Mysteries of Ancient Egypt | How Were the Pyramids Constructed?
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In our world, there are countless mysteries that we struggle to understand. When it comes to these mysteries, the first thing that comes to mind for most of us is the Giza Pyramids. These epic structures, which have stood for centuries, are recognized not only as one of Egypt’s but also one of humanity’s greatest engineering achievements. However, there are still many unanswered questions behind these magnificent structures: much remains unknown about the construction process of the pyramids, the technologies used, and the true purpose of these buildings.
Modern Egyptologists describe these majestic structures as tombs built for pharaohs and kings. However, this explanation may fall short in the face of the pyramids’ complexity and enormity. How these structures were built so perfectly without the advanced technologies of today remains a significant question. The advanced technological artifacts found within and around these structures make their purpose and creators even more mysterious.
Some theories suggest that the pyramids were not just tombs but also served as energy sources or astronomical observatories. It is believed that they might have had the capacity to produce granite blocks. Additionally, the alignment of the pyramids with the Orion constellation suggests that the ancient Egyptians might have used these structures for celestial observations. Other theories claim that these structures were built by extraterrestrial beings. Ancient astronaut theorists argue that the pyramids were far beyond the knowledge and technology of humanity at that time. Could some symbols and structural features of the pyramids point to an extraterrestrial origin? The colossal size and weight of the stone blocks used in the construction of the pyramids raise questions about how these stones were transported and placed.
Furthermore, the astronomical alignments and geometric precision of these structures indicate that the knowledge and skills of the ancient Egyptians were far beyond our assumptions. The pyramids, with their hidden chambers and passageways waiting to be discovered, are filled with mysteries. While modern technology and archaeological research have made significant strides in uncovering these secrets, many questions remain unanswered. In this video, we will delve deeply into the mysteries behind the Giza Pyramids; we will try to discover how these massive structures were built, what they were built for, and by whom. Perhaps finding the answers to these questions means not only illuminating the pyramids but also the history and secrets of humanity.
The Giza Pyramids are among the greatest engineering marvels of human history. These pyramids, the most magnificent works of ancient Egypt, were built in the 26th century BC for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. These colossal structures are concrete evidence of ancient Egypt’s advanced technological knowledge, extraordinary organizational skills, and the immense capacity of human labor. Every stone block, every engineering detail, involved thousands of workers, making these structures not only architecturally unique but also culturally and historically invaluable.
Contrary to popular belief, the Giza Pyramids were not built by more than 100,000 slaves. It is said that the Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed by 20,000 highly skilled workers over 20 years. The bones of these workers have been found to resemble those of the Egyptians living at the time, indicating that they were not slaves brought from another region. Additionally, it is clear that the people working on such a complex structure needed to be highly skilled. In 1990, the tombs of the pyramid workers were discovered near the tombs of the pharaohs. These tombs contained not only the basic needs for the workers’ afterlife but also items that ordinary slaves would not usually possess, likely gifts from the nobles of the time.
However, these discoveries do not stop there. Archaeologists have excavated the vast complex of Heit el-Ghurab for years, which housed thousands of workers. This area is believed to be part of a larger port city along the Nile River that provided food and supplies for the pyramid workers. Among the ruins of Heit el-Ghurab, large barracks were found that could accommodate over 1,600 workers sleeping together, as well as extensive food remains, including large quantities of bread and meat such as beef, goat, sheep, and fish. The traces of these workers continue on the unseen faces of the pyramids, where they left graffiti-like marks that have been discovered by curious archaeologists. When the meanings of these markings were examined, they were found to contain the names of the groups the workers belonged to, such as “Menkaure’s Drunks” and “Followers of Khufu’s Powerful White Crown.” Similar inscriptions typically include the names of cities and regions in Egypt. Interestingly, some markings serve as group mascots and depict demonic figures. These hieroglyphs provide archaeologists with clues about where the workers came from, how they lived, and for whom they worked. Nowhere has there been found any sign of slavery or foreign workers. Instead, there is evidence throughout ancient Egypt of the collection of labor taxes, leading some researchers to suggest that the workers participated in construction tours in a form similar to national service. However, it is unclear whether this meant the workers were forced to work.
