Jean-Pierre Houdin, arsitek Perancis, mengklaim berhasil memecahkan misteri piramida Khufu di Mesir lewat animasi 3D yang dikeluarkan Dassault Systemes.

Piramida Khufu ini dibangun 4500 tahun yang lalu, terdiri dari tiga juta batu yang masing-masing beratnya 2,5 ton.

Jean-Pierre Houdin menghabiskan waktu 8 tahun sebelum akhirnya mengajukan hipotesisnya dengan menggunakan model animasi 3D untuk mendukung teorinya.

Situs animasi 3D nya di sini : http://www.3ds.com/khufu

During a 3D screening followed by a press conference at the Paris Geode cinema on Friday, Houdin exposed his revolutionary theory of the construction of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, arguing it was built from the inside. Houdin presented the hypothesis of an internal ramp and the use of a counterweight system. Houdin used 3D technology to have his theory confirmed.

The most widespread theory had been that an outer ramp had been used by the Egyptians, who left few traces to help archeologists and other scientists decode the secret to the construction.

Houdin said he had taken into account the copper and stone tools available at the time, the granite and limestone blocks, the location of the pyramid and the strength and knowledge of the workers.

According to his theory the builders put up an outer ramp for the first 141 feet, then constructed an inner ramp in a corkscrew shape to complete the 446-feet structure.

Houdin said he based his theory partially on work by fellow Frenchman Gilles Dormion, who has studied pyramid construction for more than 20 years.

Houdin also postulated that King's Chamber, situated 43 meters above the pyramid's base and capped with granite ceilings, was hoisted into place through a system of counterweights.

Houdin said he plans to verify his theories through non-invasive tests on site.