The Pyramids of Egypt, recognized as one of humanity’s most iconic wonders, are a lasting testament to the advanced engineering and architecture of the ancient Egyptian civilization. These imposing structures, especially the Great Pyramid of Giza, They have endured for thousands of years, symbolizing not only power and knowledge, but also a deep mystery. Although it is known that They served as tombs for the pharaohs and monuments to their greatness, The exact method of its construction has been a matter of speculation for centuries.
A recent study published in the journal PLOS ONE proposes a revolutionary theory about how one of the oldest pyramids was built, the steps of Saqqara, attributed to Pharaoh Djoser of the Third Dynasty. This research suggests that the Egyptians may have used innovative hydraulic techniques to erect this monumental structure.
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New theories about construction
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The most accepted theory until recently held that the pyramids were built using ramps and levers to raise the massive stone blocks. However, the team led by Xavier Landreau, from the CEA Paleotechnical Institute in France, suggests that water played an essential role in the process. According to their research, the ancient Egyptians They could have channeled water into wells inside the pyramid, using a system of floats to facilitate the lifting of the blocks.
This approach, based on the use of hydraulic resources, changes our perspective on Egyptian engineering. “Egyptians are recognized for their ability to take advantage of water resources both in irrigation and in the transportation of large blocks on barges,” explained the research team.
A hydraulic system for the step pyramid of Saqqara
The Step Pyramid Built around 2680 BC, It is part of the Djoser funerary complex and remains an enigma regarding the methods used in its construction. Landreau and his team suggest that a nearby structure, known as the enclosure of Gisr el-Mudir, It may have served as a dam intended to store water and sediment.
Furthermore, they proposed that a system of compartments excavated in front of the pyramid It would have allowed the water to be filtered, eliminating sediments and facilitating its flow into internal conduits of the structure. These pressurized channels would have allowed the force of water to be used to lift stone blocks to upper levels through a mechanism known as a “volcano”.
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Despite these findings, the authors acknowledge that conclusive evidence is still lacking to confirm the theory. The next step in their research will be to analyze how water was distributed in the internal passages and how much water was available in the region thousands of years ago. While ramps may have been used as part of the process, researchers believe a hydraulic system would have complemented these traditional techniques.
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Advances in understanding Egyptian engineering
This research, carried out in collaboration with national laboratories, has led to the discovery of a dam, a water treatment facility and a hydraulic mechanism, which may have been instrumental in the construction of the step pyramid. These findings highlight the ancient Egyptians’ skill in integrating advanced technological solutions into their architectural projects.
The majesty of the pyramids continues to inspire generations, while new studies like this one open paths to better understand the secrets behind these ancient wonders.
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