The Amazing Pyramids of Egypt
The thought of building these marvels of engineering intrigued me from the first time I learned about the pyramids in Egypt. How could these massive structures remain standing for thousands of years with such precision? This, despite the limited construction machinery of the time?
It was possible because of the applications of science, technology, engineering, and math to the extent then known. Science discovery has come a long way since the days of pyramid building. Still, modern scientists remain in awe of the sheer ingenuity it took to create these structures.
The purpose of the pyramids:
There is speculation on the overall purpose of the pyramids. However, most researchers and scientists agree they built the larger Pyramids of Egypt as burial monuments, or tombs for the Pharaohs.
The ancient Egyptians believed the pharaohs were divine beings and that their spirits would live on after death. Pyramids were to serve as elaborate tombs for the pharaohs and their consorts. The tombs contain treasures and offerings to accompany them into the afterlife.
The STEM application in the building process:
The ancient pyramid builders used science and mathematics in various aspects of constructing these monumental structures. While some specific details of their construction techniques remain uncertain, it is evident that they had a solid understanding of fundamental scientific and mathematical principles. Here are six ways they utilized science and math in pyramid construction:
Architecture and Engineering: The construction of pyramids required careful planning and engineering. Builders employed geometry and trigonometry to determine the angles, dimensions, and proportions of the pyramids. They used simple tools like levels to ensure verticality and alignment.
Surveying and Measurement: To achieve precise alignments and dimensions, ancient builders used surveying techniques. They used simple tools like ropes with knots to measure distances and angles. The measurements were likely based on standardized units of length.
Astronomy and Alignment: Some pyramids align with celestial objects, such as specific stars or the sun. Ancient Egyptians used their understanding of celestial movements and astronomical observations to align the pyramids with great precision. This required knowledge of celestial mechanics and basic astronomy.
Mathematics and Proportions: The pyramids show mathematical precision in their proportions and relationships between various elements. The builders used mathematical principles, including the concept of ratio and proportion, and given the result, is truly amazing!
Material Science: Understanding the properties of the construction materials was crucial for the builders. They had to work with limestone, granite, and other stones, and they developed techniques for quarrying, shaping, and transporting these materials. Knowledge of the properties of stones, such as hardness and durability, was essential to ensure structural integrity.
Mechanics and Labor Organization: The construction of pyramids involved moving massive stone blocks and placing them accurately. Builders likely used basic principles of mechanics, such as the lever and inclined plane, to facilitate the movement of heavy objects. They also had a sophisticated labor organization to manage the large workforce efficiently.
While the specific techniques and methods used by the ancient builders are still the subject of ongoing research and debate among archaeologists and historians, these structures required a high level of scientific as well as mathematical knowledge for their successful construction.
I don’t know about you, but simply trying to construct a storage bin by reading how-to instructions which pictures is challenging enough for me. Seeing the ingenuity involved in building the pyramids is awe-inspiring and I hope it inspires you too. While the days of pyramid building are long passed, there is still so much innovation and learning in our modern construction era.
Indeed, the applications of STEM principles are as necessary today as in ancient times. Are there any modern-day pyramid makers in the house?