There are less and less unsolved mysteries on our planet every year. The constant improvement of technology, the cooperation of scientists from various fields of science reveals to us the secrets and mysteries of history. But the secrets of the pyramids still defy understanding - all discoveries give scientists only tentative answers to many questions. Who built the Egyptian pyramids, what was the construction technology, whether there is a curse of the pharaohs - these and many other questions still remain without an exact answer.
Description of the Egyptian pyramids
Archaeologists talk about 118 pyramids in Egypt, partially or completely preserved to our time. Their age is from 4 to 10 thousand years. One of them - Cheops - is the only surviving "miracle" from the "Seven Wonders of the World". The complex called "The Great Pyramids of Giza", which includes and, was also considered as a participant in the New Seven Wonders of the World competition, but it was withdrawn from participation, since these majestic structures are actually the "wonder of the world" in the ancient list. 
These pyramids have become the most visited sightseeing objects in Egypt. They are perfectly preserved, which cannot be said about many other structures - time did not spare them. Yes, and local residents contributed to the destruction of the majestic necropolises, removing the lining and breaking out stones from the walls to build their houses. 
The Egyptian pyramids were built by pharaohs ruling from the 27th century BC. e. and later. They were intended for the repose of the rulers. The huge scale of the tombs (some up to almost 150 m high) should have testified to the greatness of the buried pharaohs, things that the ruler loved during his lifetime and which would be useful to him in the afterlife were also placed here. 
For the construction, stone blocks of various sizes were used, which were hollowed out from the rocks, and later brick began to serve as the material for the walls. Stone blocks were turned and adjusted so that a knife blade could not slip between them. Blocks were stacked on top of each other with an offset of several centimeters, which formed a stepped surface of the structure. Almost all Egyptian pyramids have a square base, the sides of which are oriented strictly to the cardinal points. 
Since the pyramids performed the same function, that is, they served as the burial place of the pharaohs, their structure and decoration are similar inside. The main component is the burial hall, where the ruler's sarcophagus was installed. The entrance was arranged not at ground level, but several meters higher, and was masked by facing slabs. Stairs and corridors led from the entrance to the inner hall, which sometimes narrowed so much that they could only be walked on squatting or crawling. 
In most necropolises, burial chambers (chambers) are below ground level. Ventilation was carried out through narrow shaft-channels, which penetrated the walls. Rock paintings and ancient religious texts are found on the walls of many pyramids - in fact, scientists draw some of the information about the construction and owners of the burials from them. 
The main mysteries of the pyramids
The list of unsolved mysteries begins with the shape of necropolises. Why was the shape of the pyramid chosen, which is translated from Greek as “polyhedron”? Why were the edges located clearly on the cardinal points? How did the huge stone blocks move from the place of development and how were they raised to a great height? Were the buildings erected by aliens or people who own a magic crystal? 
Scientists even argue over the question of who built such tall monumental structures that stood for millennia. Some believe they were built by slaves who died in the hundreds of thousands building each. However, new discoveries of archaeologists and anthropologists convince us that the builders were free people who received good food and medical care. They made such conclusions based on the composition of the bones, the structure of the skeletons and the healed injuries of the buried builders. 
All cases of death and death of people involved in the study of the Egyptian pyramids were attributed to mystical coincidences, which provoked rumors and talk about the curse of the pharaohs. There is no scientific evidence for this. Perhaps the rumors were spread to scare off thieves and marauders who want to find valuables and jewelry in the graves. 
The mysterious interesting facts include the short time frame for the construction of the Egyptian pyramids. According to calculations, large necropolises with that level of technology should have been erected in at least a century. How, for example, was the pyramid of Cheops built in just 20 years? 
Great Pyramids
This is the name of the burial complex near the city of Giza, consisting of three large pyramids, a huge statue of the Sphinx and small satellite pyramids, probably intended for the wives of the rulers. 
The initial height of the pyramid of Cheops was 146 m, the length of the side was 230 m. It was built in 20 years in the 26th century BC. e. The largest of Egyptian landmarks has not one, but three funerary halls. One of them is below ground level, and two are above the base line. Intertwining corridors lead to the burial chambers. On them you can go to the chamber of the pharaoh (king), to the chamber of the queen and to the lower hall. The chamber of the pharaoh is a chamber made of pink granite, has dimensions of 10x5 m. A granite sarcophagus without a lid is installed in it. Not a single report of scientists contained information about the mummies found, so it is not known whether Cheops was buried here. By the way, the mummy of Cheops was not found in other tombs either. 
