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How were the Pyramids at Giza built? How were the Pyramids at Giza built?
The External Ramp Theory The External Ramp Theory
The Internal Spiral Ramp Theory The Internal Spiral Ramp Theory
The Incline Theory The Incline Theory
The Ancient Aliens Theory The Ancient Aliens Theory
The Linear Ramp Theory The Linear Ramp Theory
The Spiral Ramp Theory The Spiral Ramp Theory
The Zigzag Ramp Theory The Zigzag Ramp Theory
An internal ramp would work better than an external one An internal ramp would work better than an external one
Recent surveys of the Great Pyramid show an internal ramp Recent surveys of the Great Pyramid show an internal ramp
The Incline Theory is the quickest method to build a pyramid The Incline Theory is the quickest method to build a pyramid
Humans did not have the technology or knowledge to build the pyramids Humans did not have the technology or knowledge to build the pyramids
The Pyramids are connected to certain scientific and astronomical phenomena The Pyramids are connected to certain scientific and astronomical phenomena
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How were the Pyramids at Giza built?
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The External Ramp Theory

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The Zigzag Ramp Theory

A zigzagging ramp would fit with the evidence with have from Giza and other sites that ramps were used. Unlike a long ramp model, it would have been compact and allowed for easy access up the face of the Pyramids.
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The Argument

Like other ramp explanations, this theory fits with the existing evidence found at other pyramids that ramps were used in construction, and with the writings of Diodorus Siculus. [1] In order to create a ramp on one side which takes up minimal space, a ramp that zigzags back and forth down one face could have been used. The ramp would be constructed as the pyramid grew and would need to zig-zag at least seven times to reach the top and remain at a sensible gradient.[2] In the event that a zig-zag ramp was used on all four faces, the operation would have moved quite quickly compared to a long ramp model.[3] A zig-zag ramp accounts for the evidence of a small ramp at the Great pyramids base, and the lack of evidence for a long perpendicular ramp. A zig-zag ramp accounts for the evidence of ramps but would have taken up minimal space, unlike a long ramp.

Counter arguments

The zigzagging ramp model would have had particularly tight corners. Maneuvering the large 2-ton bocks around these corners even with leavers would have been very difficult and moving the 60-ton beams used in the king’s chamber would have been impossible.[4] The number of turns needed to keep a sensible gradient for the zigzag ramp would compromise the stability of the zigzagging ramp, which like the long ramp would end up being enormous and potentially unstable. Applying the limestone finish would be difficult with four huge earthworks covering the face of the pyramid.

Premises

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-ancient-technology/pyramid-ramp-0013516
  2. https://www.cheops-pyramide.ch/pyramiden-theorien/zickzackrampe-pyramidenbau.html
  3. https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Imaging_the_Cheops_Pyramid.html?id=-h2AK5SsyFAC&redir_esc=y
  4. https://www.cheops-pyramide.ch/khufu-pyramid/ramp-models.html

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This page was last edited on Thursday, 19 Nov 2020 at 18:24 UTC

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