How did they build the Great Pyramid of Giza? - Soraya Field Fiorio

Summary

The script details the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza for Pharaoh Khufu, initiated around 2575 BCE. Architect Hemiunu's 20-year project involved 25,000 workers, innovative logistics, and precise stonework. The pyramid, once the world's tallest structure, utilized over 2 million limestone and granite stones, with three burial chambers including the King's Chamber. The construction methods, while debated, likely involved limestone ramps and a Grand Gallery for internal transport. The pyramid was originally encased in polished white limestone and capped with a gleaming electrum peak.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, starting around 2575 BCE.
• 👷 Architect Hemiunu planned the construction to take 20 years, aiming to finish the royal tomb.
• 🏗 The pyramid held the record as the world's tallest manmade structure for over 3,800 years.
• 🚧 A 6.5-kilometer canal was dug to facilitate the transportation of materials for the pyramid's construction.
• 🌋 Limestone and granite were quarried in large quantities, with limestone being sourced from nearby and farther locations.
• 🛠️ The construction process involved a variety of tasks, from tool-making to manual labor, performed by 25,000 workers.
• 🏡 Contrary to common belief, the workers were not slaves but were housed and fed with better rations than the average Egyptian.
• ⏳ The construction pace was intense, requiring one stone block to be quarried and placed every 3 minutes, non-stop.
• 🗿 The pyramid used over 2 million stones, each weighing up to 80 tons, with precise shaping to avoid structural failure.
• 🔍 The exact construction methods remain a mystery, though limestone ramps are believed to have been used for moving stones.
• 🛡️ The King's Chamber, with its granite ceiling and support beams, was strategically placed at the pyramid's core for stability.
• 🏰 The pyramid was originally encased in polished white limestone and topped with a gold-like capstone.

Q & A

Who was responsible for the design and construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza?

The Great Pyramid of Giza was designed and constructed under the supervision of Hemiunu, an architect and royal official.

How long was the construction of the Great Pyramid expected to take?

Hemiunu estimated that the construction of the Great Pyramid would take 20 years to complete.

Why did the Egyptians choose the west bank of the Nile as the site for the pyramid?

The Egyptians believed in going west like the setting sun after death, and the west bank of the Nile had a plateau of solid bedrock that was more stable for construction than shifting sand.

What was the purpose of carving the plateau itself during the pyramid's construction?

Masons carved the plateau to resemble the stones used in the pyramid, which created a solid foundation for the structure and saved time in the building process.

How many workers were involved in building the Great Pyramid, and what tasks did they perform?

About 25,000 workers were involved in constructing the pyramid, performing tasks such as crafting tools and clothes, administrative work, and manual labor. They were housed and fed better than the average Egyptian.

What misconception about the pyramid’s labor force is clarified in the script?

Contrary to popular belief, the workers who built the Great Pyramid were not enslaved people. They were citizens who contributed labor as part of their obligations to the government.

How frequently did workers need to quarry and place stones to complete the pyramid in 20 years?

To finish the pyramid within 20 years, one stone block needed to be quarried, transported, and placed every 3 minutes, 365 days a year.

Where did the materials for the pyramid's construction come from?

Limestone for the pyramid's interior came from a nearby quarry, while higher-quality limestone for the exterior was hauled from a quarry 13 kilometers away. Granite was quarried using dolerite rocks.

What was the purpose of the Grand Gallery inside the pyramid?

The Grand Gallery was an 8.5-meter high passageway that may have functioned as an ancient freight elevator, helping workers move large granite blocks up through the pyramid’s interior.

What was the final step in completing the Great Pyramid of Giza?

The final step in completing the pyramid was placing the capstone, covered in electrum, at the top. This capstone gleamed like gold, reflecting light like a second sun over Egypt.