It still remains a mystery whether the Cheops pyramid was used for its intended purpose, and if so, then apparently it was plundered by looters in the past centuries. The name of the ruler, by whose order and project this tomb was built, was learned from the drawings and hieroglyphs above the burial chamber. All other Egyptian pyramids, with the exception of Djoser, have a simpler engineering device. 
Two other necropolises in Giza, built for the heirs of Cheops, are somewhat more modest in size:
Tourists travel to Giza from all over Egypt, because this city is actually a suburb of Cairo, and all transport interchanges lead to it. Travelers from Russia usually go to Giza as part of excursion groups from Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. The trip is long, 6-8 hours one way, so the tour is usually designed for 2 days. 
The great buildings are available for visiting only during working hours, usually until 17:00, in the month of Ramadan - until 15:00. It is not recommended to go inside for asthmatics, as well as people suffering from claustrophobia, nervous and cardiovascular diseases. Be sure to take drinking water and hats with you on the tour. The tour fee consists of several parts:
- Entrance to the complex.
- Entrance inside the pyramid of Cheops or Khafre.
- Entrance to the Museum of the Solar boat, on which the body of the pharaoh was transported across the Nile.
Against the backdrop of the Egyptian pyramids, many people like to take photos while sitting on camels. You can bargain with camel owners.
Pyramid of Djoser
The first pyramid in the world is located in Saqqara, not far from Memphis, the former capital of Ancient Egypt. Today, the pyramid of Djoser is not as attractive to tourists as the Cheops necropolis, but at one time it was the largest in the country and the most complex in terms of engineering. 
The burial complex included chapels, courtyards, and storage facilities. The six-step pyramid itself does not have a square base, but a rectangular one, with sides of 125x110 m. The height of the structure itself is 60 m, inside it there are 12 burial chambers, where Djoser himself and members of his family were supposedly buried. The mummy of the pharaoh was not found during the excavations. The entire territory of the complex of 15 hectares was surrounded by a stone wall 10 m high. At present, part of the wall and other buildings have been restored, and the pyramid, whose age is approaching 4700 years, has been preserved quite well.
Everyone knows about the famous pyramids of Egypt. Their sheer mass and precise engineering suggest an alien origin. The builders turned to the pyramids not only of antiquity, but also of times closer to us. Here are the facts about 10 lesser-known pyramids that deserve the same attention as the Egyptian ones.
Pyramid Jack Fuller
The pyramids of Egypt were tombs and monuments for the pharaohs of Egypt. Most people prefer something more modest for their place of eternal rest, a man nicknamed "Mad Jack" Fuller entered the story. He in 1777, at the age of 20, inherited a large estate in England and slave plantations in Jamaica. Jack was known for his bizarre antics and difficult temper. He loved to build and decided to build a pyramid for himself in the local cemetery. His tomb was a masterpiece, the body was supposed to be on a special table under the dome, and the glass was removed in case the Devil came for him.
Pyramid in the form of a pointed German helmet from World War I 
Pickelhaum, the pointed German helmet of World War I soldiers, became synonymous with the enemy "Hun". When World War I ended, the victors were required to receive a symbol to showcase their triumph. In New York, it was decided that a pyramid would be built from captured German helmets.
The hollow pyramid was covered with 12,000 pickelbaubs. The pyramid was used as a fundraiser at Victory Way. Visitors were encouraged to donate money to the 5th War Credit to help pay off US debt. To emphasize the victory of the allies, the pyramid was crowned with a winged figure, which was probably supposed to represent the goddess of victory, Nike.
bending pyramid 
We think that the Egyptian pyramids are perfect. But among the famous pyramids of Egypt, there are some that are less perfect. The earliest pyramids were not smooth, they consisted of layers stacked on top of each other.
Sneferu's pyramid is unusual for another reason. While most pyramids in Egypt have sides that slope around 51 degrees, Sneferu's pyramid has slopes that change halfway between 55 and 43 degrees. This led to Sneefer's pyramid being known to most people as the "bending pyramid".
The design of the pyramid is mysterious. It seems to have been done in three steps, as the walls actually change angle three times. Experts thought that somewhere in the confusing structure there might be a secret room where Sneferu is still buried. Using cosmic rays to probe the interior structure of the pyramid, the researchers were unable to find any significant secret rooms.
