Lecture Notes: Ancient Technologies at Aswan Quarry

Introduction

• Presenter: Brian Forster, Hidden Inca Tours
• Location: Aswan Quarry, Southern Egypt, near the Nile River

Main Topics

1. Test Pits and Technology Levels

   • Test pits used to evaluate stone quality
   • Questioning the methods used to create test pits with bronze-age tools
   • Two levels of technology in stone working:
     • Dynastic Egyptian techniques (slots with wooden wedges, hot water)
     • Mysterious advanced technology (scoop marks)

2. Overview of Aswan Quarry

   • Entire city built on a giant granite outcrop
   • Curious vertical walls and straight features observed

3. The Unfinished Obelisk

   • Would have weighed 1,200 tons if completed
   • Traditionally attributed to the time of Hatshepsut, though doubtful
   • Deep pits around the obelisk, taller than a human
   • Questions of how it could be removed from the quarry
   • Attempted breaking into smaller pieces evident
   • Comparison with other large obelisks (400 tons)
   • Evidence of scoop marks in the granite

4. Scoop Marks and Advanced Technology

   • Depressions in the granite that look like scoop marks
   • Various sizes, from one to two feet in length
   • Regular, even cuts suggesting advanced technology
   • Hypothesis: This technology predates the Romans and Dynastic Egyptians, possibly linked to megalithic builders

5. Dynastic Egyptian Technique

   • Use of meteoric iron chisels and wooden wedges
   • Process: Slots cut into granite, wedges inserted, hot water applied
   • Evidence of where the technique worked successfully

6. Comparative Evidence in the Quarry

   • Regular and even scoop marks on small unfinished obelisk
   • Both sides of granite being worked on simultaneously
   • Suggestion of very advanced technology by megalithic builders
   • Connection to other megalithic structures like the Serapeum of Saqqara and Great Pyramids

Final Observations

• Granite Quarry and Aswan City:
  • Solid granite foundation for buildings
• Continued Mystery: Scoop Marks vs. Wedge Techniques
  • Presumed pre-dynastic technology remains unexplained

Conclusion

• Further Reading:
  • Reference to Brian Forster's book available on Amazon for more details on the topic