How the Pyramids were Built

The pyramids of Egypt were built as a burial place for the pharaoh god-kings. Egyptians believed the pharaohs held the key to the after life for everyone and the pyramids show this strong belief in life after death. The first pyramid to be built was started around 2600 BC. and was for the pharaoh Zoser. This pyramid does not compare with others built later on. It was constructed of steps of small, square stones and surrounded by the beautiful white limestone temples. These temples were used by priests to worship the dead pharaohs.

Building a pyramid took many years and was a public works project. Thousands of Egyptians people worked with architects when they were able to leave their farms because of the season. The most impressive pyramid, that of Cheops (or Khufu), took 100,00 people working over a twenty year period. Built along the Nile, the Great Pyramids are located in Giza.

There are many theories about how the pyramids were built. Some are very unbelievable and others are very possible. One of the most odd and outrageous theories it that aliens built the pyramids. This is a completely dumb idea, since we have proof that the Ancient Egyptians built the pyramids. So, therefore, credit should be given were it is deserved. Then, there are many theories about how the Egyptians built the pyramids.

One theory is that they built one large ramp. This was quickly ruled out in that it would have to be a mile long in order for the slant of it to be somewhat do-able. The ramp would then use more material than the pyramid itself would. Now that would not be logical at all, so this theory was quickly ruled out by leading researches in the field.

Another theory is that there was a singular ramp spiraling around the pyramid. This will clearly not work because in order for the ramp to extend from the bottom to the top, the way the ramp would be, you wouldnÕt be able to cover all of the area and you would have a rather lacy pyramid. Also the angles would we so sharp that you wouldnÕt have been able to move two tons blocks around jolting corners.

One rather well known theory as to how the pyramids were built is that of Mark LehnerÕs. Lehner works at the University of ChicagoÕs Oriental Institute. In 1989 Lehner and his friend Hawass uncovered remains of a bakery near the site of the great pyramid. Lehner has spent much of the last 13 years excavating at the site of the Great Pyramid. At the time of the discovery of the bakery, Lehner had let loose a team of diggers on a field covered with garbage.

LehnerÕs theory, that is liked by many people, is the theory of Tafla. Tafla is a clay that is very strong when it is dried but it is easily destroyed by the swing of a pick ax. But, when Tafla is wet it is very slippery and then you can easily move the 2 ton blocks. So if you had a ramp, you could make the ramp out Tafla, you and a big crew could move the 2 ton blocks up the side of the pyramid. Then, if you put a pole on the corner of the pyramid you could ÒswingÓ the blocks around the corners. This was displayed by a NOVA experiment, that showed on a lesser scale, that building the pyramids in this matter was quite possible.

The three of us think this is the most logical theory with one clause, it still doesnÕt cover enough of the pyramids area. We believe that there were four ramps spiralling upward, each starting from one of the four corners. All other theories weÕve seen have been unproved in some way or another. No one really knows for a fact how the pyramids were built, they can just make practical assumptions. LehnerÕs theory has an explanation for everything and has been proven by NOVA that it can work. Obviously there is no way to determine that it is true, but of the theories weÕve seen, this is by far the one we think is best.

You can make your own decisions in deciding who you think built the pyramids or how you think they did it just try to think things through completely and look for any possible setbacks.