The Mystery of 'J Neilson Glasgow 1902' Carved on the Pyramids of Giza

An inscription bearing the name 'J Neilson Glasgow 1902' has been discovered at the apex of the Pyramid of Khafre, the second-largest of the three main pyramids at the Giza complex near Cairo. The discovery was made through images captured by Egyptian photographer Osama Sherif Elmedany, which reveal carvings made during a period when tourists were permitted to climb the ancient structures.

Geologists and historians believe the inscription likely belongs to James Neilson, a notable Scottish scientist active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Neilson was a council member and vice-president of the Geological Society of Glasgow and led expeditions to various Scottish sites. His travels extended overseas, and in May 1902, he published a paper titled 'Notes on a Recent Trip to Egypt' in the Transactions of the Geological Society of Glasgow.

Ian Millar, secretary of The Geological Society of Glasgow, indicated that the year inscribed on the pyramid, 1902, aligns with Neilson's documented visit to Egypt and his known interests in the geology of ancient monuments. However, Millar noted that the initial 'J' in the inscription could represent various names, such as John, Jonathan, or Julian. Without further direct evidence, such as a personal account or other corroborating testimony, conclusively identifying the individual remains an 'interesting mystery'.

While Neilson's inscription is a unique historical curiosity, it is not the earliest known instance of such markings. Sir Thomas Lipton, the Scottish grocer and founder of the Lipton's Tea brand, reportedly paid to have his surname and 'Scotland' inscribed above the entrance to the Great Pyramid during a visit in 1882.

The act of inscribing names or symbols on sites of historical or cultural significance is as old as human history, according to geological experts. However, they emphasize that such actions are not encouraged.