Pyramids of Brazil 
Since pyramids have been found in ancient cultures all over the world, there are some scholars who believe that the cultures must be connected in some way.
In fact, a pyramid is just one of the easiest ways to build a tall structure. Despite the superficial similarities, there are huge differences between how the pyramids were built in different places. The pyramids of Egypt were made from huge blocks of stone, while the pyramids of Brazil were made from shells.
The Brazilian pyramids have been dated to around 3000 BC and are therefore older than the earliest Egyptian pyramids. The Brazilian pyramids seem to have been built over decades or centuries.
At first they were mistaken for mountains of garbage by scientists, as they are made of shells. Partly because they were not recognized as important historical monuments, less than 10 percent of Brazil's pyramids now survive. They were taken apart by people building roads.
Pyramids of Alexander Golod 
Not all pyramids are ancient objects associated with death. Many "alternative" researchers believe that the shapes of the pyramids have mysterious powers. To explore the so-called pyramidal power, Alexander Golod built a series of pyramids near Moscow.
The Pyramids of Famine are completely modern. They are made of metal and fiberglass. During the construction of 20 pyramids, Famine was able to explore their capabilities.
He discovered that the pyramids increase the human immune system, the seeds placed in the pyramid give more crops, the pyramids restore the ozone layer and cure impotence. Scientists did not take these data seriously.
The largest pyramid of Hunger was over 45 meters high and weighed 55 tons. Despite its large size, in 2017, when a hurricane hit Moscow, the pyramid collapsed under its influence.
Pyramid Koh Ker 
In the jungles of Cambodia is the ancient city of Kokher. The city was once the capital of the Khmer Empire, after the more famous Angkor. Although Angkor attracts many tourists, Koh Ker is less popular.
This may be because most of Koh Ker is still hidden in densely populated areas and mines remain from the conflicts that plagued Cambodia in the 20th century. Those who get to Koh Ker can see the pyramid there. The pyramid was built without any mortar or concrete, and the whole structure is supported by its own weight.
Since the stairs of the pyramid are destroyed, anyone who wants to reach the top must use the wooden steps that were recently added. It is believed that there is a hidden entrance to the underground pyramid. Until it is discovered, visitors will have to indulge in browsing the carvings on the outside of the pyramid.
Pyramids of La Quemada 
La Quemada is an archaeological site in Mexico with a somewhat mysterious past. Experts cannot agree on who those people were, who built them, and why.
The site consists of various structures set on a hill. Among them are several pyramids.
Most of the pyramid structures found in Mexico are huge and hill-shaped. The pyramids of La Quemada are steep and solid.
At the top of the Virginia Pyramid was a small temple where sacrifices were made to the gods. It is assumed that another pyramid - the "Sacrificial Pyramid" - was for human victims, they were thrown down the stairs.
The newly discovered bones have provided evidence that the people of La Quemada may have eaten the bodies of their enemies. Carved marks found on some of the bones are characteristic of cannibalism. Skulls with holes in them have also been found, which could have been used to display heads, possibly on pyramids.
Pyramid of Cestius 
The pyramids of Egypt were thousands of years old by the time the Roman Empire arose. It seems that at least one Roman who visited Egypt was so amazed by the pyramids that he wanted to have his own.
Built between 18 and 12 BC, the pyramid of Gaius Cestius seems like an odd addition. In fact, there was once a large pyramid in Rome, but in the 16th century it was dismantled for building materials. The pyramid of Cestius probably survived because it was later incorporated into the defensive walls of the city.
The pyramid of Cestius, which was his tomb, has much steeper sides than the Egyptian pyramids. It is possible that the Roman engineers felt they could improve on the Egyptian models by using Roman concrete. Little is known about Cestius, who built the pyramid, but his tomb became a must for visitors to Rome for centuries.
Argolid pyramids 
In the second century AD, the ancient Greek writer Pausanias wrote descriptions of places that people would want to visit in Greece. He writes: "On the road from Argos to Epidauria, on the right, there is a building made very similar to a pyramid, and on it with a relief - forged shields of the Argive form." There are no traces of this pyramid at present, but there are others in Greece that have survived.
In Hellinikon there are ruins of a small pyramid made of stone. In the past, historians believed that this pyramid was the tomb described by Pausanias. However, modern archeology has proven that it had a very different use.