The construction process of the pyramids is extremely complex and challenging, even by modern engineering standards. Cutting, transporting, and precisely placing the massive stone blocks, each weighing tons, required a level of skill beyond the ancient world. It is estimated that the Great Pyramid of Giza consists of 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons. According to this calculation, a block was placed on the pyramid every two minutes over 20 years.
The enormous size and geometric perfection of the pyramids show that these structures were not mere piles of stone but the result of detailed planning and advanced mathematical calculations. In fact, the Giza Pyramids held the honor of being the tallest human-made structures for 3,000 years until the construction of Lincoln Cathedral. Despite the passage of thousands of years, the grandeur and majesty of these colossal structures remain unparalleled by any architectural work on earth.
One of the most interesting findings about the pyramids is that the coordinates of the Great Pyramid of Khufu align exactly with the speed of light. The speed of light is 299,792,458 meters per second, and the coordinates of the Great Pyramid are 29.9792458 degrees north. This is one of the most unusual coincidences on earth. But is it really a coincidence? Could the ancient Egyptians have been at a higher level of civilization than we think? And what about ancient astronaut theories? Could the pyramids be a gateway to the stars? We will address all these questions later in the video, but for now, let’s discuss where and when the pyramids were built.
The pyramids have a long history and were built over a thousand-year period. There are still countless pyramids that are thought to have not yet been discovered. Contrary to popular belief, the Giza Pyramids were not originally stepped structures and were formed at a single angle with smooth surfaces. The outer part, made of limestone, shone brightly and connected these structures with the Sun gods. Originally, they were structures that could be seen from 160 kilometers away and truly dazzled. So much so that the palaces of kings built at that time were made of mud, and even by looking at the stonework alone, we can understand how much importance was given to the pyramids.
While the first pyramids had a stepped structure and were far from dazzling, the reason why the Giza Pyramids were built in this way is unknown. The pyramids of that time contained many mathematical mysteries that are difficult to comprehend today. The first of these is that the pyramids were built perfectly oriented to true north, with the south facing true south and the west facing exactly west. How the pyramids were aligned so precisely is still being researched. It is thought that the ancient Egyptians used stars when designing the orientation of the pyramids. One argument supporting this theory is that each pyramid has a slight error, with the directions having changed and not pointing to the exact same point, showing that they imitated the directional changes of stars over decades. Another mathematical feature of the Giza Pyramids is that the Great Pyramid forms a 3-4-5 triangle with its neighbors. This arrangement, known to have been discovered by Pythagoras around 500 BC, is fundamental in geometry.
Some other mysterious features of the pyramids include the ratio of the height of the Giza Pyramids to their perimeter being equal to the ratio of a circle’s radius to its circumference, a difficult ratio to achieve. The base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu measures 365.242 cubits, corresponding to the number of days in a year. When the base area of the pyramid is divided by twice the height, the value of Pi, approximately 3.141, is obtained. The total surface area of the four sides of the Great Pyramid equals the square of the pyramid’s height. But who was the genius behind all this when Pythagoras, Archimedes, and Euclid would only appear on the world stage 2,000 years after the construction of the pyramids? Could all these be coincidences? Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments.
After the construction of the pyramids, especially after the Old Kingdom period, these structures became the target of treasure hunters. Given that the pharaohs and nobles were believed to be buried with their wealth, tomb robbers entered the pyramids to seize these treasures. Tombs containing gold, jewelry, and valuable items were frequently looted and plundered. During the Middle and New Kingdom periods, the pyramids were also looted, particularly during times of political turmoil and weakened central authority, when tomb robbers became more active, and many pyramids were severely damaged during these periods.
In the Middle Ages, with the spread of Islam, interest in the Egyptian pyramids declined, but the local people began using the pyramid stones as building materials. During this period, the outer casing stones of
the pyramids were removed and used in construction projects in cities like Cairo. This led to the loss of the pyramids’ original splendor.
In the 12th century, Sultan al-Malik an-Nasir declared war on the Egyptian pyramids, which he saw as symbols of ancient power. However, he suffered a great defeat against these colossal structures, proving that it was impossible to destroy these monumental buildings. Nevertheless, he managed to cause significant damage to the edge of the Pyramid of Menkaure. The mystery of how the nose of the Sphinx, the guardian of the Giza Pyramids, was destroyed remains unsolved. Some believe the nose was destroyed by Napoleon, while others think it was damaged in a much earlier terrorist attack.
