According to History.com, “Millions of people continue to visit the pyramids each year, drawn by their towering grandeur and the enduring allure of Egypt’s rich and glorious past.” The huge pyramids of Egypt have long been a source of intrigue and wonder for people. The construction of the pyramids is the biggest mystery of all. Originally built as tombs for the mighty kings of Egypt, over time they were robbed of their goods and fortunes. Construction of the great pyramids of Giza, Egypt, along the Nile River just outside of the modern city of Cairo, started in 2630 B.C. and each took at least 20 years to build. All combined, the pyramids contain 2.3 million blocks of stone, each weighing 2.5 tons. The last pyramid was finished around 2154 B.C. In the common era, archaeologists have spent years trying to figure out how the great pyramids were constructed. Although the construction of the pyramids remains a mystery, several theories have been established to explain how they were built, including help from aliens, wetting the sand, ramps around the pyramids, and intricate systems of ramps and ropes to pull the blocks.
The first main theory about the construction of the pyramids is that Egyptians used superior technology from aliens to build pyramids because it would have been impossible without their help. The Ancient Astronauts Conspiracy Theory states that the pyramids, and other ancient sites like Stonehenge, could not have been built without the support and help from extraterrestrials. To support this claim, one can look at how the pyramids line up exactly with the Nile River delta as well as the magnetic North Pole. This would be impossible to do without seeing it from the sky. The three main pyramids also line up exactly with where the three stars in the constellations Orion and Leo. This theory is not likely, as examples of stone grinders or polishers have been found in Egypt. According to the website AncientAliensDebunked.com, “Most of us can see that these construction techniques [use of wooden sleds & ropes] are well within the capability of mankind to conceive and achieve without the intervention of aliens.”
A second main theory about how the pyramids were built is that the sand was wetted down to help move the blocks. To help move the massive stone blocks used in the constructing the pyramids, researchers as the University of Amsterdam determined that the sand in front of large wooden sleds would have been dampened to reduce friction. This kept sand from building up in front of sleds and helped them to move more smoothly over the surface of the ground. Adding water increases the stiffness of the sand and creates a bridge between grains of sand. This is similar to using water to help build a sandcastle on the beach. By wetting the sand, it could take half as many people to move things across the sand as it would across dry sand. Researchers determined this method by looking at wall paintings in a tomb dating to 1900 B.C. These painting show men hauling huge stones, pouring water in front of the sled. It was thought this was a ceremonial act, but in fact, it is helpful in construction. It is likely that this theory is a part of how the pyramids were built, but it doesn’t help understand how the huge stones were put into place. Other construction methods would have to also been used.
In addition to adding water to the sand to move blocks, it is likely that the builders of the pyramids used intricate ramps systems around the pyramids to get the blocks into place. It is likely that four massive ramps were built around the outside of the pyramids as they were being constructed, starting at a corner and moving upward along the side. Three of the ramps would have been used to get supplies up the pyramids, even to the top. The fourth ramp would have been used to get people and supplies back down. To help reduce friction on the ramps, as well as to provide footing for the individuals, timbers would have been placed across the ramps like train rails for the sleds to slide on. It is possible that this method was a part of the building process, but not the only method used. Evidence suggests that the Egyptians did not use wheels or work animals to move building materials. Everything would have to be moved by human power, so making it as easy as possible to move materials would be important. Steep ramps would be difficult to pull materials up the ramp, as well as turning tight corners with massive stones.
A fourth theory about the construction of the pyramids is found in the quarries where the stones came from and include a series of ramps, steps, and posts with the use of sleds and ropes to move materials. In 2018, a 4,500 year old ramp was discovered in an ancient quarry, and has not been discovered anywhere else in the world. Rope connected to a sled acted as a “force multiplier” making it easier to pull the sled uphill, similar to a pulley system. At the same discovery, 100 engraving were found that show this method at work, as well as the organization of workers and construction programs. It is likely that this is a possible theory of how the pyramids were constructed, along with the theory of adding water to the sand in front to the sleds to reduce friction. A combination of these theories are definite possibilities of how the pyramids were constructed.
There are many possibilities and theories about how the pyramids were constructed, from alien intervention, to the addition of water on the ground and intricate ramp systems built into the ground and around the pyramids. Other researchers continue to look for more theories to explain these massive structures. For example, in 2014, a structural engineer with Cintec International proposed that the pyramids were built from the inside out, instead of the outside in, a controversial suggestion. Either way, millions of 2.5 ton bricks were moved across the Egyptian desert nearly 500 miles more than 4,000 years ago. If architects, engineers, and archaeologists can determine how the pyramids were constructed, new fundamental building and construction techniques could be learned and implemented today. As James McDonald, a scientist studying the pyramids, stated, “It people from all walks of life can come together to build a monument that stands for 4,000 years, then academics from different disciplines can come together to study them.” If people can work together to determine the secrets behind the construction of the pyramids, what new and amazing things can we build to impress and amaze people 4,000 years from now?