Introduction:
On March 15, 2025, a group of Italian researchers from Progetto Teflon held a press conference to announce their discovery of extensive underground structures beneath the Giza Plateau, including the Pyramid of Khafre. The original presentation was delivered in Italian and outlined findings made possible through Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Doppler tomography.
This post provides the full English translation of that press conference to make the information more accessible to a wider audience.
🔗 Original press conference video (in Italian)
Full English Translation:
Nicola Ciccolo: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for coming. We’re here today to present the latest findings of our research project, Progetto Teflon, which has been focused on exploring what lies beneath the Giza Pyramid Plateau. I am Nicola Ciccolo, and with me are Professor Corrado Malanga, Dr. Filippo Biondi, and Dr. Armando Mei. Over the past few years, our team has developed an innovative approach using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and a novel Doppler tomography technique to peer deep underground without excavation. In 2022, Professors Malanga and Biondi published a preliminary study in the journal Remote Sensing, where they successfully applied this technology to reveal internal features of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Building on that success, we expanded our scope to scan the entire Giza Plateau – specifically around the Pyramid of Khafre – and the results we’re about to share are truly groundbreaking. We believe these findings will greatly enhance our understanding of ancient Egyptian engineering. I will start by briefly summarizing the project, then Dr. Biondi will explain the radar technology, and Professor Malanga will present the data we’ve obtained. Finally, Dr. Mei will discuss the possible implications of these discoveries.
Filippo Biondi: Thank you, Nicola. As mentioned, our goal was to “see” deep beneath the pyramids using remote sensing. The method we employed is based on Synthetic Aperture Radar combined with a new Doppler Tomography approach that we developed. Let me explain this in simple terms. Synthetic Aperture Radar, or SAR, is a form of radar imaging that uses the motion of the radar antenna (usually mounted on a satellite or aircraft) to simulate a very large antenna. This gives us extremely high-resolution images of the surface. In our case, we utilized radar satellite data from the Italian COSMO-SkyMed constellation as well as the Capella Space platform. These satellites operate in the X-band frequency (around 9.6 GHz, roughly a 3 cm wavelength). At such high frequency, a normal radar signal doesn’t penetrate far into dry ground – typically only a few meters. So under ordinary circumstances, SAR would only map the surface features of the Giza Plateau, not what’s deep underground. The key innovation of our project was to overcome this limitation by analyzing micro-vibrations rather than trying to send radar waves directly through kilometers of rock. In other words, we’re not “seeing” underground structures by the radar wave going down and bouncing back (which is not possible at these depths with X-band), but instead by detecting how the ground and the pyramid structures subtly vibrate in response to natural forces.
These natural vibrations are caused by phenomena like ambient seismic noise — the slight tremors and sound waves constantly produced by the Earth (what we might call the Earth’s background hum). When seismic energy passes through the ground and the pyramid, it causes tiny movements — on the order of millimeters or even less — in both solid rock and any empty spaces (cavities) beneath the surface. We had the radar satellites take repeated images of the area over time. By doing this, we could detect subtle phase shifts in the radar reflections, essentially picking up the Doppler effect from those micro-movements. Using proprietary signal processing software that our team developed, we converted the radar data into what we call “phononic information,” treating those tiny vibrations like sound waves. In essence, we turned the pyramid and the ground into a sort of radar echo hologram, where we can infer internal structures by the way they oscillate.
Over multiple passes, from multiple angles, we collected a large dataset and applied a multi-chromatic analysis (MCA). This means we split the radar signal into many narrow frequency bands to isolate different vibration modes. By tracking these minute micro-Doppler shifts in each sub-band, our algorithm can infer the presence of voids or structures – because a hollow space will vibrate differently than solid rock, and a solid stone wall will vibrate differently than loose sand, and so on. By combining all this information, we were able to reconstruct a full 3D tomographic model of what’s beneath the pyramid with a resolution on the order of a meter. To draw an analogy, it’s somewhat like doing an ultrasound scan of the Earth, but instead of using sound waves that we generate, we’re using naturally occurring seismic vibrations and capturing their effects with radar from satellites. The result is that the ground and the pyramid become transparent to our observation method, allowing us to “see” structures at great depth that would be invisible to conventional radar or optical imaging.
So, in summary, our SAR Doppler Tomography technique has enabled us to probe hundreds of meters, even over a kilometer, below the surface. We’re confident in the depth reach of our data because we’ve observed consistent signals far deeper than anything previously recorded with standard ground-penetrating radar. Now, Professor Malanga will describe what we actually found when we applied this technique around the Pyramid of Khafre.
