The Spiral Ramp Theory

The writings of Diodorus Siculus claim that the pyramids were built using a system of ramps. Ramps of this kind have been found at various sites in Egypt, such as those at Hatnub quarry. ^[1] Some projections for a single ramp model calculate that a linear ramp would actually be bigger than the pyramid itself by volume. In order to use fewer materials, a system of ramps is likely to have spiraled around the pyramid itself. A winding ramp would have been easier to maintain a sensible gradient as the Pyramid got taller. ^[2] A long ramp could not have extended far to the West, East, or South of the Great Pyramid, because cemeteries and a quarry would have been in the way. A spiraling ramp on the other hand would have been compact, leaning against the structure of the pyramid itself. By using cranes and levers in conjunction with the spiral ramp, the Egyptians could have tackled the difficult problem of an increasingly narrow building. The ramps themselves would be supported by a system of earthworks, as seen at the temple of Karnak, and at an abandoned step pyramid in Abydos, where the ramps are still standing. The remains of a relatively short ramp appears to have been found at Giza, running up to the bottom edge of the pyramid comes up to about 20% of the pyramid’s height total height. To account for the shortness of the ramp, it makes most sense that the rest of the ramp spiraled around the building itself.^[3] A spiraling ramp would have been compact and used fewer materials than a long ramp. The remains of a short ramp found at Giza is likely to have been the beginning of the spiraling ramp.

[P1] A winding ramp best explains the archaeological evidence found at Giza [P2] A winding ramp would take up less room and materials than a straight ramp [C] A system of spiral ramps were used to build the pyramids.