Despite its design, the pyramid was actually a defensive structure. There were guards in the pyramid who watched the road, and which went beyond it.
Sudanese pyramids 
If you think of a country with pyramids, then most likely you immediately think of Egypt. In fact, there is a country that has twice as many pyramids as Egypt and is right next door.
Sudan is home to the ancient Nubian pyramids. The ancient Egyptian kingdom once stretched far to the south, where modern Sudan is located. It is believed that the Nubians who lived there built their pyramids in imitation of their Egyptian neighbors.
The Nubians first built their pyramids around 700 BC, nearly 2,000 years after the Egyptians. The Nubians also built their pyramids on a smaller scale. Instead of burying their dead inside the pyramids, as the Egyptians did, the Nubians placed the deceased under the pyramid.
Over the years, Sudan's pyramids have suffered from people raiding building materials, but they are now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
They are also the center of the tourism industry in Sudan.
What are the Egyptian pyramids?
Perhaps the most famous form of late prehistoric art, the pyramids of ancient Egypt are the world's largest funerary structures or tombs. Created from a mastaba tomb, they are one of the most enduring symbols of Egyptian art in general and Egyptian architecture in particular. The ancient Egyptians believed in an eternal afterlife and the purpose of the pyramids was to protect the pharaoh's body and all the things he would need after death to ease his transition into the afterlife. Thus, each pyramid usually contained the many Egyptian sculptures, murals, jewelry, and other ancient art needed to sustain the deceased in his life after death. So far, about 140 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt, most of which were built as tombs for the country's pharaohs and their consorts during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods (2650-1650). The oldest known Egyptian pyramids are at Saqqara, near Memphis, south of the Nile Delta. The earliest of these is Pyramid of Djoser(built around 2630 at Saqqara), which was designed during the Third Dynasty by the famous architect Imhotep (active c. 2600-2610 BC). The highest was Great Pyramid of Giza(c. 2565), which Antipater of Sidon called one of the seven wonders of the world and is currently the only survivor of the "miracles". Exactly how many paid workers were required to cut, transport, and erect the stone megaliths from which each pyramid was built is not known, although estimates vary from 30,000 to 300,000. However, the vast resources required to create such colossal works of ancient architecture show how rich and well organized Egyptian society was in the third millennium BC.
How did Egyptian architecture develop before the pyramids were built?
The architectural design of the pyramids was a reflection of both politics and religious customs. Before 3000 B.C. Ancient Egypt was actually two countries with two burial traditions. In Lower Egypt (to the north) the country was wet and flat, and the dead were buried under their family home, which was usually built on high ground. In Upper Egypt (in the south), the dead were buried away from the settlements, in dry sand on the edge of the desert. The mound was usually erected over the grave. As housing and burial sites became closer, between 3000 and 2700 it was customary for nobles to be buried in a simple tomb called a mastaba. It was a simple tomb, consisting of a rectangular structure with a flat roof made of clay bricks, with slightly sloping walls, inside which a deep burial chamber lined with stone or brick was dug into the ground. After some time, the flat roof of the ground building was replaced by a pyramidal structure. Finally, the idea came - conceived by Imhotep - of stacking mastabas one on top of the other, forming a series of "steps" that decreased in size towards the top, thus creating the familiar step pyramid design. Not all pyramid projects were successful. The architects hired by King Snefru built three pyramids: the first one, pyramid at Meidum, collapsed in antiquity; second, curved pyramid, had a radically changed angle in the middle of its design; only the third red pyramid turned out to be successful.
What is the history of the Egyptian pyramids?
The next phase of construction, which took place during the subsequent era of Egyptian New Kingdom architecture (1550-1069), focused on the construction of temples. Egyptian pharaohs were no longer buried in pyramids, but in funerary temples located in the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile opposite Thebes. A resurgence in pyramid building occurred in the subsequent period of Late Egyptian architecture (c.664-30 BC). During the Napata era in neighboring Sudan (c. 700-661 BC), a number of pyramids were built under the influence of Egyptian architects. Later, during the time of the Sudanese kingdom of Meroe (c. 300 BC - 300 AD), more than two hundred pyramidal burial structures were built. For more on the Hellenistic period (323-27 BC), see: Greek Art. For information on building methods in ancient Rome, please see: Roman Architecture (c. 400 BC - 400 AD).
