pyramids (part 3)

Building the Pyramids

How were the pyramids built? This question has puzzled scientist for centuries and still continues to puzzle experts today. To date, there has been no documentation or clues that have given Egyptologists answers about the construction of the pyramids. Because there are many theories and ideas as to how the pyramids were constructed, we will cover the most common theory used in constructing the pyramids.

The most common theory for moving large blocks is to slide logs under the large stones to make mobility easier. The block would have been attached to large ropes with people pushing the block forward. At the same time several men would remove the last log uncovered by the stone. The end log that was removed would then be transported to the front where it would complete the cycle under the stone and the endless cycle would be repeated.
  

Moving the block was one thing but placing it into position was another. This idea has also left scientist baffled. The most common theory for placement of each stone is said to have a ramp that went around the pyramid’s sides. Some have concluded that the ramp only touched one side of the pyramid. This might have been true, but the ramp might have had more material then the pyramid did and this would have made placement of each block difficult.

Herodotus was a Greek historian who traveled to Egypt around 450 B.C. and wrote that the Egyptians had some sort of gear that was used in lifting these large blocks. Although this might sound extraordinary, scientists have found no proof of any such lifting devices.

It’s estimated that the Great Pyramid took almost twenty years to complete due to its size and the type of stone used in creating the  structure. Each stone weighed about two to five tons and came from Aswan and Tura. Not only was the stone imported but also stonemasons would have worked all year long cutting and shaping each block. All these complicated tasks made the pyramid difficult to construct but as we know today, the end results are amazing.

the virtual pyramid

It’s hard to imagine standing and facing the base of the Great Pyramid of Egypt and envisioning that this super structure was made by man 4000 years ago. Its colossal structure has left a lasting indentation on modern times and continues to inspire many ideas for new and upcoming architecture. Come learn about the Pyramids of Ancient Egypt and discover for yourself why these super structures have intrigued the world through centuries.

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pyramids (part 2)

The Great Pyramid

When the Great Pyramid of Egypt was built it was 146 meters (480 feet) tall. Time has worn the pyramid down to 138 meters (455.4 feet) and it still continues to erode. The pyramid was once covered with limestone that was polished and believed to be left white. The sides of the pyramid are carefully positioned to point north, south, east, and west. The base of the pyramid has sides that measure 230.4 meters (755.9 feet) in length. It was designed so accurately, that the error of margin between the sides is less than 1 percent.

The Great Pyramid is made up of approximately two million blocks of limestone and slopes upward 51 °. Each block used to construct the pyramid is estimated to weigh more than two tons. It belonged to the pharaoh Khufu and once held his body; however, today the pyramid remains empty. The Great Pyramid is considered the last ancient wonder of the world standing today. 

Khafre’s Pyramid
 

The second pyramid belongs to the pharaoh Khafre. Unlike the pyramid of Khufu, the angle of this pyramid is 53 ° and the pyramid stands 148.5 meters (470.5 feet) tall. This pyramid is 10 meters shorter than Khufu’s, though appears to be larger due to the height of the bedrock and stands on the northern side of the Giza Plateau. The top of this pyramid has a smooth limestone cap also giving it the illusion of being larger than Khufu’s pyramid too. Like Khufu’s pyramid, this tomb was also looted.

Menkaure’s Pyramid

The pyramid of Menkaure, or the third pyramid, is the smallest of the three pyramids. Its design is not as well detailed as the other two pyramids or is it as massive. Today it stands 66.5 meters (218 feet) and has an angle of 51 °. The base of this smaller pyramid is 108.5 meters (355.9 feet). The pyramid was not complete when Menkaure died so his son Shepseskaf took the task of finishing the project. 

These pyramids may appear to be alone on the Giza Plateau but are not. There are many other structures that surround these massive tombs such boat pits, queens’ pyramids, mortuary temples, valley temples, mastabas, and the sphinx.  

Inside The Pyramid

Burial Chamber or King’s Chamber - Looking inside the Great Pyramid
The burial chamber consists of an empty sarcophagus (7.3 ft by 3.75 ft) with smooth walls and a polished ceiling. The floor is made with blocks of pink granite, which cover 60 square meters. This chamber is almost six meters tall, and was built by solid blocks of granite that weigh about 50 tons. The blocks were transported from Aswan from the south. Egyptologists conclude the sarcophagus was built inside the pyramid during construction. It would have been almost impossible to transport such a heavy stone structure in such a confined and narrow passage.

Egyptians designed this chamber to withstand tons of pressure from the top of the pyramid by building five low-roof chambers that are covered by impressive blocks of stone. This brilliant idea helped contain the room from crumbling inward and keeping it upright.

Grand Gallery

The Grand Gallery rises gradually to the King’s Chamber with a stepped hall. This hall is 49 meters long and is 11 meters tall. The walls are made of polished sand stone with roofing that overlaps stone blocks to create a stepped effect. Its remarkable architecture was thought to once be a ramp for large giant blocks said to seal the pyramid for eternal life. From the bottom of this hall one can choose to enter the Queen’s Chamber or proceed to the top and enter the King’s Chamber.

