Egypt’s Great Pyramids have been a source of wonder and mystery for centuries. Recent research has uncovered new insights into the construction methods of these ancient marvels, particularly focusing on the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
A study published in the journal PLOS ONE suggests that the Step Pyramid was built using a sophisticated hydraulic lift system, contrary to previous beliefs that ramps and levers were primarily used. The research proposes that the Ancient Egyptians utilized nearby canals to power weight-bearing lifts, allowing for the transportation of heavy stone blocks.
The Step Pyramid, constructed around 2680 BCE as a funerary complex for Pharaoh Djoser, has long puzzled experts due to the lack of a clear construction method. The new analysis indicates that a structure known as the Gisr el-Mudir enclosure may have functioned as a 'check dam' to capture water and sediment, while adjacent compartments could have served as a water treatment facility.
The study suggests that pressurized water was used to float building stones towards the upper levels of the pyramid via internal shafts, a process referred to as 'volcano' construction. While the researchers are confident in their findings regarding the hydraulic lift system, further investigations are planned to explore the water flow mechanisms and availability in the ancient surroundings.
The discovery of the dam, water treatment facility, and hydraulic elevator associated with the Step Pyramid of Djoser opens up a new research avenue for understanding the construction techniques employed by the Ancient Egyptians. The study emphasizes the potential use of hydraulic power alongside traditional methods like ramps in erecting these iconic structures.
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