What were the main characteristics of the pyramid?
The early pyramids were built differently from the later ones. For example, the monumental pyramids of the Old Kingdom were built of stone blocks, while the pyramids of the late Middle Kingdom were smaller and tended to be made of mud bricks lined with limestone. Early structures usually had a core of local limestone overlaid with an outer layer of better quality limestone or sometimes granite. Granite was also traditionally used for the royal halls inside the pyramid. Up to 2.5 million limestone blocks and up to 50 thousand granite blocks could be used to build one pyramid. The average weight can be up to 2.5 tons per block, and some very large megaliths weigh up to 200 tons. The capstone at the top of the structure was usually composed of basalt or granite and, if plated with gold, silver, or electrum (a mixture of both), could dazzle onlookers with its reflection of the sun. Based on excavations of a number of worker cemeteries discovered in the early 1990s, archaeologists now believe the pyramids were built by tens of thousands of indentured laborers and artisans who were housed in huge camps nearby.
Deep inside each pyramid was the main chamber, which contained the mummified body of the dead pharaoh, encased in a precious sarcophagus. In addition, as noted, a huge number of artifacts were buried with him to support him in the afterlife, as well as monuments to the dead man himself: for example, inside Pyramids of Khafre there were over 52 life-size statues. In addition, dummy passageways were dug to prevent the tomb from being desecrated and valuable items stolen.
All Egyptian pyramids were built on the west bank of the Nile, where the sun sets, in accordance with the official religious doctrine regarding the realm of the dead. (The pharaoh's soul supposedly connected with the sun during its descent before continuing its eternal journey with it.) Most of the pyramids were clad in polished white limestone (much of which has now been stolen) to give them a shiny, reflective appearance from a distance. curved pyramid in Dahshur, one of the few that still retains some of its original limestone cover. They were located relatively close to the Nile, which facilitated the transport of stone from the quarries near Heliopolis by river.
Pharaohs - along with their architects, engineers, and construction manager - usually started building their own pyramid as soon as they ascended the throne. The two main factors that determined the location of the pyramid during the Old Kingdom included its orientation to the western horizon (where the sun set) and its proximity to Memphis, the country's key city in the third millennium.
The most famous Egyptian pyramids
Pyramid of Djoser (c. 2630) (Saqqara)
Built in the necropolis of Saqqara, northwest of the city of Memphis, it is the centerpiece of a huge complex bordered on all sides by a 33-foot wall of pale limestone of Tura. Noted as the first monumental stone structure and the most famous "step" Egyptian pyramid, it was originally approximately 203 feet (62 meters) high. It was faced with polished white limestone.
Bent Pyramid (c. 2600) (Dahshur)
This peculiar structure, called the curved, blunt or diamond-shaped pyramid and formerly also known as the southern shining pyramid, is located in the royal necropolis of Dahshur, south of Cairo. Approximately 320 feet (98 meters) high, next to the second pyramid erected by the ruler Snefru. A sort of hybrid of flexible pyramids with stepped and smooth sides, the only one whose original facing of polished limestone remained intact.
Red Pyramid (c.2600) (Dahshur)
Named after a red stone, 341 feet high, it is the largest of the three important pyramids in the Dahshur necropolis and the third largest after those at Khufu and Khafre in Giza. Experts also consider it the world's first "true" smooth pyramid. Ironically, it was not always red, because - like almost all pyramids - it was originally lined with white Tura limestone. It was the third pyramid built by Pharaoh Snefru and took 10 to 17 years to build.
Pyramid of Khufu / Cheops (c. 2565) (Gizeh)
Built by Pharaoh Khufu, son of Pharaoh Snefru, the Pyramid of Khufu (Greek: Cheops) is known as the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is the oldest and largest of the three tombs in the Giza Necropolis. Approximately 4,806 feet (146 meters) tall, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world for nearly four millennia. According to the eminent Egyptologist Sir Flinders Petrie, it was built from approximately 2,400,000 limestone blocks, each weighing 2.5 tons. It took about 20 years to build it. Most of the rough interior blocks were quarried locally, but the granite for the pharaoh's chambers came from quarries at Aswan, about 500 miles from Giza. In addition to about 6 million tons of limestone, 8,000 tons of granite and about 500,000 tons of mortar were used for Khufu's pyramid.
