Construction of Pyramids at Giza

The Pyramids at Giza are renowned as the part of the seven wonders of the world. These pyramids continue to mesmerize due to their massive height and seemingly impossible perfection. Many theories have been proposed to explain how the pyramids were constructed in a time period when modern machinery and advanced technology was not available. So exactly how were the pyramids constructed? Among the theories on the construction of the pyramids of Giza to be discussed in this paper include the ramp theory, wooden crane theory, and the pulley and fulcrum theory. 

  The ramp theory proposes the idea that ramps were used to haul the large stone blocks on wooden sleds on the side of the pyramids. These ramps would be lubricated with water to minimize the friction when hauling the blocks. It is estimated that about 10 men were required to drag a stone block up a ramp (Sood, 20016). Different ramps may have been placed at different levels and with a ramp coiled around as the pyramid increased in height. After the stone reached the desired height, it is proposed that wooden rockers may have been used to maneuver it to the required position. 

The wooden crane theory proposes that a wooden crane with a load on one end for counterweighting was used in the construction. Such a crane would be used to lift the blocks from one level to the next. The critics of this theory indicate that Egypt had no access to trees that would handle that much load (Sood, 20016). 

The pulley and fulcrum theory raise the idea the pulleys may have been used to hoist the blocks up the ramps and fulcrums to shift the blocks into the required position. During this period, pulleys were a common feature used in ships. At this time, the peasants were required to give some hours to the different construction projects. This assured that the projects would have adequate paid labor to put up the gigantic structures. During the summer season, the fields would be covered in water which provided an opportunity for the farmers to shift to the building of the pyramid structures (Sood, 20016). 

It is clear that how the pyramids of Giza were built still remains a debated subject. Their sheer magnitude and precision make them more intriguing. The means that the Egyptians used to manage the labor and the movement of the raw materials has left many wondering how exactly this was achieved. The ramp theory, wooden crane theory, and the pulley and fulcrum theory are just some of the theories put forward to explain how the pyramids were constructed. 

ReferencesSood, V. (2016). Pyramid Construction Techniques. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 2(9)