So, how did the pyramids evolve to resemble the monumental structures we see at Giza today? Over a thousand-year period, what innovations did the people involved in pyramid construction implement to create the magnificent structures at Giza? Let’s take a look at the long evolution of the pyramids together.
In ancient Egypt, kings and elites buried their dead with great grandeur, placing them in wooden and clay coffins and sarcophagi. Over time, structures with a flat top called mastabas were built over these tombs. The purpose of mastabas was to mark the location of the tomb, provide a temple for the deceased’s spirit, and commemorate them for their deeds in life. Additionally, mastabas had a practical function: protecting the burial site from being exposed by winds. During the Old Kingdom period, high-ranking officials preferred mastaba tombs. Among these structures is the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, built by the renowned architect Imhotep for Pharaoh Djoser. This structure is considered a transition from mastaba to pyramid. The Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered Egypt’s first true pyramid, actually began as another mastaba and was built up in six stages to its current form.
Pharaoh Djoser’s vizier, Imhotep, considered one of the greatest builders in ancient Egypt, was responsible for constructing a pyramid more impressive than any previous monument. By stacking mastabas and using stone instead of the traditional mud brick, Imhotep created the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which set the stage for the iconic pyramid shape that would become a hallmark of ancient Egyptian architecture.
The next structure in the evolution of pyramids is the Medium Pyramid, which was initially designed as another step pyramid and marked the transition from Egypt’s early dynastic period to the Old Kingdom. The changes in the step pyramid design were made by covering the steps with limestone, transforming it into a true pyramid. Among the ancient Egyptian pyramids, the Bent Pyramid, as its name suggests, stands out for its unique shape. The pyramid’s angle changes approximately two-thirds of the way up. The lower part of the pyramid has an angle of about 54 degrees, but at a height of 49 meters from the base, the angle suddenly changes to 43 degrees, giving the pyramid its distinctive bent shape. There are several theories about why the pyramid was built this way. Some suggest that the original angle was unsustainable after construction began, while others believe the pharaoh’s early death required the pyramid to be completed sooner than planned.
Hundreds of pyramids and mastabas exist, and research shows that similar structures were present before the Giza Pyramids. These structures were not absurdly large buildings that suddenly appeared in the middle of the desert but were instead the result of a long construction and development process. The interesting remains around the Giza Pyramids help us understand the details of this process and pique the curiosity of modern conspiracy theorists. For example, many artifacts have been found in the area where the Giza Pyramids are located that are claimed to show that the Egyptians or other civilizations had only primitive technologies.
One of these artifacts is the so-called Sabu disk, whose function is still not fully understood. Found in the same pyramid was the Saqqara bird, which some believe predicted future technologies and resembles modern aircraft. The methods and technologies used in the construction of the Giza Pyramids have not been fully understood or explained even today. How the ancient Egyptians, with their limited tools and basic technology, built such precise and durable structures is still a topic of admiration and research for scientists and engineers. The ramp systems, cranes, and labor organization used during construction reveal the engineering genius of Egypt. These structures demonstrate how advanced the civilization of ancient Egypt truly was in every detail.
The Egyptian Pyramids are not only colossal engineering wonders but also structures that deeply reflect the cultural, religious, and mythological significance of ancient Egypt. These magnificent structures were built as symbols of the pharaohs’ journey to immortality and their union with the gods. The pyramids were sacred monuments built to ensure the pharaoh’s union with the gods after death, giving them both religious and cultural significance.
The shape of the Egyptian pyramids is believed to represent the primordial mound from which the Egyptians believed the world was created. It is also thought that the shape of the pyramids represents the descending rays of the sun, and many pyramids were covered with highly reflective white limestone to give them a bright appearance from afar. Pyramids were often named after the sun’s rays. For example, the official name of the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur is “The Southern Shining Pyramid,” and the pyramid of Senusret II is known as “The Gleaming Senusret.” While the pyramids are generally accepted as tomb monuments, there is still ongoing debate over the specific theological principles that may have motivated their construction. One theory suggests that they were designed as resurrection machines.
