How Egyptian pyramids were built

Introduction

In the ancient Egypt, pyramids were the form of housing and structures that people appreciated and loved. Pyramids are one of the oldest cultures in the world history about structures. Egyptian pyramids were one of the classic pyramids in the ancient time that many people recognized and appreciated. The pyramids were made of many monuments[1]. The bases of the pyramid were square and the floors were smoothened. They took a triangular shape on its sides. They rose above the ground making a sharp point at the top.

Most of the pyramids were designed like the tomb of pharaoh. The adoption of this form is thought to have been influenced by the religion of the Egyptians. For instance, it was believed that the god of all pharaohs, called Ra, created himself from a mould of soil that was pyramid shaped before he created other gods. The shape of the pyramid was believed to symbolize the rays that came from the sun.

The use of pyramid in Egypt began in early 2700BC while those that were meant for the royalty began a thousand years later and went on until 1700BC. The first pyramid in Egypt was constructed when the third generation of king was on throne. King Djoser built it. The architecture that he used to build at that time was known as Imohtep. This architecture was used in creating pyramids through stacking the mastabas. A total of six mastabas were used to make a step to the next level. This mastabas were rectangular shaped and were used as second hand materials because the kings buried them during their reign. History recognizes Giza pyramid, which consisted of Great Pyramids of Giza that were built and designed for Pharaoh as some of the oldest pyramids in Egypt.

Centuries have elapsed, and many modern designs have come up that have changed the architectures. Regardless of these changes, some people have theorized how these magnificent structures were built. Varied opinions have been elicited from different people on how these structures were built. Some have suggested that they were built by extraterrestrials[2] . On the other hand, some argue that that was a technology that Egyptian people had, but which got lost with passage of time.

Even though, many people believe that constructing these structures was complex, this was not the case. It was estimated that around 25000 labors were required to build the famous pyramid of Giza for 23 years compared to Notre Dame Cathedral that was built for almost 200 years[3].

Most of the pyramids were built during the time of pharaoh. As soon as they ascended to power, they began building these pyramids. Before, they were built, a committee to oversee the project was set up and it consisted of chief engineers and a number of architects who were mandated to design and ensure that the pyramids were completed. The pyramids were constructed on the western side of river Nile. The reason for this side was to ensure that the rays of the sun when descending could meet with the soul of Pharaoh. Therefore, two factors were considered in choosing the site where the pyramids were to be built[4]. One was the side where the sunset and the nearness to Memphis which was the major city during the ancient Egypt.

The foundation of the pyramid was limestone. This limestone was coarse and this was aimed at making the foundation strong. The other layers-the inside layer of the pyramid were made using finer and quality limestone. This was aimed at making the inner walls look beautiful and attractive with the white sheen. The sheen was also very shiny and it could be seen from a distance. The pyramids were also made using capstones. These capstones were a composition of basalt, granite or were a very hard stone, which was plated with gold and electrum of silver. This plating made it to be reflective especially when the sun was bright. It also gave the pyramids a magnificent look.

Slaves did not build the pyramids but peasants were the source of labour. Even though many people imagine that slaves constructed the pyramids, it is not clear and definitely not true since during this ancient times servitude had not yet cropped up[5]. The peasants who provided labour were exempted from some taxes. They were also provided with basic needs, clothing and shelter on the pyramid cities where they were attended. Therefore, the working conditions were not harsh during the construction of the pyramids.

The materials that were used in construction of these pyramids were taken from quarries. The stones i.e. limestone and sandstone were quarried using copper chisels while harder materials required use of stronger tools. In some instances, some other stones like Aswan were used in quarries to remove granite from the earth.

The stones were excavated from quarries using huge dolerite which softened the granites blocks. The stone was excavated by an approximate of 60 to 70 men who pounded the stone out[6]. Then pieces of wood could be rammed at the bottom of the stone in the open joints to make it break easily. The openings were then filed with water to soften the rocks and to fasten the rate of breaking.

The stones were transported to the building site using a boat. The stones upon reaching the land were slipped on the site on a lubricated slipway. A number of men pulled the lubricated slipway until they reached the construction site. Upon reaching the site, the blocks were then lifted and fitted in the pyramid using ramps. These ramps were constructed to ease the lifting of the blocks to the upper course of the pyramid. The ramps that were used were made from mud brick. They also coated with pieces of plaster to make them harden the surface[7]. The ramps were moved from position to position as the pyramid kept on moving one coarse up.

Therefore, the construction of pyramids in ancient Egypt was a very awesome experience to those who witnessed. One wonders how these magnificent structures could have been built without the use of machines. The architectures of that time, even though not advanced to the modern one, played a pivotal role in elevating the modern architecture to where it is. The building industry has experienced a great revolution but the pyramids of ancient pyramid are an illustration of what architecture is. The buildings were built using local materials but they had a test of time upon their construction. This kind of pyramids has remained a landmark on the Ancient Egypt architecture and remembrance of indigenous culture of the Egyptian people.

Bibliography

Leeuwen, Richard Van. “An inner pilgrimage: Jamāl al-Ghīānī’s pyramid.” Middle Eastern Literatures, 9 no.2 (2006):159-167.

Malamud, Margaret. “Pyramids in Las Vegas and in Outer Space: Ancient Egypt in Twentieth-Century American Architecture and Film.” Journal of Popular Culture 34 no. 1(2000): 31-47.

Penn State University. “How Were The Egyptian Pyramids Built?” ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 17, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/03/080328104302.htm

Taylor, Gilbert. “How the Great Pyramid Was Built (Book).” Booklist 101 no.7 (2004): 632- 632.

Werner, Edward. “How the Great Pyramid Was Built.” Library Journal, 2/1/2005, Vol. 130 no. 2(2005):100-100.

Richard Van, Leeuwen. “An inner pilgrimage: Jamāl al-Ghīānī’s pyramid.” Middle Eastern Literatures, 9 no. 2 (2006):159-167.

Margaret, Malamud. “Pyramids in Las Vegas and in Outer Space: Ancient Egypt in Twentieth-Century American Architecture and Film.” Journal of Popular Culture 34 no. 1(2000): 31-47.

Penn State University. “How Were The Egyptian Pyramids Built?” Science Daily. Retrieved September 17, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/03/080328104302.htm

Gilbert, Taylor. “How the Great Pyramid Was Built (Book).” Booklist 101 no.7 (2004): 632- 632.

Edward, Werner. “How the Great Pyramid Was Built.” Library Journal, 2/1/2005, Vol. 130 no.2 (2005):100-100.

[1] Edward, Werner. “How the Great Pyramid Was Built.” Library Journal 130 no.2 (2005):100-100.

[2] Richard Van, Leeuwen. “An inner pilgrimage: Jamāl al-Ghīānī’s pyramid.” Middle Eastern Literatures, 9 no. 2 (2006):159-167.

[3] Gilbert, Taylor. “How the Great Pyramid Was Built (Book).” Booklist 101 no.7 (2004): 632-632.

[4] Richard Van, Leeuwen. “An inner pilgrimage: Jamāl al-Ghīānī’s pyramid.” Middle Eastern Literatures, 9 no. 2 (2006):159-167.

[5] Margaret, Malamud. “Pyramids in Las Vegas and in Outer Space: Ancient Egypt in Twentieth-Century American Architecture and Film.” Journal of Popular Culture 34 no. 1(2000): 31-47.

[6] Penn State University. “How Were The Egyptian Pyramids Built?” Science Daily. Retrieved September 17, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/03/080328104302.htm

[7] Penn State University. “How Were The Egyptian Pyramids Built?” Science Daily. Retrieved September 17, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/03/080328104302.htm