Latest news with #Saqqara
Sustainability Times
13-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'These Machines Rewrite History': Archaeologists Stunned as Evidence Emerges of Ancient Egyptians Using High-Tech Water-Powered Devices to Build the Pyramids
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Researchers discovered an advanced water management system around the Pyramid of Djoser, showcasing ancient Egyptian engineering prowess. around the Pyramid of Djoser, showcasing ancient Egyptian engineering prowess. 🏗️ The system included a vast stone dam that captured and stored floodwaters, supporting large-scale construction projects. that captured and stored floodwaters, supporting large-scale construction projects. 🔧 An intricate hydraulic lifting system beneath the pyramid utilized water pressure to elevate limestone blocks efficiently. beneath the pyramid utilized water pressure to elevate limestone blocks efficiently. 🔍 This discovery redefines our understanding of ancient Egyptian technological innovation and prompts a reevaluation of historical construction methods. The ancient pyramids of Egypt have long fascinated historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike, drawing them into a world of mystery and architectural brilliance. Recently, a groundbreaking discovery has emerged, offering a fresh perspective on how these monumental structures were built. The presence of an extensive water management system around the Pyramid of Djoser has prompted archaeologists to reconsider the construction techniques of the ancient Egyptian builders, revealing a technological prowess that far surpasses previous assumptions. A Stone Dam to Capture and Store Desert Floodwaters In the heart of Saqqara, a monumental stone structure known as Gisr el-Mudir has intrigued researchers for years. Measuring nearly 1,181 feet long, this rectangular enclosure is one of Egypt's oldest stone constructions. Recent studies by Xavier Landreau and his team at the CEA Paleotechnic Institute, published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE, suggest that this structure was not a ritual enclosure or defensive wall as previously thought. Instead, it functioned as a dam, capable of capturing floodwaters from nearby wadis. By analyzing the region's slopes, ancient watercourses, and erosion marks, researchers reconstructed a watershed capable of channeling water to the enclosure. This structure likely served as a temporary reservoir, holding up to 105 million gallons of water—a volume sufficient to support extensive construction projects. During seasonal floods, the captured water would also deposit sediments into a series of natural basins downstream. This discovery repositions Saqqara's role in Egyptian history, suggesting that its location was chosen not only for religious or political reasons but also based on geological and hydrological criteria. As noted by Armé this new interpretation unveils a previously unrecognized land management strategy for the era. 'They Finally Found the Universe's Missing Matter!': Astronomers Stagger the Scientific World by Pinpointing Hidden Material in Colossal Cosmic Webs How Hydraulic Construction of the Pyramids Worked While ample water storage upstream was essential, it was not enough to lift limestone blocks. The key lay in the depths of the Djoser complex. South of the monument lies a vast trench carved into the rock, featuring a series of interconnected basins and compartments. This network, known as the 'Deep Trench', operated as a water treatment system. Heavier sediments settled first, gradually clarifying the water before it was transferred further. This purified water likely powered a vertical lifting system beneath the pyramid. Two vertical shafts, connected by a 656-foot underground gallery, enabled the installation of a floatation device. Blocks placed on a floating platform could be elevated by the simple pressure of water injected into the shafts. Once the load reached the desired height, it was slid onto the monument's upper levels. The observed structures within the galleries, underground compartments, and pyramid conduits support this hypothesis. Some granite elements, previously thought to have funerary functions, actually exhibit characteristics of a flow-regulation and sealing system. The entire setup functioned much like a hydraulic elevator, using water's force to minimize mechanical effort. 'They Just Rewrote the Future!': FAMU's Mind-Blowing 3D Printing Revolution Sends Shockwaves Through NASA and Could Launch Humanity Into Deep Space A Sophisticated Technology Befitting Pharaonic Ambitions Though the hydraulic construction hypothesis may seem bold, it rests on concrete field observations. The dam, basins, galleries, and shafts all exhibit a logical organization compatible with a hydraulic chain. Contrary to popular belief, the Egyptians already mastered many water-related techniques. Irrigation canals, wooden sluices, agricultural dams—all testify to their well-established hydraulic expertise. The study goes further, showing that this system avoided the need for immense external ramps, significantly reducing labor requirements and logistical constraints. The project thus became more efficient, safer, and precise. While this method doesn't entirely rule out the use of ramps, it offers a complementary, credible, and ingenious solution. This level of engineering, advanced for its time, prompts researchers to reconsider other Old Kingdom monuments. The Pyramid of Djoser, often viewed as a prototype, could actually have been the product of a highly developed technology that subsequent dynasties failed to replicate. 