The Strange Electrical Phenomenon of 1859 on Top of the Great Pyramid

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By Derek Olson

Standing on top of the Great Pyramid during a sandstorm in 1859, German inventor and engineer Sir William Siemens could hear “a remarkable hissing noise.”

Siemens noticed that when one of his Arab guides lifted his outstretched finger above his head, a sharp singing sound arose, which ceased as soon as he lowered his hand.

*The view from the top of the Great Pyramid*

Siemens then raised his own finger and felt “a prickling sensation,” which he deduced to be the result of an electrical phenomenon.

Soon after, while Siemens was attempting to enjoy a drink from his wine bottle, he felt a slight electric shock come over his body.

Then, in a moment of inspired ingenuity, Siemens fashioned the wine bottle into a rudimentary Leyden jar, which he charged by holding it aloft, producing “loud cracking sparks.”

The guides, believing the static electricity to be the result of “magic,” which they thought could damage the pyramid, requested that Siemens and his men leave. When they refused, one of the tour guides attempted to forcibly remove him.

Feeling provoked, Siemens felt he had no other option than to use his wine bottle as an electrical weapon! Touching his attacker on the nose, Siemens felt a “strong concussion,” noting that the guide must have had a much more “violent shock” as he fell speechless to the ground. Then, several seconds later, he sprang to his feet howling in pain as he scurried all the way down the pyramid.