Egyptian pyramids were built using an incredibly clever machine, new research suggests
For centuries, these things have been a subject of great amazement and secrecy.
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Researchers have reportedly found evidence suggesting that the construction of at least one of the ancient structures utilised machinery significantly more advanced than was previously supposed.
On 5 August, we learn that the iconic 4,500-year-old Step pyramid of Djoser is believed to have been constructed with a one-off hydraulic lift system in place.
Historically, it was thought by experts that the construction of the Step Pyramid most probably made use of a system of ramps and pulleys.
However, the latest research findings, led by French scientist Xavier Landreau of the CEA Paleotechnic Institute, hint that ancient Egyptians channelled nearby streams to enable water-powered lifting systems.
Research indicates that water was utilised to flow through two shafts built within the pyramid, formerly enabling workers to mobilise and descend a float used to transport substantial stone blocks in place.
The ancient Egyptians were renowned for their innovative and expert use of hydraulic systems via water canals for irrigation and barges to move massive stone blocks.
“This work marks the beginning of a new field of study: exploring the application of hydraulic principles in constructing the large architectural projects of the Pharaohs.”
The Step Pyramid is thought to have been constructed during approximately 2680 BCE as a tomb complex for Pharaoh Djoser of the Third Dynasty. Nevertheless, the actual process used to build it continues to be a mystery.
Landreau and his team put forward the theory that a local unexplained structure referred to as Gisr el-Mudir enclosure was in effect a manmade reservoir for water collection and sediment trapping.
It is suggested that a line of probes or trenches dug into the ground adjacent to the pyramid may have been used as a water filtration system. This would have allowed sediments to settle out as the water moved through each successive section.
From that point, they say the pressurised water then flowed into the pyramid's own shafts and guided the heavy building stones upwards into the structure's higher levels through an enclosed pathway, referred to as the 'volcano' process.
Actually, despite the authors being certain that "the internal structure of the Step Pyramid corresponds with a hydro elevator system previously unknown in records," they acknowledge that further study is necessary.
They are set on determining how water could have flowed through these shafts and also establishing if there was a considerable amount of water available in the surrounding area thousands of years ago.
Despite this, they suggest that additional supports, such as ramps, were likely employed to facilitate the pyramid's construction, while a hydraulic lift system could have been utilised to aid in the building process when a sufficient water supply was available.
Researchers from a project conducted in conjunction with "several national laboratories" claim to have uncovered new evidence that a dam, water treatment facility and hydraulic lift were built, which would have facilitated the construction of the Step Pyramid of Saqqara.
They believe that: "This research has initiated a new area of study for the scientific community: the application of hydraulic power for the construction of the pyramids of Egypt."
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