Chapter 1
The physics of moving mountains
Chapter 2
The great ramp debate
Chapter 3
Aligning with the stars
Chapter 4
The water-powered elevator at Saqqara
Chapter 5
Pyramids around the world
Ch 4 · The water-powered elevator at Saqqara
007skaty Volcano-Fashion Pyramid Construction
Water lifts the block, / right up through the core, / volcano fashion!
007skaty Connected stone basins filtered sand and debris from the ancient water supply.
BETA
007skaty Control the water flow to discover how a central shaft hydraulic lift raised pyramid stones.
Fun Fact
Ancient hydraulic lifts: The 4,600-year-old Step Pyramid of Djoser may contain the world's oldest water-powered elevator, floating blocks up a central shaft.
Glossary
hydraulic lift (noun)
A device used for raising heavy loads by applying force to a liquid under pressure. A 2024 study suggests ancient Egyptians used this system to construct the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
A device used for raising heavy loads by applying force to a liquid under pressure. A 2024 study suggests ancient Egyptians used this system to construct the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
Quiz
To what approximate height could the hydraulic lift system have raised stones inside the Step Pyramid?
Quiz
How did the proposed hydraulic lift system inside Djoser's Step Pyramid raise heavy stone blocks?
Quiz
What descriptive term did the 2024 research team use to describe building a pyramid from the inside out using a central lift?
Quiz
In which scientific journal was the groundbreaking 2024 study on Saqqara's hydraulic lift system published?
Quiz
Who was the legendary royal architect credited with designing the Step Pyramid of Djoser?
Quiz
What is the name of the massive, ancient stone enclosure near Saqqara recently identified as a check dam?
Quiz
According to recent research, what was the actual engineering purpose of the southern section of the 'Dry Moat' around Djoser's pyramid?