The hieroglyphs and wall paintings inside the pyramids reflect the mythology and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt. These inscriptions depict the pharaoh’s relationships with the gods, their quest for immortality, and their beliefs about the afterlife. For example, the hieroglyphs inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu portray the pharaoh’s union with Ra, the sun god, and his attainment of immortality with him. These inscriptions are a reflection of Egyptian mythology and religious rituals, and they also include spells and prayers that describe the dangers the pharaoh would face on his journey to the afterlife and how he would overcome them.
The temple complexes built around the pyramids played a significant role in Egypt’s religious and social life. These structures served not only to honor the memory of the dead but also as centers of social order and economic organization. Because the pyramids required large-scale labor projects, they organized various sectors such as agriculture, quarrying, and transportation. Ancient Egyptian mythology regarded the pyramids as cosmic and spiritual symbols. These structures were seen as keys to the transition to the afterlife, and pharaohs were buried in the pyramids to live with the gods in the afterlife. Osiris, the god of death and rebirth, influenced the view that the pyramids were gateways to the afterlife and eternal life. Additionally, the alignment of the pyramids with the northern polar stars indicates that they were seen as part of a cosmic order in Egyptian astronomy. The construction of the pyramids in harmony with a specific cosmic order leads to the interpretation of these structures not just as physical buildings but also as sacred spaces integrated with the universe.
The construction process of the Giza Pyramids is one of the greatest mysteries in human history. While these colossal structures reflect the architectural genius and engineering capabilities of ancient Egypt, they have also led to various theories and speculations. The direction in which the pyramids were built has been a source of great curiosity for both researchers and historians. Let’s take a modern look at the challenging construction of the Egyptian pyramids.
The methods and technologies used in the construction of the pyramids are, at the very least, awe-inspiring, considering the conditions of the time. Each of the stone blocks used in the construction of the Giza Pyramids weighs about one ton. The exact methods by which these massive stones were transported and placed are still not fully known. However, some theories and available data attempt to explain this process.
In 2013, archaeologist Pierre Tallet discovered papyrus near the Red Sea in the Egyptian desert, revealing the diary of Merer, an Egyptian official responsible for transporting limestone along the Nile River. These papyri uncover the processes involved in constructing the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, just outside modern-day Cairo. Instead of transporting the limestone by land, evidence from Merer’s diary and the preserved remains of ancient canals and transport boats suggest that the limestone blocks were transported along the Nile River. The idea that these massive stone blocks were transported along the Nile River is popular among modern Egyptologists, but we will also discuss other theories.
The first and most common theory is that the ancient Egyptians pulled the blocks on sledges over roads made of limestone or a local clay called tafla. Remains of tafla roads have been found all around the Giza Plateau, and real sledges and reliefs and paintings showing the use of sledges have also been discovered near the pyramids. Archaeologist Mark Lehner led a team that successfully used sledges to construct a small pyramid. Engineer John Kingham suggested that the Egyptians carried the stone blocks on flexible poles. According to Kingham, these poles provided a significant mechanical advantage by combining the weight distribution principle of a suspension bridge with the energy-storing properties of springs. This method might have been effective for lifting but is questionable for horizontal movement. In this method, the movement would need to be very slow and careful to prevent the blocks from moving unevenly. Additionally, an average limestone block is a cube with sides 90 cm long. At best, three poles could fit under this block, and the weight of 2,250 kg would rest on six people holding the ends of the poles. In response to criticism, Kingham noted that 12 oak poles were used to lift a load of 1,180 kg. Simple calculations clearly show that Kingham’s proposal could not have been applied in the construction of
the Giza Pyramids.
Engineer John Bush proposed an alternative method in 1978, using pieces of ancient wooden discs discovered during excavations. Bush suggested that the pyramid builders turned the limestone blocks into cylinders by attaching a disc to each side of the square blocks and then rolled them along. Demonstrating this technique, Bush managed to roll a 2,250 kg block up a ramp with the help of six people. However, while this method is feasible and workable, it is unlikely that it was used in the construction of the Giza Pyramid. The blocks used by Bush had holes through which ropes could be passed to secure the block to the disc, but the ancient segments found did not have such holes.
