Although the origin of Egypt’s pyramids is already well explained, there are still scientists who believe that there are still secrets. A research team from the French research institute Paleochnic has conducted a study through which they aim to demonstrate that the construction of Egypt’s pyramids is based on a hydraulic engineering system. Specifically, it focuses on the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, on which the lead researcher Xabier Landreau explains that it exhibits features suggesting the use of hydraulic pressure mechanisms.
To support this theory, the scientists analyzed the terrain, finding a stone enclosure known as Gisr el-Mudir, which could have acted as a dam with the help of a tributary of the Nile River. However, the theory has gaps that have been pointed out by the most skeptical. This is the case of Judith Bunbury, an archaeologist, who emphasizes that there is no reference to any hydraulic engineering device in Ancient Egypt. On the other hand, Julia Budka, from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, emphasizes that this study was carried out without the presence of any Egyptologist.
Origin of the Pyramids of Egypt
From lost technology to being a work of extraterrestrials, the origin of the pyramids of Egypt has always been a subject of debate. However, it has long been demonstrated how they were built, but it seems there are still a few skeptics who believe that ancient Egypt continues to hold secrets for us. For this reason, a team of researchers from the French research institute Paleochnic conducted a study proposing the possibility that the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara was built using hydraulic engineering mechanisms.
Hydraulic system mechanism
The study suggests that water was channeled into internal wells, generating sufficient pressure to lift large and heavy stone blocks from the center of the pyramid to higher levels. In the absence of physical evidence of any type of mechanism or device, scientists analyzed the terrain, finding a structure to the west of the pyramid, where there is a large stone enclosure known as Gisr el-Munir.
According to the study’s experts, this area could have acted as a reservoir, accumulating water from a Nile tributary. This study primarily focuses on the step pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, because Xabier Landreau, the lead researcher, believes that the stone blocks present in the pyramid have characteristics that suggest the use of hydraulic pressure mechanisms.
How did this hydraulic engineering work?
The study suggests the possibility that both the dam and the sedimentation tanks, retention basins, and primitive filtration devices were designed together as an interconnected hydraulic network capable of regulating the water flow, purifying it, and utilizing it for practical purposes in construction. They explain that the workers pumped water into a vertical well, generating enough force to lift a float connected to a platform. Stone blocks were placed on the platform, which would rise as the water level increased. When the water was released, the platform would settle, making it easier to place the block more precisely. This would undoubtedly provide an alternative to ramps, norms, and manual labor.
Doubts about this new theory
Several voices have spoken out about the new theory. On one hand, Judith Bunbury, an archaeologist, points out that although the study is documented with materials about life in Ancient Egypt, the reality is that there is no evidence of the existence of any type of device, either within the study or outside of it. On the other hand, Julia Budka from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich emphasizes that this study has been carried out without the presence of Egyptologists.