Pyramid of Djedefre (c.2555) (Abu Rawash)
Now in ruins, mostly (thought to be) because it was dismantled by Roman builders who wanted to use the stone for their own building projects elsewhere in Egypt, this pyramid at Abu Rawash was built by Djedefre, the son of Pharaoh Khufu. It is the northernmost pyramid in Egypt and is believed to have been similar in size to the Pyramid of Menkaure at Giza, although some evidence suggests that it may have been the tallest of all the pyramids. Originally known as the "Starry Sky of Djedefre", according to Egyptologists, its outer layer of polished granite and limestone made it one of the most beautiful pyramids.
Pyramid of Khafre (c. 2545) (Gizeh)
Rising at 448 feet, this pyramid, also called the Pyramid of Shefren, is the second largest structure in the Giza Necropolis, and because it sits on a slightly raised stone base, it looks like it is taller than the Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Also made of Tura limestone blocks, the largest of which weighed an estimated 400 tons, its outer casing was dismantled during the Egyptian New Kingdom era by Ramesses II to provide stone for the construction of the temple at Heliopolis. To the east of the pyramid is an ordinary mortuary temple with a regulated entrance hall, a pillared courtyard, five chambers for the statue of the pharaoh, five storage chambers, and an inner sanctuary.
Pyramid of Menkaure (c. 2520) (Gizeh)
This is the third and last of the famous Giza pyramids, located southwest of Cairo. The smallest of the three, it originally stood approximately 215 feet (65.5 meters) tall and, like the others, is made of limestone and granite. It served as the tomb of Pharaoh Menkaur, who, according to ancient historians such as Herodotus, was a kind and enlightened ruler. Inside the pyramid, archaeologists discovered a large number of stone sculptures depicting the pharaoh in the traditional style of Egyptian naturalism, as well as a magnificent basalt sarcophagus that may have contained the remains of Menkaure. Unfortunately, the ship carrying him to England sank off the island of Malta.
Construction: how were the pyramids built?
Egyptologists remain undecided as to the exact construction method used to create the pyramids. In particular, experts disagree on the method by which the stones were transported and laid (rollers, various types of ramps or a system of levers), as well as the type of labor used (slaves or paid workers, and if they were paid, they were given a salary or tax credit). Whatever the exact construction method, the results were extraordinary. For example, the Great Pyramid of Giza was built to extremely precise dimensions—a piece of paper barely fits between the stones—and aligned to a fraction of an inch across the entire 13-acre base. The latest construction techniques and laser leveling techniques could hardly be better. One of the reasons why the Egyptian pyramids are such an amazing example of megalithic art, and why they are among the greatest pieces of art in history.
The 10-year obsession of the French architect made it possible to reveal the new most real (true) theory of the construction of the Cheops pyramid. In the 2013 film, he shows how the outer ramp was arranged, along which the blocks were raised, and proves its existence on the spot. This is one of the best pyramid building movies on Youtube.
How to move heavy stone blocks?
One of the main difficulties faced by the early pyramid builders was how to move the huge amount of heavy stone blocks. It looks like this issue was resolved using methods that included the following items. To begin with, the stone blocks were oiled to facilitate movement. Also, based on the excavation of artifacts from certain temples, it seems that the builders used a cradle-like machine to help roll the stones. This technique has been validated in tests conducted by the Obayashi Corporation using 2.5 ton concrete blocks, proving that 18 people can pull the block up a 1/4 (height to length) inclined plane at a speed of approximately 60 feet per minute. However, this method does not work for heavier blocks in the 15-80 ton weight range. Greek architecture borrowed heavily from Egyptian building techniques.
What equipment was used to build the pyramids?
In 1997, experts joined forces to conduct an experiment to build a pyramid for a television program. In three weeks they built a pyramid 20 feet high and 30 feet wide using 186 stones, each weighing approximately 2.2 tons. The project required 44 people to be involved, using iron hammers, chisels and levers. Note: Experiments with copper tools have shown them to be a viable alternative to iron tools, but it would take about 20 extra people to keep them sharp. A forklift was used in addition to "iron" tools, but no other modern equipment was allowed. The levers were used to turn over and roll stones up to 1 ton, while large stones were towed by a wooden sled by a crew of 12 to 20 people.
How many workers were used to build the Egyptian pyramids?