'We Slashed the Work by 99.9%': Scientists Achieve Fusion Reactor Analysis 15× Faster in Unbelievable Computational Breakthrough What the Hydraulic Remains at Saqqara Change in Our Understanding of the Past Until now, pyramids have been predominantly studied from symbolic or architectural perspectives. The discovery of such an expansive and integrated hydraulic system opens up a new avenue. It demonstrates that the builders did not merely respond to a religious project; they also conceived a sustainable technical ecosystem, adapted to the environment and available resources. This interdisciplinary approach, combining archaeology, hydrology, and geotechnics, enriches our understanding of the past. It reveals a sophisticated work organization, rigorous material management, and fine territorial exploitation. It's now plausible to imagine that pyramids were not solely the result of massive labor mobilization but also an underappreciated technical genius. This perspective highlights the innovative capabilities of ancient Egypt and invites a new examination of other monumental sites, searching for similar traces of buried or forgotten hydraulic systems. The revelation of Egypt's ancient hydraulic mastery not only reshapes our understanding of pyramid construction but also sheds light on the broader technological landscape of the time. As we delve deeper into these ancient systems, we must ask: What other forgotten technologies might be waiting to be rediscovered beneath the sands of history? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (20)
Sustainability Times
07-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'We Found Evidence of Advanced Tech': Archaeologists Say Ancient Egyptians May Have Used Water-Powered Machines to Build the Pyramids
IN A NUTSHELL 💧 Researchers discovered a sophisticated water management system around the Pyramid of Djoser, revealing advanced construction techniques. around the Pyramid of Djoser, revealing advanced construction techniques. 🏗️ The ancient structure at Saqqara, known as Gisr el-Mudir, is identified as a stone dam capturing seasonal floodwaters, supporting large-scale projects. capturing seasonal floodwaters, supporting large-scale projects. 🔍 A complex network of basins and shafts beneath the pyramid suggests the use of a hydraulic elevator system to move massive stone blocks. to move massive stone blocks. 📜 The findings challenge traditional views, highlighting the technical ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians and prompting a reevaluation of other historical sites. Deep in the heart of the Egyptian desert, a monumental discovery is reshaping our understanding of the ancient world. Hidden beneath the sands, a sophisticated water management system around the Pyramid of Djoser is challenging long-held beliefs about the construction methods of the Old Kingdom builders. This intricate network, featuring a dam, underground basins, and a maze of galleries, suggests a level of technical organization far beyond what was previously imagined. Such findings illuminate a forgotten knowledge that may have enabled one of history's greatest architectural feats amid an arid landscape. Ingenious Stone Dam Capturing Desert Floodwaters For years, the enigmatic structure at Saqqara, known as Gisr el-Mudir, puzzled researchers with its sheer size and mysterious purpose. Spanning nearly 1,180 feet, this ancient stone enclosure is one of Egypt's oldest constructions. It is now being reevaluated, thanks to the work of Xavier Landreau and his team from the CEA Paleotechnic Institute. Published in PLOS ONE, their research suggests that this edifice was not a ritual or defensive enclosure, as previously thought, but a dam designed to capture seasonal floodwaters from nearby wadis. By analyzing terrain slopes, ancient watercourses, and visible erosion marks, the researchers reconstructed a watershed capable of channeling water to the enclosure, which would have served as a temporary reservoir. The stone dam could hold up to 14 million cubic feet of water, enough to support a large-scale construction project. Seasonal floods would also deposit sediments in naturally arranged basins downstream, further enhancing the site's utility. This discovery repositions Saqqara's role in Egyptian history, suggesting its location was chosen not only for religious or political reasons but also for geological and hydrological considerations. 'China Unleashes Invisible Firepower': Newly Revealed Stealth Missiles Could Radically Transform the Future of Modern Warfare How Hydraulic Construction of Pyramids Worked While having a sufficient water supply stored upstream was crucial, it wasn't enough to lift the limestone blocks. The secret lies within the depths of the Djoser complex. To the south of the monument, a vast trench carved into the rock, once thought symbolic, reveals a series of interconnected basins and compartments. Known as the 'Deep Trench,' this network functions as a water treatment system. Heavier sediments settle first, gradually clarifying the water before it's transferred further. This purified water likely powered a vertical lifting system beneath the pyramid. Two vertical shafts, connected by a 656-foot-long underground gallery, would have enabled a flotation device. Blocks placed on a floating platform would be elevated by the simple pressure of water injected into the shafts. Once the load reached a sufficient height, it could be slid onto the upper tiers of the monument. The observed structures in the galleries and the underground compartments support this hypothesis, revealing a system akin to a hydraulic elevator, utilizing water's force to reduce mechanical effort. 