Scientists who uncovered an underground "hidden city" in Egypt have revealed they have discovered a second city. The team of Italian researchers has said this "proves" the existence of a massive subterranean complex linking the iconic Giza pyramids some 2,000 feet below the surface. If confirmed to be true, this discovery has the potential to rewrite history.

The discovery of a vast underground structure below the Khafre pyramid was first claimed in March, however, it received fierce criticism from mainstream archaeologists who dubbed the findings "false" and lacking scientific basis, as it was claimed it was impossible for ground-penetrating radar to see so far underground. Nevertheless, the team has now reportedly detected similar shafts beneath the Menkaure pyramid, the smallest of the three main pyramids, just a few months later.  

According to Filippo Biondi, a radar expert from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and co-author of the research, the team's data shows a 90% probability that the Menkaure shares the same pillars as Khafre. 

The team arrived at the probability "through objective analysis of the tomography data, which, as experimental measurements, strongly indicate that the structures we identified beneath Khafre are also present under Menkaure," reported the Daily Mail. 

"We firmly believe that the Giza structures are interconnected, reinforcing our view that the pyramids are merely the tip of the iceberg of a colossal underground infrastructural complex," explained Mr Biondi. "This network likely consists of a dense system of tunnels linking the main subterranean structures."

Mr Biondi and his team proposed that the structures were built by a lost ancient civilization around 38,000 years old. However, archaeologists have estimated the three pyramids to be only around 4,500 years old. The researchers' timeline is based on a theory that a  highly advanced prehistoric society was wiped out by a global cataclysmic event - such as a comet impact - around 12,800 years ago.

Resulting floods and chaos erased most traces of this civilisation, while survivors passed down knowledge of astronomy, engineering, and sacred architecture to later cultures, including the ancient Egyptians.

The controversial research is yet to be peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal, but the team continues to move forward with its work.

"The measurements reveal pillar-like structures with consistent characteristics," added Mr Biondi. "Given that Menkaure is smaller than Khafre, we believe the number of pillars is likely even but fewer than those under Khafre."

Menkaure's eight pillars are estimated to measure over 2,000 feet long and feature spiral-like structures around each of them. These pillars further support the team's theory that a "megastructure" lies beneath the Giza plateau. 

While the true purpose of the hidden structures is not yet understood and the team still gathering information for further study, Mr Biondi said they could "confidently" say its operation "likely involves the natural elements: air, water, fire and earth.

"Discoveries like these under Menkaure challenge us to rethink our understanding of ancient Egyptian history and humanity’s past, opening new perspectives on our origins and capabilities."