For centuries, the world-famous pyramids of Giza and Cheops have captured the imagination of people worldwide. One of the reasons for their allure is the mystery surrounding their construction. However, a chance discovery in an Egyptian alabaster quarry has now shed some light on the construction of these marvels.
A team of British and French archaeologists studied ancient inscriptions on the quarry slopes until they stumbled upon a series of post holes that were probably used to move large and heavy stones more efficiently. This technique would have allowed the pyramids to be built faster than previously thought.
The structure of the openings discovered suggests that the builders could move the stones in both directions. Instead of dragging the stone blocks behind them, the ancient Egyptians used a pulley system. This allowed someone to pull the stones forward while others pulled the rope above them, making it much easier to transport the blocks.
According to lead researcher Roland Enmarch, “such a system allows multiple people to exert force together. This makes it possible to move the stones much faster than previously thought.”
After discovering the openings, the researchers quickly shifted their focus from the inscriptions to the pyramid’s construction method. Nonetheless, the original object of the study adds significant value to the research, as the inscriptions date back to the reign of Pharaoh Cheops (2604-2581 BC). It is the same period during which the Great Pyramid, or the Pyramid of Cheops, was built, most likely using the same pulley system.
This new discovery is a significant breakthrough in the study of ancient engineering, and it could lead to new insights into the construction of other ancient structures. The mystery of how the pyramids were built might not be entirely solved yet, but we are one step closer to understanding the genius of the ancient Egyptians