Forgotten Pebbles in the Land of Pyramids

As I stepped onto the bustling streets of Cairo, the culmination of two flights and twelve hours of travel, a surge of anticipation coursed through me. Finally, I had arrived at the gateway to one of the world’s most iconic wonders – the great pyramids of Giza. It was the first day of the GPRI workshop, a gathering of minds from across the globe, and excitement hung thick in the air. I’m especially thrilled about the second day of the workshop because, in the afternoon, we’re scheduled to visit the magnificent Pyramids of Giza.

I woke up on February 19th, 2024 unable to contain my excitement. Our morning adventure began with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, situated 3 kilometers from Giza. As our bus approached the entrance of the museum, the distant silhouette of the pyramids etched against the horizon elicited an involuntary gasp from my lips. “Wow!” I breathed, unable to tear my gaze away from their majestic allure, my encounter now tantalizingly close yet just out of reach.  Finally, around noon we made our way to the site. Standing before these 5,000-year-old marvels, I could hardly believe my eyes. I even pinched myself to make sure it was real. There they were — three massive pyramids constructed from enormous stone blocks. I turned to my friend and exclaimed, “I’ve only ever seen the pyramids in movies. They’re far more breathtaking in person than they are in The Mummy!“

In the heart of Egypt’s iconic landscape stand three towering giants: the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Several smaller pyramids dedicated to queens stand adjacent, and in the foreground lies the enigmatic Sphinx. Among this constellation of wonders it’s not the colossal structures that captivate me, but something seemingly insignificant yet profoundly intriguing – “the pebbles” that litter the landscape like jewels strewn across velvet. As an archaeologist specializing in microlithic stone tool technology, my fascination with these humble stones knows no bounds. Each pebble tells a story, shaped by centuries of fluvial activity, smoothed into perfect roundness by the relentless flow of rivers. 

I recently wrote an article on how pebbles were used in microlithic tool production. These are no ordinary stones; they are high-quality flint pebbles, prized for their suitability in crafting stone tools during prehistoric times. Yet, amidst the massive crowd of tourists snapping photographs, I wonder how many truly notice these subtle beauties. As we make our way to the pyramid lounge for lunch, I observe a curious phenomenon – while Khufu’s grandeur attracts crowds like a magnet, Khafre and Menkaure stand relatively deserted. What draws people to the larger pyramid? Is it simply its size, or is there something more? The smaller pyramids dedicated to queens near Menkaure’s structure seem to go unnoticed, much like the pebbles scattered across the desert sands. 

When surrounded by greatness, the smaller details can fade into obscurity. Despite snapping photos in front of the majestic pyramids and sharing them on social media, my mind continually drifts back to the overlooked pebbles. Amidst the hustle and bustle of tourist activity, I find solace in knowing that I’ve taken the time to appreciate these forgotten treasures. In the land of the pharaohs, where history looms large, it’s the smallest details that often hold the greatest significance. As I reflect on my journey among the pyramids, I’m reminded of the beauty found in the overlooked and the forgotten – the timeless allure of the pretty pebbles.