New Delhi: The age-old mystery of how the pyramids were built has been intensely debated. Recently, a team of meticulous researchers has put forth a new theory about the construction of the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in Egypt. Their findings, published in the esteemed journal PLOS One, suggest that the ancient Egyptians may have employed a hydraulic lift system powered by water to build the pyramid. Let’s delve deeper into their rigorous research process And the evidence they uncovered at the pyramid site.
What does the study say?
The Step Pyramid of Djoser, built around 2680 BC as a burial complex for King Djoser, a third-dynasty pharaoh, is Egypt’s oldest significant stone building.
It is believed that the ancient Egyptians, utilising a now-vanished Nile River branch, may have pioneered an innovative hydraulic system to construct a 204-foot-tall pyramid. This system, powered by the river, likely featured a dam, a water treatment plant, and a hydraulic freight elevator. The CEA Paleotechnic Institute in France suggested that the nearby Gisr el-Mudir enclosure may have functioned as a structure to capture sediment and water.
The water-powered system was designed to harness water flow from the Nile to the dam. The dam was an impressive structure, stretching 2 kilometres long with 49-foot-wide walls strategically positioned between the sides of two valleys to the west of the pyramid.
How did it function?
Its primary function was filtering out sediment before the water continued downstream to a treatment facility known as the “Deep Trench.” This facility, carved 1,300 feet long and 89 feet deep into the existing rock, housed several basins that allowed sediment and particles to settle at the bottom, preventing potential clogs in the system.
An intricate network of underground channels would have been constructed to transport water 92 feet below the pyramid to a sophisticated water-driven elevator system. The hydraulic force generated by water pooling in a central well would have been harnessed to facilitate the vertical movement of stones within a shaft, facilitating the efficient delivery of construction materials to workers.
This innovative system would have enabled the transportation of heavy building materials as the workers erected the pyramid, characterised by its distinctive “volcano” shape.
Conclusion
While the proposed hydraulic lift system is a compelling theory, it’s clear that further research is desirable and crucial to fully comprehend how water might have flowed through the shafts and the amount of accessible water at the time. It’s important to note that not all experts are convinced, with some highlighting the lack of concrete evidence for a hydraulic lift system. Various hypotheses about the construction methods have been proposed, including ramps, levers, cranes, winches, hoists, and pivots. The urgency and importance of this ongoing research cannot be overstated.
A groundbreaking study proposes that the ancient Egyptians might have constructed the world’s first using a sophisticated hydraulic system pyramid. This revolutionary view has ignited a vigorous debate among experts, underscoring the significance of this new theory. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
