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Pyramid Construction in Ancient Egypt By Amy Sencer. Moving stones in Ancient Egypt. In ancient times, there were no machines to assist in transporting large stones for the building of pyramids People had to get very large stones across long distances
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Moving stones in Ancient Egypt • In ancient times, there were no machines to assist in transporting large stones for the building of pyramids • People had to get very large stones across long distances • There were several methods used to do this…
Sledge Large blocks would be placed on a sledge and pulled along a track by a team of oxen or men
Boats Boats were secured to the tops of the stones. When the tide came in, the boats, and the stones, could travel to the other side of the water and unload the stones.
Rolling Logs The Egyptians were able to move stones along large distances by placing them on top of several logs and rolling it forward. As the stone moved over a log, it was removed from the back and put down in front of the stone. This allowed the stone to move continuously.
Constructing the Pyramids • Once the stones arrived, they needed to be lifted up to build the pyramids. • There are several theories as to how this was done…
Stone Pouring Some believed that the stones were actually a synthetic stone that was poured and cast right in place at the pyramids.
The problem with this theory: • Disregards tools that have been found as well as the quarries • The stones are irregular, not as if made by molds • There is no evidence of molds
Straight, External Ramp • This theory suggests that a ramp is constructed, at a small angle, to lift the stones • As the height of the pyramid grows, the ramp is built up and raised to the next level
Problems with this theory: • The ramp itself could only have a maximum slope of 8 degrees in order to raise the stones. • With a slope that small, the ramp would have had to be about a mile long in order to complete the pyramid. • Such a ramp would be so massive, it would almost double the manpower needed just to build it.
External, Spiral Ramp • This ramp circles the pyramid, raising blocks to the top as it is built. • This ramp looks like a corkscrew and is covered as the pyramid is completed
Problems with this theory: • With the corners and edges being the last to be completed, the exact measurements necessary would be missing during construction. • Without these measurements, the engineers could not be sure that the corners would all reach the peak correctly.
Internal Spiral Ramp • This theory states that an external ramp was used to build the lower third of the pyramid. • From there, the ramp was used to build the upper portion using an internal ramp
Problems with this theory: • It would be very difficult to maneuver large stones up a narrow ramp while trying to turn a ninety degree corner.
Our Own Model Pyramid • We built a pyramid out of cardboard. • The base measured 7inches by 7inches. • The perimeter of the base is 28 inches. • The surface area of the pyramid is 147 inches squared. • The volume of the pyramid is about 111 inches cubed.
Our own ramp experiment • As we built the ramps higher, in order to get the angle at the base to remain consistant (small enough to move stones), the ramp had to get significantly longer at each height increase.
Machines of short, wooden planks • These machines brought the stones into place step by step • The stones could be carried using one machine at each step, or by simply readjusting two machines as shown.
Most Likely Theory This theory seems most likely for several reasons: • It does not require a massive structure besides the pyramid itself. • It does not require extra manpower just to build a ramp. • It does not require extra manpower to get the stones to the top • Adjustments can be made as the pyramid is built to ensure precision.