Consultants Daniel, Mann, Johnson & Mendenhall, in collaboration with Egyptologists, estimate that the Great Pyramid of Giza was built using an average workforce of approximately 14,500—sometimes reaching a peak workforce of 40,000—in about a decade without using iron tools, pulleys or wheels. They calculated that such a workforce could support a work rate of 180 blocks per hour for a 10-hour day: calculations based on data taken from modern building projects completed in the third world, without modern equipment.
One of the seven wonders of the world is the pyramids of ancient Egypt, which will be briefly discussed in this article. The age of these unique structures is about 4500 years. The most famous pyramids, which are especially popular with tourists and researchers, are located on the opposite bank of the Nile from the Egyptian capital - in the ancient cemetery in Giza. Scientists say that in those days more than a hundred pyramids were erected, but only a small part of them has survived to this day, which is currently an important landmark of Egypt. These mysterious structures had a special purpose as the tombs of the pharaohs and their wives. The pyramids were built using masonry, some of them were faced.
The earliest construction is considered to be the tomb of King Djoser, built according to the design of the ancient Egyptian architect Imhotep. This pyramid has a peculiar, stepped shape.
The Cheops pyramid is rightfully considered the most famous. Until the middle of the 19th century, this building was considered the largest in the world. Its height is 147 meters, all sides are completely symmetrical, and the construction area is more than 50 thousand square meters. But for all its grandeur, and despite the impressive size of the Cheops pyramid itself, its interiors make up no more than 5 percent of the entire area. The name of the architect who designed such a monumental structure is also known - his name was Hemuin.
The second largest is the Pyramid of Khafre. In height, it is only a few meters less than the pyramid of Cheops, but it is located on a higher and steep hill. At the same time, a statue of the Great Sphinx is located near the pyramid. Many Egyptologists believe (although this has not been proven) that the face of the Sphinx is a stone portrait of Khafre. In addition, this pyramid is distinguished from others by the fact that only two chambers were found in it, which rightfully allows it to be considered the most compact structure in the world. The free space in this tomb is less than one hundredth of a percent of the total volume. Some researchers in this case pay attention to the records of the ancient Greek historian Diodorus, who in his collections reports that Khafre was hated by his contemporaries so much that his real tomb had to be made not in a pyramid, but in a secret place.
Among the pyramids of Ancient Egypt, there are those that differ from the classical idea of them. They are distinguished by their unusual shape. For example, the pyramid at Meidum, built for Pharaoh Huni. Initially, this building had a stepped shape and consisted of seven steps, but today only three are visible. This happened as a result of natural processes.
In Dahshur there is a so-called broken pyramid, which has an irregular shape. At a height of 45 meters, the walls of this building change the level of inclination. Like all other pyramids, it has an entrance on the north side, but there is another distinctive fact, in addition to its unusual shape, is the presence of a second entrance from the west. There are a large number of opinions about the reasons for the irregular shape of this pyramid. Perhaps, due to the sudden death of the pharaoh, the tomb had to be urgently completed. Either it was deformed due to violations of construction technology or an earthquake.
Burials in the pyramids were popular until the era of the New Kingdom. From that moment on, the tombs of the pharaohs began to be made in the rocks. Pyramids began to be used exclusively as a decorative element for the burials of rich, noble people.
The history associated with the creation of the pyramids in Egypt is covered with a veil of mystery with elements of mysticism, which has been worrying the inhabitants of our planet for more than one millennium. All buildings were erected within 200 years at sunset on the banks of the Nile. 100 thousand Egyptians participated in the construction, and according to the legend, not slaves, but free people. The buildings represent a powerful generator of energy, in addition to the majestic and monumental appearance. There are amazing and interesting facts about the Egyptian pyramids.
- The large-scale creation consisted of 140 pyramids, but only a few have survived to our time - Cheops, Mykerin and Khafre. During the construction, millions of blocks were used, weighing from 2 tons to 30 tons. Mysterious structures amaze with precise and thoughtful details from the mathematical, astrological, technical side, as well as the speed and methods of construction.
- Each of the 4 faces of the pyramid is directed exactly towards the light(they achieved this as a result of observing the field star) and is curved 1 m to focus the sunlight and heat the walls to 1000 degrees at the time of the solstice. As a result, the pyramids produced an awesome rumble. The length of the faces differs from each other by almost 5 cm. The foundation is perfectly even, and the blocks are cut with an accuracy that the gap is less than 1 mm.
