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H.'s measurements of the pyramids can best be estimated from the following table (fractions are neglected):

PetrieHerodotusDiodorus i.63Pliny
Great Pyramid.
Length of side (average)756800700883
Height (original) (present 451)481—more than 600—
Height (along sloping side1720 (circ.)800——
Second Pyramid.
Length of side706600—
Height (present 469)472‘40 feet in size inferior to the other’ (127.3), i.e. along sloping side——
Height (along sloping side)670 (circ.)——
Pyramid of Mycerinus.
Length of side346280300—
Height215———
Height (along sloping side)330 (circ.)280 (but see 134.1 n.)——

The modern figures are taken from Murray's Egypt, pp. 170 seq. It is there pointed out that ‘nine modern writers have equally (with the ancients) varied in their calculations’. Petrie sums up (u. s. 159), ‘the accuracy with which H. states what he saw and relates what he heard, the criticism he often applies to his materials ... all this should prevent our ever discrediting his words, unless compelled to do so.’

1 [It seems to be generally agreed that this is the height given by H.; it is calculated as 19/20 of the base.]

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