Secrets of Great Pyramid uncovered

ISTANBUL

The secrets behind the construction of the oldest and only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the World have been locked within its limestone and granite walls for centuries. But now archaeologists believe they have finally uncovered how Egyptians were able to lug millions of 2.5 ton blocks 500 miles to create the Great Pyramid of Giza, reported Mirror Online on Sept. 24.  

Built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu in around 2,600 B.C. over 20 years, the structure was the largest of all the pyramids and was the tallest man-made construction on earth until the Middle Ages. Historians have long argued how 800 tons of material was transported to Giza from Aswan every day.

Now the discovery of an ancient papyrus, a ceremonial boat, and a system of waterworks could finally put an end to the debate. 

New evidence reveals thousands of laborers transported 170,000 tons of limestone along the Nile in wooden boats, held together by ropes, through a specially constructed system of canals.

The ancient scroll was discovered in the seaport of Wadi al-Jarf and is the only firsthand account on record of how the pyramids were built.

Written by an overseer named Merer, it reveals some 2.3 million blocks were ferried to an inland port built just yards away from the base of the pyramid. It describes in detail how the limestone casing stones were shipped downstream from Tura to Giza.

Archaeologist Mark Lehner, an Eygptologist, has also discovered a lost waterway underneath the plateau the pyramid sits upon. 

“We’ve outlined the central canal basin, which we think was the primary delivery area to the foot of the Giza Plateau,” Lehner said.