Clive Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What is the general consensus/theory for the two
> sets of three satellite/subsidiary pyramids being
> offset from the centers of G1 and G3?
> Why are three located on the east side of one
> structure and the south side of the other?
>

The thing is, of course, that so much has been omitted here.

If you could find a more complete diagram of Giza, the reason for the placement of Khufu's subsidiary pyramids would be obvious.

First of all, the south side is the only side where material could be hauled up to the plateau; consequently, the south side was left clear. On the east side, the causeway starts from the middle of the east face of the pyramid. The subsidiary pyramids, meanwhile, are immediately to the south of the causeway. There's a good diagram on pg. 108 of Lehner's "Complete Pyramids" that shows this. There are very few structures on the south side: a few mastabas and a couple of boat pits, and little more. However, there are substantial mastaba fields on the east and west (see p 106-8).

I think that if you look at Khafre and Menkaure's, you'll find that the east sides were the most suited for actually getting material up. The subsidiary pyramids were therefore placed on the south side.

There are various articles by Lehner where he's tried to work out the best locations for supply ramps.

Hermione
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