Photographs by Egyptian photographer Osama Sherif Elmedany have revealed an inscription at the top of the Pyramid of Khafre reading “J Neilson Glasgow 1902”. Geologists believe it may have been carved by James Neilson, a Scottish geologist and naturalist, but the discovery matters partly because his identity cannot be confirmed and the mark reflects a long-running practice of leaving names at historic sites.

The date and Neilson’s known travels support the attribution: he visited Egypt and published notes about a trip there in 1902, discussing its geology and archaeology. Ian Millar of the Geological Society of Glasgow said the initial could stand for several names, so the author remains uncertain; he also said such inscriptions should not be encouraged. The article notes that Glasgow-born entrepreneur Thomas Lipton reportedly had his name and “Scotland” carved above the Great Pyramid’s entrance in 1882.