Scientists come closer to solving the construction of the world's first pyramid
Ancient Egyptians utilized an elaborate hydraulic system to construct the Pyramid of Djoser, according to a controversial study, reports LiveScience. The pyramid, located on the Saqqara plateau in Egypt, is a remarkable architectural achievement considering the limited technology of that era. The pyramid stands at 204 feet tall and contains an impressive 11.7 million cubic feet (330,400 cubic meters) of stone and clay.
Researchers theorize that the ancient Egyptians harnessed the power of the Nile River to facilitate the construction process. They propose the existence of a sophisticated water-based system comprising a dam, a water treatment plant, and a hydraulic freight elevator. These components would have been powered by the rushing waters of the Nile. The researchers suggest that the nearby Gisr el-Mudir enclosure served as a structure to capture sediment and water.
The proposed hydraulic system would have involved the flow of water from the Nile to a substantial dam stretching 1.2 miles long. This dam, with walls reaching 49 feet in width, would filter out sediment before channeling the water downstream. Subsequently, the "Deep Trench," a treatment facility, would help collect sediment at the bottom to avoid clogs in the system. The water, now purified, would then be transported underground to a water-powered elevator situated beneath the pyramid.
The ingenious design of the elevator utilized the force of water pooling into a central well to lift and lower heavy stones within a vertical shaft. This mechanism allowed the materials to be efficiently transported to the construction site of the pyramid. The researchers emphasize that this hydraulic system demonstrates the significance of water as a fundamental building resource for the ancient Egyptians.
The lead author of the study, Xavier Landreau, deems this discovery a breakthrough that challenges previous assumptions surrounding the pyramid's construction. He notes that debates have often centered on whether the pyramid had funerary purposes or not. However, this groundbreaking research provides strong evidence that water played a pivotal role in the construction process.
Despite the significant findings put forth by the study, not everyone is convinced. Some skeptics, such as Julia Budka, an archaeologist at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, express concerns about the absence of direct involvement from Egyptologists or archaeologists. Budka highlights that the hypothesis put forward by the study lacks solid scientific evidence and calls for further geological studies and sample analyses to validate the proposed hydraulic system.
While the debate surrounding the ancient Egyptian hydraulic system continues, this study opens up new possibilities and challenges existing assumptions. The innovative use of water as a construction resource highlights the sophisticated knowledge and engineering capability of the ancient Egyptians, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of their architectural achievements.
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