Greek historian Herodotus reported that local priests said the ancient Egyptians used machines to lift the blocks. Researchers believe these machines were various types of cranes. Three hundred years later, another Greek historian, Diodorus Siculus, wrote that the Egyptians used ramps to move the blocks. Although the model may have varied, it makes sense to assume they chose a method that minimized the amount of material used and maximized time with more labor. It is reasonable to conclude that ramps were used in the construction of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Physical evidence supporting this assumption has been found. Texts like the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus and Anastasi I Papyrus show that the Egyptians could make calculations related to ramps, such as determining the volume of ramps and the number of stones needed to build them in various sizes. Additionally, remnants of ramps have been found in other areas, such as Karnak and near the stone quarry close to the Sphinx at Giza.
Despite the various scientific theories developed about the Giza Pyramids, these colossal structures still lie at the center of many mysteries and speculations. No matter how much we know about the engineering skills and astronomical knowledge of ancient Egypt, there are still many unanswered questions about the true purpose of the pyramids and how they were built. Scientific explanations suggest that the pyramids were built using practical methods such as ramps and simple machines, but some researchers and enthusiasts find these explanations insufficient. Therefore, it becomes inevitable to turn to different theories to understand the secrets behind the pyramids.
These theories, which stir the human imagination, suggest that the pyramids are not just construction marvels but also keys to the great secrets hidden by ancient civilizations. Claims such as the involvement of aliens or lost civilizations represent both a journey into the depths of history and a desire to go beyond our current scientific understanding. According to some conspiracy theorists, the ultimate purpose of the construction of the Egyptian pyramids was not just to serve as tombs. They believe these colossal structures might have been shelters or coordinate points for aliens who visited the earth. However, the most striking claim among them is that these structures were energy generators.
As in the case of the Baghdad Batteries, it is suspected that electricity and electric current might have been known in the ancient world. Even though these are just speculative claims, there are texts that support these claims. The theories suggesting that the ultimate purpose of the Giza Pyramids was to serve as energy generators are based on the fact that there are vast aquifers and high-energy flows beneath the Giza Plateau, where the pyramids are located. These underground cavities, where tons of water flow, could have produced high levels of hydroelectric energy, which might have been collected by the pyramids. Another idea supporting this claim is that the pyramids had an outer casing that insulated electricity and an inner structure that conducted electricity to the King’s and Queen’s chambers. The claims do not stop there, and some of the remains found in the Great Pyramid of Khufu could support the theory that the Queen’s and King’s chambers were built to generate energy.
There are two inner chambers leading to the Queen’s chamber. Traces of hydrochloric acid were found in the northern chamber, while hydrated zinc chloride was found in the southern chamber. The combination of these two chemicals would create a volatile reaction that produces large amounts of hydrogen. This hydrogen gas would flow from the Queen’s chamber through a horizontal passage to the Grand Gallery, which is made of granite. As the hydrogen gas accumulates, the pressure would compress the granite, producing electricity. Another reason these claims are being discussed is a 2018 study suggesting that the pyramids could focus energy. These structures, built thousands of years ago, might have been capable of generating energy. But how would they have transmitted this energy? This question leads us to Nikola Tesla. Tesla’s Wardenclyffe Tower, located above an aquifer or underground waterway, was intended to transmit electricity wirelessly by using the atmosphere when energy was supplied. Interestingly, copper pipes and iron rods were recently discovered near the pyramids. We also know that when scanned with modern technology, there are hidden, unexplored chambers within the pyramids. Undoubtedly, these protected structures hold one of the greatest mysteries of our time, and these mysteries continue to generate significant interest both in the scientific community and among curious minds. The question of the actual purpose of the Giza Pyramids and what undiscovered secrets these colossal structures still hold is why so many speculations and conspiracy theories have emerged.
Today, we examined the Giza Pyramids, which continue to exist as one of the greatest mysteries of the ancient world. These colossal structures, studied for centuries by both scientists and conspiracy theorists, still provide answers to many questions. The true purpose of the pyramids may remain buried in the depths of history forever. While scientific findings, historical data, and modern theories analyze these structures from different perspectives, the mystery surrounding the Giza Pyramids suggests that one of the greatest discoveries in human history has yet to be made.
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