Egypt unveils hidden corridor in Giza pyramid

Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities reveals the discovery of a hidden nine-metres-long tunnel near the main entrance of the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) at the Giza Pyramids necropolis. The discovery was made as part of the ScanPyramids project which began in 2015.

Scientists have discovered a hidden passage inside Egypt's Great Pyramid, the authorities announced, part of a seven-year international research project.

The passage is nine metres in length and more than two metres in width, the antiquities ministry said in a statement.

Egypt's Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa told reporters at the ancient site in Giza also known as the Khufu, or Cheops, pyramid, that the "gabled corridor" with a triangular ceiling "was found on the northern face of the Great Pyramid of King Khufu".

Archaeologist Zahi Hawass, Egypt's former antiquities minister, heads the committee supervising the project, which uses advanced technology to visualise hidden parts of the pyramid's interior without having to excavate it.

The technology is a mix of infrared thermography, muon radiography imaging and 3D reconstruction -- all of which the researchers say are non-invasive and non-destructive techniques.

The Great Pyramid is the largest in Giza, standing 146 metres tall, and the only surviving structure of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Built some 4,500 years ago, it has three known chambers, and like other pyramids in Egypt was intended as a pharaoh's tomb.