'Prime Numbers Had a Hidden Code': Mathematician Cracks 2,000-Year-Old Mystery That Could Rewrite Number Theory Sophisticated Technology Matching Pharaohs' Ambitions Though the hydraulic construction hypothesis may seem bold, it is grounded in concrete evidence observed on-site. The dam, basins, galleries, and shafts all present a logical organization compatible with a hydraulic chain. Contrary to popular belief, the Egyptians had already mastered numerous water-related techniques. Their expertise in irrigation canals, wooden gates, and agricultural dams speaks to a well-established hydraulic knowledge. This study goes further, showing that such a system could reduce the need for massive external ramps, significantly lowering labor demands and logistical constraints. The project would gain efficiency, safety, and precision. This advanced engineering level prompts researchers to reconsider other Old Kingdom monuments. The Pyramid of Djoser, often seen as a prototype, may have been the culmination of a highly developed technology that later dynasties struggled to replicate. This revelation challenges the narrative of pyramid construction, suggesting a blend of ingenious engineering and resourceful adaptation to environmental challenges. 'Trees Are Poisoning the Air': Shocking New Study Reveals Natural Plant Defenses May Be Making Pollution Worse How Saqqara's Hydraulic Remains Alter Our Historical Perspective Until now, pyramids were studied almost exclusively from a symbolic or architectural standpoint. The discovery of such an extensive and integrated hydraulic system opens new avenues for exploration. It reveals that builders of the era were not merely executing a religious project but were also crafting a sustainable technical ecosystem, adapted to the environment and available resources. This multidisciplinary approach, combining archaeology, hydrology, and geotechnics, enriches our understanding of the past. It unveils a sophisticated work organization, rigorous material management, and a nuanced exploitation of the territory. It's now conceivable that the pyramids were not solely the result of a massive labor force mobilization but also the outcome of an underestimated technical genius. This perspective sheds new light on ancient Egyptian innovation and invites us to reassess other monumental sites, seeking similar traces of buried or forgotten hydraulic systems. As we uncover more about the ancient Egyptians' ingenious engineering, we are left to wonder: What other hidden technological marvels lie beneath the sands, waiting to rewrite history once more? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (29)
Fox News
11-05-2025
- General
- Fox News
Archaeologists discover tomb of Egyptian royalty behind false door: 'Unveils new secrets'
Archaeologists confronted by a false door at an excavation site were stunned to find that it led to the tomb of Egyptian royalty. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery in a recent Facebook post in April. The tomb was found at the Saqqara archaeological site in the Giza Governorate of Egypt. The tomb belonged to a prince named "Userefre" or "Waser Ef Ra," the son of King Userkaf. Userkaf was the founder of the Fifth Dynasty, which lasted from the early 25th century B.C. until the mid-24th century B.C. The tomb was concealed by a "massive false door," according to Egyptian officials, and was made of pink granite. The door measures roughly 14 feet high and roughly 3.7 feet wide. The discovery marks the first time a door of this type was found, officials said. The tomb was concealed by a "massive false door." The door was "adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions detailing the prince's name and titles," according to the Facebook post. It described him as a "hereditary prince, regional governor of Buto and Nekheb, royal scribe, minister, judge, and chanting priest." Archaeologists also found statues of King Djoser, his wife and his 10 daughters in the tomb, plus a red granite table with a list of funerary offerings. A large black granite statue was also found, along with another tomb entrance which was also made of pink granite. "To the north of the lintel, a discovery considered the first of its kind in the Saqqara area was made, where a group of 13 pink granite statues seated on a high-backed bench was found," said the Facebook post, which was translated from Arabic to English. "There are also statue heads at a higher level than the rest of the statues, representing the wives of the tomb owner seated in the middle, with two headless statues to the left, in front of which another black granite statue was found, overturned, measuring approximately 1.35 meters in height." Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy expressed happiness over the discovery, and said that it helps "unveil new secrets of this significant historical period in the history of ancient Egyptian civilization." The latest discovery is one of many ancient Egyptian finds uncovered this year. In March, archaeologists announced that they'd uncovered a 3,000-year-old mining complex, complete with remnants of ancient homes, workshops and baths. In an even more significant achievement, an archaeologist from the University of Pennsylvania found the long-lost tomb of an unknown Egyptian pharaoh.
