For decades, the pyramids of ancient Egypt have fascinated scholars, explorers and those who follow invention theory. Many people speculate that these ancient structures were built by planets, ignoring the ingenuity of humans 5,000 years ago.
Now, a new study reveals that Egypt's oldest pyramid may have been built with much more advanced technology than previously thought and related to the country.
The new study, published in the online journal PLOS one, explored the techniques used to build the famous Djoser terraced pyramid in Saqqara. With an area of 13,189 square meters and a height of 62.5 meters, this 4,500-year-old pyramid was one of the most notable works at that time.
While experts previously believed that pyramids were built using forward and Leverage connected together to move heavy materials, new research shows that pyramid builders may have used hydraulic lifting systems.
Xavier Landreau of France's CEA Institute of Technical antiquities said that the ancient Egyptians may have exploited nearby canals to provide energy for the elevators to move heavy rocks.
Based on the new analysis, the study shows that water is brought into the pyramids through two axes, helping to lift and lower the pontoon carrying large blocks of stone.
"The ancient Egyptians were known for their pioneering hydraulic techniques, using canals for irrigation and barges to transport large rocks," the researchers wrote. This study opens up a new field of discovery: using hydraulic power to build massive Pharaoh's works."
The steps pyramid, built around 2680 BC as a tomb complex for Pharaoh Djoser of the Third Dynasty, remains a mystery and determining exactly how it was built is a challenge.
A nearby project, the area around Gisr el-Mudir, has long confused experts, which could provide further insight. Landreau and his team said it acts as a "flood dam" to collect water and sediment.
Researchers also believe that the pyramids may have a water treatment facility, with a series of compartments that allow sediment to settle as water flows through, ultimately putting pressure on the axes inside the pyramids.
This process, known as building a " volcano", may have lifted the rock blocks by using rising water.
Although there was a breakthrough discovery, the research team also admitted that further analysis is needed. They plan to simulate how the hydropower system could operate and whether the local environment at that time could support the method.
The study also notes that traditional techniques, such as steep ramming systems, have likely been used along with hydraulic elevators.
This study opens up a new direction for the scientific community: the use of hydraulic power in the construction of Egyptian pyramids, Landreau and his colleagues concluded.