Corrado Malanga: Thank you, Dr. Biondi. Indeed, the results of the scan are astonishing. We processed the data into a 3D map of subsurface structures, and we discovered a vast network of previously unknown features beneath the Pyramid of Khafre and extending beyond it. I’ll walk you through the major findings. For clarity, I will list the key structures we identified:
Five large structures near the base of the Pyramid of Khafre: Arranged symmetrically around the pyramid’s foundations, we found five distinct but identical structures. These appear to be multi-level or tiered features right around the base of Khafre’s pyramid. Each seems to consist of several horizontal levels (we can think of them like floors or terraces underground) and possibly has a sloping roof or ceiling. They are connected to each other by straight geometric corridors or passageways. We informally dubbed these the “five rooms” or “five units” around the pyramid’s base. These five structures are very reminiscent of certain internal structures we saw in the Khufu (Great) Pyramid scans – specifically something we called the “Zed” structure in Khufu. In Khafre, they are positioned above what was historically assumed to be the pharaoh’s burial chamber. It’s as if the area under and immediately around the pyramid contains a planned complex of rooms or chambers laid out in a deliberate geometric pattern.
Eight deep cylindrical vertical shafts: Further down below those five structures, our scan revealed eight enormous cylindrical features that plunge straight down vertically. You can picture these like very large wells or shafts going deep into the ground. They are arranged in two parallel rows (of four each) running roughly north–south beneath the pyramid’s footprint. Each of these cylindrical shafts is surrounded by what looks like a spiraling pathway that winds around it, descending as it goes deeper – almost like a spiral staircase or ramp encircling the walls of a well, going down and down. These spiral corridors around the shafts continue all the way to the bottom of the shafts. We have traced these cylindrical shafts to an incredible depth of about 648 meters below the surface. To put that into perspective, 648 meters is roughly the height of two Eiffel Towers stacked, or over six football fields deep into the earth. It’s truly mind-boggling that such deep, well-defined vertical structures could exist there.
Two gigantic rectangular chambers at depth: At the bottom of those eight shafts – around the 648-meter depth mark – the data indicates that the shafts merge into two huge chambers or voids. These appear to be roughly cube-shaped or rectangular spaces, and each is on the order of 80 meters per side. So, imagine a hollow cube-like room that is 80 m long, 80 m wide, and 80 m tall – that’s the size of a 20-story building, but buried underground. We identified two of these massive volumes. Essentially, four of the vertical shafts seem to converge into one of the big chambers, and the other four shafts into the other chamber. It’s like having two giant underground halls or cavities, each fed into by four spiral-wrapped shafts from above.
An extensive network reaching far beyond Khafre’s pyramid: Perhaps the most astonishing aspect is that the entire complex of structures seems to extend laterally and even deeper beyond the immediate area of the Pyramid of Khafre. Our scans show that these formations continue horizontally to span underneath the other pyramids on the Giza Plateau as well – that is, extending under the Great Pyramid (Khufu) and the Pyramid of Menkaure. We have evidence that the network of chambers and tunnels goes down to about 1.5 to 2 kilometers in depth (that’s roughly 1500–2000 meters down). In some areas, signals were detected even beyond 1200 meters, and we extrapolate that they approach the 2000-meter mark at the deepest points we measured. To be clear, the signal’s clarity diminishes at extreme depths, so while we are confident about structures at 600+ meters, the indications of structures continuing to 1500 or 2000 meters are more tentative. However, it appears highly likely that the entire Giza Pyramid complex is underlain by a truly vast, interconnected multi-level subsurface architectural system. In total size and volume, it’s nothing short of a subterranean megastructure.
These findings were consistently observed in multiple radar passes and cross-verified with different processing parameters, which gives us confidence that these are real features and not artifacts of the data. We also compared the timing of micro-vibrations with known structures to ensure that these signals correspond to stationary, solid features (as opposed to say, transient underground water or other causes). Everything points to there being massive man-made (or at least intelligently constructed) spaces beneath the Giza Plateau that have never been documented before.
Now, let me emphasize: this is a remote sensing study – we have not physically entered these spaces (obviously, since they are deep underground), so we rely entirely on the radar data for the shape and scope of these structures. However, the data resolution is good enough that we can identify distinct shapes like corridors, levels, cylindrical shafts, etc., with a surprising amount of detail. For example, the spiral pattern around the shafts is very clear in the tomographic slices, which is how we could interpret those as ramps or stair-like structures. The five structures near the base show up very clearly as well-defined shapes with right angles, suggesting constructed rooms or buildings.
Armando Mei: As you can imagine, these discoveries carry enormous implications for our understanding of the Giza pyramids and ancient Egyptian civilization. Let’s talk about what this could mean, theoretically. If our interpretation of these radar images is correct, then the traditional view of the pyramids solely as royal tombs needs to be reconsidered. We appear to have evidence of a huge, deliberate engineering project beneath the plateau – almost like an underground city or complex, with corridors and chambers on multiple levels. Such an extensive subterranean system suggests a level of engineering and architectural sophistication far beyond what has been documented for the Old Kingdom period in Egypt. It raises many questions: Who built these structures? When were they built? And importantly, why were they built?
