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Student Article

Lost Nile River Branch May Explain How the Great Pyramids Were Built

By: Tom Howarth
Originally Published in  Science Focus

A hidden branch of the Nile may have helped ancient Egyptians move massive stones to build the pyramids, solving a long-standing mystery.

The article "Lost Nile River Branch May Explain How the Great Pyramids Were Built" from BBC Science Focus showcases how archaeologists found a long-lost river under the desert, which might have helped the Egyptians move giant stones to build the pyramids. This discovery highlights the importance of the Nile and how environmental changes shaped history.
Student Article Info

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Three huge pyramids with a beautiful sky in the background
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 500-600L
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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 700-900L
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000-1200L
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