New research reveals method used to build the Great Pyramid of Egypt

A new study proposes an innovative method for building the Great Pyramid of Egypt, challenging previous theories about how the ancient Egyptians erected this monumental structure. The research, led by computer scientist Vicente Luis Rosell Roig, suggests that the pyramid was constructed using a hidden spiral ramp, which allowed workers to move the stones more efficiently.

Proposed construction method

The proposed method involves an “edge ramp,” which consists of an inclined path along the outer edges of the pyramid. As each new layer of stones was added, the ramp was covered, allowing workers to transport the stones upward, layer by layer. This approach contrasts with theories that advocate the use of massive external ramps, which would have been more logistically complex and inefficient.

Scale and construction time

The Great Pyramid, measuring about 230 meters on each side and 146 meters in height, was built with approximately 2.3 million stone blocks. The study estimates that, using the new technique, stones could have been placed every four to six minutes, allowing the pyramid to be completed within 14 to 21 years. Considering quarrying and transport time, the total duration could range from 20 to 27 years, aligning with existing historical estimates.

Technology used by the ancient Egyptians

The ancient Egyptians did not have modern tools such as iron or wheels, but they used technology adapted to their time. The study mentions the use of copper chisels, sledges lubricated with water, ropes and levers, as well as barges on the Nile for transporting materials.

These technologies enabled workers to build the pyramid with remarkable precision, even without the resources we have today. The research was published in the journal NPJ Heritage Science.

Implications of the new theory

The new theory not only clarifies the construction method but also offers explanations for the empty spaces detected within the pyramid. It suggests that parts of the hidden ramp may still exist inside the structure, which could change how we understand the engineering and logistics of construction in ancient Egypt. The research also proposes that the pyramid’s stability was maintained throughout construction, a crucial factor in preserving the structure over millennia.

The new approach to building the Great Pyramid of Egypt represents a significant advance in understanding the techniques used by the ancient Egyptians. The implications of this research could rewrite the history of Egyptian architecture and engineering, challenging established notions and opening new avenues of investigation into the past.

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