Engineers Have a New Theory on How Egypt's First Pyramid Was Built

Overview

• New Study: Recent research suggests ancient Egyptians used advanced technology to build the first pyramid, contrary to traditional Egyptologist beliefs.
• Focus: The Step Pyramid of Djoser, which stands over 200 feet tall.

Key Points

Engineers' Theory

• Water Power: Researchers propose that Egyptians utilized water to move heavy stones.
• Central Shaft System:
  • A 28-meter deep shaft located beneath the pyramid played a crucial role.
  • Stones were floated up the shaft using a filling and draining cycle of water.

Research Context

• Study Lead: Xavier Landreau led the research team.
• Initial Objective: The team originally aimed to map the area near the pyramid.
• Previous Theories on Pyramid's Purpose:
  • A cattle pen
  • A fortress for protection
  • A celebratory arena for the Pharaoh
  • A funerary enclosure

Implications of New Findings

• Hydraulic Lift Concept: The hypothesis suggests that a hydraulic lift mechanism could have elevated stones to the pyramid's higher levels.
• Significance: This theory challenges longstanding views on the construction techniques of ancient Egyptian monumental architecture.

Conclusion

• The study offers a new perspective on ancient construction methods, highlighting a potentially sophisticated use of natural resources like water in pyramid building.

Further Research

• Continued Exploration: Additional studies are necessary to validate this theory and its application to other Egyptian pyramids.

The above notes summarize the key points from the recent NPR article regarding the new theory on pyramid construction methods. The research sheds light on innovative approaches that might have been employed by ancient Egyptians, pointing to a complex understanding of engineering and resource management.