In support of researching the Great Pyramid’s Internal Ramp Theory
Jean Pierre-Houdin has emailed a group of people to make us aware that Mark Rose, online editorial director of the Archaeology Magazine blog “Beyond Stones & Bones”, published an article on March 6th in support of putting to the test the internal ramp theory. This is “the first public support for a mission”, says Houdin.
How the great pyramid of Khufu in Giza was built remains an engineering enigma. Jean Pierre Houdin has invested time and considerable resources in his quest to elaborate a comprehensive theory that explains how the ancient Egyptians were able to built this perfect geometric shape at such a massive scale. So far, Houdin’s internal ramp theory is backed up by high end computer modeling and examination of construction details preserved in the pyramid, but it has not been tested in situ due to permit problems.
Why is it important to attempt to finally solve this engineering riddle is perhaps best summarized in Houdin’s own words:
…the Egyptians of that time had an extraordinary mastery of the techniques used, advanced knowledge in geometry, mathematics, geology, topography, astronomy and a remarkable organization system for the construction operation.
The corpus of knowledge of one of the most advanced ancient civilizations is thus hidden at this moment within the four walls of this iconic monument, a true wonder of the ancient world.
Building the Great Pyramid of Khufu is not as easy as amassing stone blocks in the shape of a mountain. The manmade structure is neither solid nor exactly hollow. Its internal passages and chambers require careful planning before embarking in such a colossal project.
Besides the use of internal ramps, Houdin presents a very plausible hypothesis on the construction and purpose of the Grand Gallery as a gigantic pulley system to carry the immense granite blocks located on top of the King’s Chamber, designed by ancient architect Hemienu to divert the enormous weight on top of the chamber and prevent the collapse of the entire structure.
Mark Rose’s article “Time for the Great Pyramid?” mentions that Houdin himself has indicated how his internal ramp theory could be tested with infrared thermography. This non destructive research can be done in about 18 hours on site, at a distance of some 50 meters from the pyramid. Rose concludes that “if we are comfortable with sampling the royal mummies for DNA, it should be possible to structure this research in a way that meets the permit criteria.”
The Great Pyramid of Giza: An Engineering Enigma
VIDEO: How the Egyptians built the Great Pyramid: Bob Brier and Jean-Pierre Houdin