Shafts

The shafts are thought to have been built to allow air to proceed into the King’s Chamber. They extend about 146 meters outward and travel in a sloping path. It is thought that the shafts were built as a path to the stars, which allowed the pharaoh’s soul to escape. Although these shafts are more predominant in the King’s Chamber, some also exist in the Queen’s Chamber. The other two shafts that are present in the Queen’s Chamber do not exit the pyramid but rather stop midway. These shafts are believed to point to Sirius and Orion in the constellation.

Queen’s Chamber

This chamber is located under the King’s Chamber and is smaller. Its name has falsely led people into believing that this room once held the mummy of a queen. This chamber is closed to public and cannot be accessed by tourists for viewing.

Underground Chamber

This is thought to be the oldest chamber in the pyramid. This chamber was never fully completed and holds very little oxygen. The low oxygen levels make it impossible to burn lanterns and make it very difficult to breathe. One can only imagine why this section of the pyramid was never completed.  

 

To Be continued

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The pyramids of Egypt

The Pyramids of Egypt are thousands of years old and yet they still continue to fascinate in our modern times. These structures are often surrounded with tales and mysteries to how they were built. The pyramids of Giza remain the most famous; however, there are hundreds documented throughout Egypt. These large tombs were massive and it was believed they took roughly 20 years to construct—all with precise planning, labor, and power. The pyramids of Giza are popular and it is estimated they bring 9 million tourists yearly. 

Why Were the Pyramids Built?

The pyramids were built to protect the body of the deceased pharaoh. These massive tombs were constructed to withstand the elements of time and were intended to last forever. Most Ancient Egyptians planned for their death and the pharaoh was no exception. His death was much more elaborate than the typical Ancient Egyptian and considered an important event; this process was tied to the rising and setting of the sun.

It was believed that while alive, the pharaoh represented Horus and upon his death he represented Osiris. During his state as Osiris, he would set the sun, while the new pharaoh, his son, in the image of Horus, would raise the sun. This process continued for hundreds of years and this is why it was important the pharaoh be protected eternally to avoid a cosmic disturbance.

The pharaoh also believed that his death was an extension to a journey towards eternal life. In order to become a “being” of the afterworld, it was important the pharaoh’s physical body be safeguarded and recognizable by his spirit, this in turn, lead to the process of mummification. The process itself consisted of being embalmed then wrapped in fine linen. Once the process of mummification was complete, the pharaoh was buried with his most prized possessions such as jewelry, funerary statues, and items that would aid him in his afterlife.

  

What Items Were Stored Inside the Pyramids?

The pyramids were perfect for holding items that would help the pharaoh in his afterlife. Though the pyramids had been looted and cleaned before Egyptologists could examine them, there is significant evidence that they held boats, wooden statues, stone carvings, clothing, food, and luxury items that the pharaoh would have needed. These items were most likely the pharaoh’s valued possessions and were regarded as royal.

More importantly, the pyramids were intended to protect the pharaoh’s body. In each pyramid a sarcophagus made of heavy stone protecting the king’s mummy. These heavy stone sarcophagi were supposed to protect the king; however, they were not strong enough. They eventually succumbed to tomb robbers and no bodies were ever discovered. Today the pyramids are empty and only subtle clues can gives us an insight into how lavish these tombs once where.
As tomb robbers became more aware of what it meant to discover a pyramid, they quickly went about their business in secrecy. Eventually, the pharaohs became aware of this and looked for other ways to protect their mummies. It was this thinking that forced them to start carving their tombs among cliffs or underground—more notably the Valley of the Kings.


The evolution of the perfect pyramid

The pyramids of Giza are the most popular and are the most visited in Egypt today. These pyramids are grand and elaborate yet they did not get this way quickly. Rather, it took trial and error and precise calculating to develop the three pyramids we see today.

Before the first pyramid was ever constructed the Egyptians built mastabas. These tomblike structures were large tombs elevated above the ground. Eventually, this structure progressed into a small pyramid— six mastabas stacked on top of one another, each layer being smaller then the bottom one. This first attempt at building the pyramid had a vertical shaft leading into the royal tomb. The entrance was constructed in such a way that it was sealed with a large block of granite.

During the Fourth Dynasty, the Egyptians took it further and built another stepped pyramid at Meidum. This time they completed its construction, then extended it, then later filled the steps with large blocks of stone. It was later coated with limestone to smooth the sides out. This pyramid’s sides eventually collapsed so it is believed all work was abandoned.

Close by in Dahshur another pyramid was also constructed. This pyramid was planned to be smooth from the very beginning. While building this pyramid, it was concluded the angel at which the pyramid points was too steep. This made the structure unstable so the architect had to alter the angle to avoid damage. This gave the pyramid the appearance of being bent so it was named the “Bent Pyramid.”

The transition to the perfect pyramid would not be easy. It was not until another pyramid was built in Dahshur with an angle of 43 degrees was the correct measurements learned and deemed stable. With this knowledge at hand, the three pyramids were eventually constructed.
Other Pyramids

There are so many pyramids in Egypt yet we only see the pyramids of Giza being shown in magazines and books. There is roughly over 100 pyramids. Most of them were abandoned and plundered. Many of these pyramids stand today and give Egyptologist an evolution of the pyramids design. Some other common pyramids that are never shown are the Stepped Pyramid, the Maidum Pyramid, the Bent Pyramid, and the Red Pyramid. 

  These pyramids are not usually showcased because they are considered small in size and are tarnished. Though not particularly grand to look at, they do offer a great deal of information to how the pyramids developed. 

To Be continued

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