One line of thought is that this complex might have had some kind of mechanical or utilitarian function. There have been theories for decades – often fringe theories, to be fair – that the pyramids were not just tombs but possibly machines or part of an energy generation and distribution system. Notably, inventor Nikola Tesla speculated about the pyramids being giant energy transmitters, and engineer Christopher Dunn wrote about the idea of the Great Pyramid as a “power plant” that could harness vibrational energy. Our findings don’t directly prove those theories, of course, but they add fuel to the notion that the ancients engineered the pyramid complex for something more than just burial rituals. The presence of what could be enormous shafts and chambers might indicate infrastructures for moving water, air, or something else – or perhaps housing large mechanical devices, storage of knowledge, or even housing people (though the depth is extraordinary, so human habitation down there would be perplexing).
Another possibility that intrigues us is the connection to ancient legends. There have long been tales of a hidden realm beneath the Giza Plateau – sometimes called a hall of records, or a forgotten city of knowledge. Up to now, such stories were mostly impossible to verify and generally dismissed by archaeologists. But here we are, with technological evidence that something very large is indeed hidden underground. If these structures are confirmed, they might correlate with those ancient accounts in ways we have yet to understand. We must be cautious and not jump to conclusions about things like “lost civilization” or “aliens” – there’s no direct evidence of anything exotic like that in our data. What we see are physical, material structures. They could be carved out of the bedrock, or built structures now buried, or a combination of both. The architecture – parallel shafts, massive cubic chambers, geometric layouts – points to intelligent design. It’s an archaeological game-changer if validated.
I also want to address what comes next. Understandably, people will ask: can we go there? Can we excavate or drill and confirm these spaces physically? The desire to do so is immense – it would be one of the most important archaeological explorations ever undertaken. However, as you know, the Giza Plateau is a protected archaeological site, and any subsurface exploration would require permissions from Egyptian authorities. We have reached out to the relevant authorities and shared these results with them. At this point, we have not received approval for any excavation or direct investigation underground. There are significant challenges: digging to hundreds of meters is non-trivial and would be a massive engineering project in itself. Additionally, preserving the integrity of the above-ground monuments (the pyramids) is paramount; nobody wants to risk damaging them by drilling nearby without thorough planning. Our hope is to collaborate with Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities and perhaps international experts to develop a plan for careful verification. Even a small borehole with a camera, for instance, into one of the shallower structures could provide invaluable confirmation.
In the meantime, we plan to continue our remote sensing work. We want to refine the resolution of our tomographic images further. We are working on enhanced processing algorithms – even incorporating some AI models – to squeeze as much detail as possible out of the radar data. We are also considering using additional data sources, such as other frequency bands or data from other satellite passes, to see if we can improve our confidence in the deeper parts of the structure. Moreover, we will be preparing our findings for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, to invite scrutiny and feedback from the wider scientific community. Peer review is crucial here, given the extraordinary nature of the claims – we welcome other experts to look at our methods and results.
Nicola Ciccolo: To conclude, what we’ve revealed is a potential hidden complex beneath the Pyramids of Giza that could transform our understanding of these ancient monuments. Using cutting-edge SAR and Doppler tomography technology, the team has non-invasively mapped out what looks to be multiple layers of chambers, shafts, and passages extending nearly two kilometers into the earth under the Khafre pyramid and likely connecting to the other pyramids as well. This is a milestone achievement for remote sensing in archaeology. We must remain cautious – as Armando said, these findings need to be confirmed with further study and, ideally, on-site investigations – but the evidence so far is extremely compelling.
The data strongly challenges the orthodox view that the pyramids stand alone as isolated structures with maybe a small burial chamber below. Instead, they might be the tip of an iceberg – the above-ground pyramid possibly being just the apex of a far larger engineered system that mostly lies hidden underground. If that is the case, the engineering knowledge and purpose behind it is a profound mystery we have just begun to unravel. It could imply that the pyramid builders had capabilities far beyond what we’ve traditionally attributed to them.
We understand that these announcements might spark excitement and speculation. We have tried to stick to the data and our interpretations of it. We invite collaboration and open-minded examination of these results. We also thank everyone who supported the Progetto Teflon research effort – our technical staff, the institutions that provided data access, and colleagues from various universities who offered insights.
Thank you all for your attention. We will now take a few moments to address any questions from the press. Please remember that while we’ll try to answer what we can, some details might be technical, and some aspects are still under analysis or awaiting publication. We appreciate your understanding. Once again, thank you for being here to witness what we believe is a very significant development in uncovering the secrets of the Giza pyramids.
[The press conference concludes with a Q&A session, not included in this transcript].