation and transformation over the centuries.

Myths and the truth behind the Great Sphinx’s Nose

A tale often regaled in relation to the pyramids and their associated artifacts involves the Sphinx and its missing nose. One common myth claims that Napoleon’s soldiers used cannonballs to shoot the nose off the Sphinx. Numerous sketches by Danish artist Frederic Louis Norden, made before Napoleon’s time, depict the Sphinx without a nose, suggesting that the damage predated the French. The actual culprit, according to some sources, was the Muslim scholar Muhammad Saim al-Dahr, who destroyed the nose in the 14th century CE. According to Egyptian historian al-Maqrīzī, this act was a form of vandalism stemming from Saim al-Dahr’s outrage over local peasants making offerings to the Sphinx. While this claim remains debated, it underscores the complex and often contradictory history of these ancient artifacts.

Conclusion

While the possibility of Muslim rulers attempting to destroy the pyramids exists within myth and legend, factual historical records tell a different story. The casing stones were removed by local tomb robbers for profit, reflecting a pragmatic, rather than a deliberate, act of destruction. Modern threats from organizations like ISIS present new challenges, but the historical context of the pyramids is one of preservation and transformation over millennia. Understanding these stories and the actual historical events that have shaped the pyramids can help us appreciate them as invaluable cultural heritage.

(Photo Credit: Shutterstock)