The Step Pyramid of Saqqara and Hydraulic Engineering.
As if the sheer mesmerising magnitude and enigma of the pyramids weren’t enough to get our heads around, it seems that the engineering geniuses of the time could have possibly used hydraulics in the construction method!
A fascinating August 2024 research article, titled ‘On the possible use of hydraulic force to assist with building the step pyramid of saqqara’, puts forward the idea of a complicated water collection, filtration and hydraulic system possibly being used in the construction of the Step Pyramid of Saqqara (Djoser).
The area surrounding the pyramid was mapped for watersheds and revealed that a previously unexplained, massive structure – the Gisr el-Mudir enclosure – could in fact be a ‘check dam’ that possibly worked as a water sediment filter and storage. Along with this discovery were also other connected water-related systems all associated with purifying, directing and storing large volumes of water. The question that comes to the curious mind is what was the purpose of such a complex system?
Along with the assumption of the use in providing quality drinking and irrigation water supplies to the people of that time, came the discovery of the Step Pyramid’s internal architecture. The architecture seems to suggest that a hydraulic elevation mechanism was possibly used in the construction of the pyramid – if not completely, then at least assisting during the more bountiful times of rainfall. This mechanism, it was put forward, would need a clean sediment-free supply of water and pressure to raise a wooden-based float to lift up the heavy stone needed in the construction of the large pyramid. It was proposed that this may have been done using a central column, volcano style.
Could this suggested method tie in with the recently found water canals under the great pyramids of Egypt? Could water have been used for both the transportation of raw materials (Ahramat Nile Branch) and possible hydraulic construction of the pyramids?
This research article is a fascinating read and well detailed with diagrams and demonstrations.
X-Heritage (X Heritage)
Geolocation: 29.871519189071027, 31.217107601799402
Photo Credits: Prof. Mortel
The Step Pyramid of Saqqara and Hydraulic Engineering.
As if the sheer mesmerising magnitude and enigma of the pyramids weren’t enough to get our heads around, it seems that the engineering geniuses of the time could have possibly used hydraulics in the construction method!
A fascinating August 2024 research article, titled ‘On the possible use of hydraulic force to assist with building the step pyramid of saqqara’, puts forward the idea of a complicated water collection, filtration and hydraulic system possibly being used in the construction of the Step Pyramid of Saqqara (Djoser).
The area surrounding the pyramid was mapped for watersheds and revealed that a previously unexplained, massive structure – the Gisr el-Mudir enclosure – could in fact be a ‘check dam’ that possibly worked as a water sediment filter and storage. Along with this discovery were also other connected water-related systems all associated with purifying, directing and storing large volumes of water. The question that comes to the curious mind is what was the purpose of such a complex system?
Along with the assumption of the use in providing quality drinking and irrigation water supplies to the people of that time, came the discovery of the Step Pyramid’s internal architecture. The architecture seems to suggest that a hydraulic elevation mechanism was possibly used in the construction of the pyramid – if not completely, then at least assisting during the more bountiful times of rainfall. This mechanism, it was put forward, would need a clean sediment-free supply of water and pressure to raise a wooden-based float to lift up the heavy stone needed in the construction of the large pyramid. It was proposed that this may have been done using a central column, volcano style.
Could this suggested method tie in with the recently found water canals under the great pyramids of Egypt? Could water have been used for both the transportation of raw materials (Ahramat Nile Branch) and possible hydraulic construction of the pyramids?
This research article is a fascinating read and well detailed with diagrams and demonstrations.
X-Heritage (X Heritage)
Geolocation: 29.871519189071027, 31.217107601799402
Photo Credits: Prof. Mortel