Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 03:05 pm
The building and construction of the pyramids of ancient Egypt have been the issue of debate among the well-known Egyptologists for ages. Despite the extensive study, the exact modes used in building these engineering wonders have remained a secret. A fresh study that has appeared in the journal PLOS One presents a new theory on the matter, pointing out that the ancient Egyptians might have used a hydraulic lifting system to build the Step Pyramid of Djoser-the oldest pyramid of the nation.
Hydraulic Energy in Ancient Egypt
In the case of the Researchers study, water could have played a critical role in the construction process, powering some type of hydraulic system that could lift heavy stones into their final position from within the pyramid itself. The “Ancient Egyptians” were known to use canal systems for irrigating fields and barges to carry huge stones. “This research opens the way to furthering our understanding of how hydraulic power could have been harnessed to help lift the monumental structures of the Pharaohs,” said the team.
History of the Step Pyramid
Recently, it has been referred to as the earliest large stone building in Egypt by resources including the Smithsonian Magazine and Encyclopedia Britannica.
Evidences of a Hydraulic Systems
Evidence for an integrated water purification and hydraulic system was also another link between the elements of the Step Pyramid. This system probably desalinated water from nearby canals and dosed it with salts for some purpose.
Skepticism and Ongoing Research
Not everyone is convinced by these intriguing interpretations. Dr. Judith Bunbury, a geoarchaeologist at the University of Cambridge, was dismissive in an interview with Ars Technica. Bunbury highlighted that even though the ancient Egyptians did use other hydraulic technologies, there simply is no hard evidence to confirm the existence of such a thing as a hydraulic lift system.
Continuing the Exploration
The research team does realize that further study is needed to determine how water could have flowed through pyramid shafts and also find out how much water was available during the period. Theories of how pyramids were built formed aplenty over the years, using some variation of the snowy day, that is, a ramp, lever, crane, winches, hoists, pivots, or any combination of those. This new theory of hydraulic lift provides yet another intriguing possibility for the ongoing exploration of the engineering prowess of ancient Egypt.
