Theories on How the Pyramids at Giza Were Constructed - How the Pyramids at Giza Were Constructed?

How the pyramids at Giza were constructed?

                Alex Jimenez

Strayer University

Theories On How The Pyramids At Giza Were Constructed

Q. There have been many theories regarding how the pyramids were constructed. Most experts agree that they were built as burial monuments for the pharaohs, but “how” these ancient Egyptian people constructed pyramid monuments of such great size without any modern machinery is a mystery that is still being debated.

        Many construction theories have been presented to explain the construction and the existence of the Giza pyramids. In addition, many scholars have given different arguments about the same but have failed to give a conclusive answer. The mystery that continues to show up is the explanations of how the pyramids were constructed. On the contrary, scholars have come to a consensus that the pyramids were used as burial monuments for the fallen Pharaohs. However, the theory of how the Giza pyramids were constructed  is the point that has failed to get a consensus. According to Davidovits in his work, Pyramid Illusions, argues that there was no intent of cutting the stones or heavy lifting of rocks because the pyramids were proven to have limestone. Therefore, Davidovits claims that the limestone blocks were carried up the pyramid and then poured into a wooden mold. However, Herodotus presents a different theory that the pyramids were constructed using levers and other machines (Davidovits,  & Morris, 2009).

        According to the historian, Herodotus, the Giza pyramids were referred to as altars and others called them battlements. Herodotus argues that Egyptian builders constructed the base and lifted the other stones with levers. The machines were wooden and would help the builders move heavy blocks up each step. The process would continue for a long time until the pyramid gets to its peak height. He continues to argue that the wooden lever was important because it was portable and made work easier. Herodotus argued that the theory is a result of what he researched and stories from different sources. Therefore, Herodotus theory is one that attempts to explain the construction of the Giza pyramids (Matthews, 2010).

        There are different theories that have also attempted to explain the construction of the Giza pyramids.  I would agree with Herodotus because his theory is one that presents some facts about ancient Egyptian history. Machines would have helped build up the pyramids because of the amount of work involved and the number of skilled labor that would have been required to construct the pyramids. According to Isler, in his work: Pyramid building, asserts that indeed the levers were responsible for the construction of the Giza pyramids.According to Herodotus’ theory, Egyptians were endowed with machines and technology that helped to make work easier. He explains that the pyramids would have been successful only if the machines were applicable (George & George, n.d).