New study suggests hydraulic lift used in construction of Egypt's first pyramid

by Dario Radley July 27, 2024

A recent study published in PLOS ONE proposes a revolutionary theory about the construction of Egypt’s Step Pyramid of Djoser, suggesting that ancient Egyptians may have used an advanced hydraulic lift system to raise the massive stone blocks. This new hypothesis challenges the long-standing belief that ramps and rollers were the primary methods used in building these monumental structures.



A new study suggests Egypt’s first pyramid was constructed using a hydraulic lift. Credit: Hugo Sykes

The Step Pyramid of Djoser, standing approximately 60 to 62 meters tall, is the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt, constructed during the Third Dynasty under the reign of Pharaoh Djoser (circa 2670–2650 BCE). Located on the Saqqara Plateau, south of Giza, it forms the centerpiece of a vast mortuary complex. Despite extensive studies over the years, the precise methods employed in its construction have remained elusive.

The study, led by Dr. Xavier Landreau from the CEA Paleotechnic Institute and his team of French engineers, hydrologists, and material scientists, utilized satellite radar imagery and historical archaeological reports to uncover new insights into the pyramid’s construction. Their research points to a sophisticated water management system that may have facilitated the construction process.

Dr. Landreau explained in an interview with Haaretz, “Satellite imagery clearly shows that a rectangular stone enclosure known as Gisr el-Mudir, located west of the Saqqara necropolis, has all the technical characteristics of a check dam. This feature would have been used to control the flow of flash floods and capture heavy objects coming from upriver.”



Perspective view, plan and elevation images of Djoser’s Pyramid Complex taken from a 3d model. Credit: R.F.Morgan, CC BY-SA 3.0

The researchers propose that the Pyramid of Djoser was built using a hydraulic lift mechanism that raised stone blocks through the center of the structure. This method, described as “volcano fashion,” would involve floating limestone blocks upward using water pressure and then placing them in their respective positions.

More:
https://archaeologymag.com/2024/07/hydraulic-lift-used-in-construction-of-egypts-first-pyramid/