The interview was proceeding smoothly,just as Dr. zahi Hawass had meticulously planned, untill it took an unexpected turn with one pivotal question.
Dr. Hawass, the renowned Egyptologist who once found himself at odds with Joe Rogan-earning the title of Rogan’s ‘worst guest ever’ following a fiery podcast encounter-sat down for an exclusive chat with The Daily Mail. The purpose was to discuss his new documentary,’The Man with the Hat.’
This film delves into the highlights of his illustrious career and hints at what could be groundbreaking discoveries: a previously unknown pyramid and four tunnels beneath the Great Sphinx.
Confidently, Hawass shared, “I think the pyramid was for a king named Huni. That is the only king in the Old Kingdom who has not been found.” Audiences can look forward to the documentary’s release on January 20.
However, when the conversation shifted to the contentious topic of hidden structures beneath Giza, Hawass’s demeanor changed dramatically, shifting from self-assured expert to noticeably agitated.
This tension stems from March 2025, when a group of Italian researchers unveiled satellite images that seemed to reveal enormous vertical shafts extending over 2,000 feet below the Khafre pyramid, one of the Giza plateau’s famed trio.
The Giza complex consists of three pyramids, Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx. Each pyramid was built in the name of a pharaoh around 4,500 years ago.
‘if you make a discovery, you cannot announce it without discussing it with Egyptologists,’ Hawass saeid, insisting that such claims violate what he called ‘a law for everyone.’
at the mention of the Italian researchers’ satellite images, which captured enormous shafts beneath the Giza Plateau, Hawass’s tone hardened. ‘Completely wrong,’ and with that, he slammed the door on the conversation.
With the impatience of a man who believed the matter had been settled, he delivered the final dismissal. ‘I think you asked all the questions,’ Hawass said.’There are no more questions that you can ask now.’
Famed Egyptologist Dr zahi hawass sat down with Daily Mail to discuss his new documentary, but the conversation took a turn when another discovery was brought up
Rogan’s podcast suffered a similar dramatic turn when he asked hawass about the discovery from the Italian researchers.
Hawass joined Rogan in May 2025 to promote his new book and discuss recent developments in Egyptology.
While the conversation began cordially, things shifted when Rogan brought up the satellite images.
‘I investigated this,’ Hawass said firmly. ‘No one can tell you this is accurate. I asked every person who knows about radar and ultrasound, everyone who works with me. They said, ‘This is bulls***.It cannot happen at all.’
rogan then pressed him: ‘Do you understand the technology behind the satellite imaging?’ Hawass admitted he did not. ‘I’m not a scientist,’ he said.
Egypt Disputes Claims of Hidden Chambers Beneath Great Pyramid
Zahi Hawass, a prominent Egyptian archaeologist, has publicly disputed recent claims of newly discovered chambers and shafts deep within the Great Pyramid of Giza. The claims, made by an Italian-led team, suggest the existence of meaningful structures over 2,000 feet below the surface.
Hawass stated he was not contacted by the team prior to their public announcement and asserted he did not need to be. he emphasized that proper scientific protocol dictates consulting with Egyptian authorities and sharing data with the Egyptian government before releasing such findings. According to a report by the Daily Mail on january 19, 2026, Hawass argued that “good scientists” would have followed this procedure.
He also reiterated his technical objections to the findings, stating the scanning technology used could not effectively penetrate to the depths claimed by the team. The Italian team, led by Filippo Biondi, Armando Mei, and Corrado Malanga, announced their findings, sparking international attention.
Hawass’s comments highlight the ongoing tension between international research teams and Egyptian authorities regarding archaeological investigations within the country.
Filippo Biondi (left), armando Mei (center) and Corrado Malanga took the world by storm when they announced the discovery of shafts and chambers more than 2,000 feet below the surface.
