A groundbreaking study published in PLOS ONE has unveiled a remarkable discovery about the engineering behind the construction of ancient Egyptian pyramids. The research, led by Xavier Landreau from the CEA Paleotechnic Institute in France, suggests that the 4,500-year-old Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid, was built using a sophisticated hydraulic lift system.
The interdisciplinary team of researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Saqqara site, where the Pyramid of Djoser is located. They discovered that the nearby Gisr el-Mudir enclosure, a massive structure measuring 360m by 620m, likely functioned as a check dam designed to trap sediment and water. This finding is significant as it provides insights into the water management strategies employed by the ancient Egyptians.
Furthermore, the researchers identified a series of deep compartments in the “Dry Moat” southern section surrounding the Djoser complex. These compartments, connected by a rock-cut conduit, have served as a water treatment system consisting of a settling basin, a retention basin, and a purification system. The Gisr el-Mudir dam and the Dry Moat’s inner south section formed a unified hydraulic system that improved water quality and regulated flow for practical purposes and human needs.
The most intriguing discovery, however, lies within the Step Pyramid itself. The researchers found that the pyramid’s internal architecture is consistent with a unique hydraulic elevation device. They hypothesize that the ancient architects used the purified water from the Dry Moat’s south section to raise the heavy limestone blocks from the pyramid’s centre in a “volcano” fashion. This innovative construction method would have significantly facilitated the building process.
The hydraulic lift system likely involved two main components: the twin shafts located north and south of the pyramid complex and a network of galleries descending up to 45m below ground level. The shafts contain granite boxes with removable plugs, which the researchers believe served as water inlets and outlets. As water flowed into the shafts, it would have lifted a large float carrying the stone blocks, allowing them to be precisely positioned at the desired height.
While further investigations are needed to fully understand the water flow dynamics and the historical water availability in the region, the study provides compelling evidence for using hydraulic power to construct ancient Egyptian pyramids. This discovery sheds light on the ancient Egyptians’ engineering prowess in research avenues exploring the application of hydraulic technologies in ancient construction.
The authors emphasize that this work results from a collaborative effort between the newly established Paleotechnic Research Institute and several national laboratories. They state, “This work opens a new research line for the scientific community: the use of hydraulic power to build the pyramids of Egypt.”
As we continue to unravel the mysteries of ancient engineering, the Pyramid of Djoser stands as a testament to our predecessors’ ingenuity and technical abilities. The discovery of the hydraulic lift system reminds us that the ancient Egyptians were not only master builders but also innovative problem-solvers who leveraged their understanding of water management and engineering principles to create enduring wonders that continue to captivate us today.
TLDR:
- Ancient Egyptians used a sophisticated hydraulic system to build the Pyramid of Djoser
- The Gisr el-Mudir enclosure functioned as a check dam to trap water and sediment
- Deep compartments in the Dry Moat served as a water treatment facility
- The pyramid’s internal architecture suggests the use of a unique hydraulic lift to raise stones
- Discovery opens new research avenues into ancient hydraulic engineering