- The ratio of geometric elements is based on the golden ratio, slope coefficients correspond to modern concepts of trigonometry. The walls are erected at an angle of 52 degrees and retain the number "Pi" - the perimeter of the base divided by double the height. Also, the perimeter is equal to the circumference, and the radius corresponds to the height of the pyramid.
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- The one who designed the pyramids had colossal and inaccessible knowledge at that time about the structure of the planet (which were incorporated in the construction) - the circumference, the Earth's orbit and its rotation, the density of the globe, the speed of light, the longitude of the year, etc. If we multiply the volume of the pyramid by the specific gravity of the stone, we get the theoretical weight of our planet. And if you add up the sum of 2 diagonals, expressed in inches, you get the number of years for which the north pole will make a complete revolution.
- Local material was used - limestone, which was well polished and initially covered the surface. The stones reflected the sunlight, and the buildings had the effect of a shining gem. Imported granite was also used (from Aswan, which was 900 km away), as well as basalt of unknown origin.
- Three pyramids are located schematically similar to the drawing of 3 stars in the constellation Orion and represent the earthly embodiment of the starry sky map. The pyramid complex, according to the ancient Egyptians, is a reflection of the place in the sky where the soul of the pharaoh goes and reaches eternal life after death like Osirius, so there is a close connection between the starry firmament and earthly buildings.
- The very first pharaoh who wished to express his greatness and power in stone was Djoser and his first pyramid was built in 2670 BC. 62 m high and represented several decreasing small pyramids. This effect is achieved thanks to a special way of laying stones.
- The Pyramid of Cheops is considered the largest not only of all the pyramids, but of the buildings around the world until 1311.(until the construction of the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary in England). This is the 7th wonder of the world, created by mankind in 2540 BC. The construction weighs 5 million tons, is almost 147 m high, and has an area of 53 thousand square meters. m and a perimeter of 922 m. The pyramid was built in 20 years. If we take into account the 2.3 million blocks used in construction, it turns out that 315 blocks were installed per day (an average weight of 5 tons), that is, 13 pieces per hour or 4.5 pieces per minute. How is this possible?
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- It is hard to believe that such greatness could be created by a person with his own hands and primitive tools.. Even if this were true, it would take millennia. Therefore, scientists put forward several incredible theories. The creators of this miracle are aliens, and more specifically aliens from the constellation Orion. All this was erected by representatives of a highly developed ancient civilization who inhabited the Earth long before the Egyptians, whose technologies and knowledge surpassed the present time. They were people with magical abilities and did it with the help of some crystals. It is easier to believe in one of the implausible versions than that a crowd of half-naked people did it with their own hands.
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- The temperature inside the pyramids is stable - 20 degrees throughout the hot climate of the area. The pyramidal shape has special properties and a complex structure and accumulates cosmic energy. Researchers have identified 3 energy beams that destroy tumor cells, cause mummification of biological organisms and have a beneficial effect on humans, while the products do not spoil for a long time.
- During the excavations, the remains of a developed infrastructure for workers were discovered - bakeries, breweries, medicine was developed and a strict urban hierarchy was observed. However, no drawings, schemes, according to which they were guided during construction, or hieroglyphs were found, in which there was a mention and the next generations could draw their own conclusions.
- The Sphinx was erected during the reign of Pharaoh Cheops, however, furrows of rain erosion were found on its surface, and there was no rain in Egypt for more than 8 thousand years. Scientists concluded that this building was built earlier, and under the pharaoh, restoration was carried out and the face of the Sphinx was remade into a more human one.
- On the stones, traces of grinding were found (with disks at high speed), holes that are made only with diamond-tipped drills and with computer precision. And no traces of fasteners or technical holes were found, which indicates a non-contact method of moving blocks.
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- The construction, which was carried out later than the 3 surviving pyramids, was more modest and smaller., and already these structures have collapsed and turned into ruins, they do not correspond to high technologies, but are made rather rudely and primitively. Did the ancient Egyptians forget how to build? Or did they not build 3 great creations, but simply restored them?
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- Maybe this is an astronomical observatory or a shrine for initiation into the highest level of secret knowledge? The purpose of the pyramids themselves and secret passages (where there is no access for tourists) is not clear, but they do not correspond to ritual structures. Maybe one day humanity will lift the veil of secrecy, but for now the Egyptian pyramids will keep their secrets and watch how one civilization replaces another.
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