There were several methods discussed as to how the ancient Egyptians built their pyramids. Specifically, it introduced ways of placing the huge blocks of rocks on top of one after another. These methods include the use of ramps, the mathematical knowledge of π, construction of buttress walls among others. Since only a few documents survived concerning Egyptian engineering, experimental archeology has been the primary means of discovering the untold methods of pyramid construction. Personally, I believe that the most probable technique to build the pyramids was the use of ramps. From the article, it was said that it is the only proven method to have been used. It was also said that if the Egyptians did make use of their understanding of π, it was only by coincidence. I have read that there were already traces of some ramps that have been used in pyramids from the earlier kingdoms. As such, it is very likely that indeed, Egyptians didn’t leave physical traces of ramps as is, but because they were used to build these gigantic structures.
In building their pyramids, the workers did not make use of only one ramp. Actually, they have to use several ramps of different shapes to form a system. In one article, I have read that in order to have this system of ramps, ancient Egyptians have to make use of at least five different ones. These ramps include the linear ramp, which was briefly described as being widened at the base as the height of the pyramid increases, the spiral ramp, which was described in the 19th century papyrus Anastaci I, the reversing ramp, which zig zags on one face of the pyramid, the interior ramps and the exterior ramps. Traces of some of these ramps were found in the 3rd dynasty pyramid of Sekhemkhet, the inner remains of earlier pyramids at Abusir and the pyramid of Pepi II. Although there is a possibility that the Egyptians could have used more than one method, I believe the use of ramps would have been the most prevalent at that time.
References:
- Shaw, I. (2011). Building the Great Pyramid. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/great_pyramid_01.shtml
- Tour Egypt. (2013). The Various Possible Methods of Pyramid Construction. Retrieved from http://www.touregypt.net/construction/construc.htm#ixzz2U4VIaMUlsuss
