For centuries, the Great Pyramid of Giza has captivated the world with its mysterious construction. Towering above the Giza Plateau, this ancient wonder has inspired theories ranging from alien involvement to the lost secrets of ancient Egypt. But after years of debate, the mystery of how the Egyptians built this magnificent structure has been solved. Let’s explore the fascinating truth behind one of the greatest feats of ancient engineering.
The Puzzle of the Great Pyramid’s Construction
The Great Pyramid, originally built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, remains the tallest man-made structure on Earth for over 3,800 years. Standing at an impressive height of 146.6 metres, the pyramid is composed of 2.3 million stone blocks, some weighing as much as 2.5 tons. Its construction was so precise that the blocks fit together so tightly that not even a human hair could pass through the joints.
Theories That Were Debunked
Over the years, numerous theories have emerged to explain how such an extraordinary structure was built. Some believe aliens played a role in its construction due to its seemingly impossible accuracy for the time. Others suggested that it was a giant grain silo or even constructed by Noah from the Bible! But these ideas, although imaginative, have been proven to be nothing more than myths.
One particularly outlandish theory came from British publisher John Taylor in 1859, who claimed the pyramid was built by Noah himself. His theory was based on a measurement he dubbed the “pyramid inch,” which he believed linked the pyramid to divine prophecy. However, modern archaeology has debunked these fantastical ideas, revealing a far more practical and human-driven method.
The Real Method: Ingenious Engineering of the Ancient Egyptians
So, how was it truly built? The secret lay in the incredible skills of the ancient Egyptians and their innovative use of technology for the time. A discovery made in the Wadi al-Arish port, recorded in a 45-year-old scroll, revealed the precise process the workers used. According to the scroll, the limestone blocks for the pyramid were transported by wooden boats. These boats carried the blocks from Tura, 500 miles away, down the Nile to the construction site.
The workers didn’t just rely on muscle power; they employed sophisticated methods to make the transportation process more efficient. They dug artificial canals to divert water from the Nile and create a route for the boats to carry the massive stones. Remarkably, the entire journey could take as little as three days.
The System of Waterworks: A Hidden Marvel
One of the most fascinating discoveries related to the pyramid’s construction is the system of waterworks used to transport the stones. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of these ancient canals beneath the Giza Plateau, showing just how advanced the Egyptians were in their engineering methods. They even found seven boat pits around the pyramid, which were used to store boats and other equipment for the transport of the stones.
This evidence further reveals that the Egyptians didn’t just rely on brute force to build the pyramid. Instead, they used ingenious solutions like water channels and boats to move and place the massive limestone blocks with precision.
The Power of Organisation and Workforce
Behind every monumental project lies a powerful workforce, and the Great Pyramid was no different. 170,000 workers were involved in its construction, with elite workers and overseers managing the transportation and construction efforts. This vast team worked relentlessly under the reign of Pharaoh Khufu to create a structure that has amazed the world for millennia. It’s worth noting that the workers involved in the pyramid’s construction were not slaves, as commonly believed, but skilled labourers who were well-fed and housed near the pyramid site.
