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Mystery
The mystery that will be discussed is the construction of the pyramids of Giza. The mystery that has had everyone wondering for years is how in that time these pyramids were built so large and sturdy. The pyramids started to be built in 2549 BC, with the Khufu pyramid being the first (Sayre, 2015). There were three king pyramids and three smaller queen pyramids. Architects and engineers have been trying to figure out how the pyramids were built without modern day equipment like cranes and how the builders lifted the heavy stones up so high. Also, it is questioned how the pyramids are made it so sturdy without the likes of material like concrete. Next, some plausible theories will be discussed.
Theories
The first theory is from a Welch engineer, Peter James, which is that the pyramids were built from the inside out (Holloway, 2014). He has come up with this theory because he and his team have been helping with reinforcing burial chambers in the 4,600-year-old pyramid (Holloway, 2014). He supports this theory because for the builders to have built the pyramids from outside in, then a stone block would have had to been laid every three minutes and had a ramp at least a quarter mile long. The second theory is from an architect Jean-Pierre Houdin, which states that the pyramids were done in five steps (Vergano, 2007). The first step would take about ten years to build the base with a two-lane external ramp about 141 feet high. The second the builders would pull the massive ceiling stones into place above the kings tomb using a counterweight sled. Third step for the next ten years the 6.3-degree slope would be made to the top. Forth the ramps would also preserve sightlines that builders needed to ensure the proportions were even and the ramps within the pyramids did not need as much. Lastly the builders applied outer layers of blocks to the pyramid hiding the building ramps and making the final high-quality stone (Vergano, 2007). The third theory is by an archaeological researcher Ron Wyatt; he states that the pyramids were built with levers (“Some Alternative Theories,” n.d.). The builders would first make the base and then lift the stones up by the levers level by level. There would be a lever for each tier; so the builders could pull the stone around on that level; that was how the stones were able to get so high (“Some Alternative Theories,” n.d.).
Most plausible theory
The theory that has been chosen to be most plausible is by architect Jean-Pierre Houdin where the pyramids were built in stages. One feels that based on the timeframe and materials, the builders would have had to take their time to lay the stones in place for the base since the stones were so heavy. Also, for the builders to get the stones at the angles and the heights of the pyramids, the builders would have needed the ramps to be at a sloped angle; which would have taken time to not only build the pyramid but also the ramps. The second ten years seemed correct to finish the rest of the pyramid. Lastly, it makes sense that there is a second outer layer to cover the building ramps due to how thick and sturdy the pyramids are. Two layers of stone would explain how they have lasted so long and why one cannot figure out how the builders got the stone up because the building ramps are hidden away between the walls.
References
Holloway, A. (2014). Engineer releases new theory on how Egypt’s pyramids were built. Ancient Origins. Retrieved from http://www.ancient-origins.net/news-general/engineer-releases-new-theory-how-egypts-pyramids-were-built-001215
Sayre, H. M. (2015). The humanities culture, continuity & change. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.
Some alternate theories of pyramid constructions. (n. d.). Retrieved from http://www.catchpenny.org/theories.html
Vergano, D. (2007). Scientists ramp up for pyramid theory. USA Today. Pg. 09d. Retrieved from http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/detail/detail?vid=2&sid=0ebee68d-43c0-4d7b-97e3-f53ae234922c%40sessionmgr4008&hid=4211&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=J0E115582274307&db=a9h
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