The Egyptian pyramids are one of the wonders of the ancient world. They were old when the Greeks wrote their first histories. How such gigantic structures were built in the time before powerful machinery is a mystery. We can make a few guesses as to how such a massive structure was constructed.

The plain of Giza sits on a bed of limestone. The quarries for the stone from which the great pyramids were constructed are in the same general area as the pyramids themselves. This simplified transportation of the stone to the building site.

It is conjectured by archaeologists that the stones for the pyramids were cut by workers. The remains of a settlement of workers have been found near the stone quarries. Workers cut the blocks of stone with copper chisels. Iron tools were not available to the Egyptians of 1800 BCE. Limestone is not particularly hard, but chipping out huge blocks of it takes time. The method of feathers and wedges was known to the ancient world. Large blocks were split from the quarry face. The blocks were tied to wooden sleds. The sleds were pulled by gangs of men over log roads laid in the desert sand. The rough blocks were pulled up a ramp to the level of the pyramid where they were trimmed and fitted into place by more workers.

Since it only took about 20 years to construct the great pyramid, it is thought there were a lot of workers devoted to this project. Cranes and lifting tackle were definitely known in the ancient world. Frames made of timbers strung with hempen rope could have been employed to lift and position heavy blocks. The massive obelisks made of Aswan granite were transported hundreds or even thousands of miles in the ancient world. There was a practical knowledge of mechanics that allowed ancient man to manipulate great blocks of stone.

The most amazing thing about the construction of the pyramids is the organization necessary to complete such a project. The site had to be excavated and laid out. Gangs of workers had to be procured to work in the quarries. More gangs of workers or slaves had to be managed to transport the blocks. The blocks had to be set with decent precision to allow the pyramid to take its final form. All these people had to be fed and sheltered for many years. It says something about the power of the Pharaoh that he was able to enforce his will on so many people. It says something about the spirit of ancient man that he would follow such leadership. The pyramids are a visible testimony to the strength and persistence of humanity.

Learn more about this author, William Remski.
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