Did Ancient Egypt Have Tools to Build Buildings With
Throughout time, the Ancient Egyptians have shown to be masterful engineers, constructing colossal structures such as the Great Triangle. But how did such a feat of engineering, in such an ancient era, become possible? Did the Egyptians have the tools available to construct such tombs, statues, and temples? This article will delve into the depths of the tools that the Ancient Egyptians used to build their majestic structures.
It is believed that the Ancient Egyptians used sledgehammers, chisels, and drills to shape and construct their structure. These tools were instrumentally crucial for building the pyramids, as they allowed for granite, slate, and basalt blocks to be cut into the shapes necessary to construct the triangular-based structures. Hammerstones were used to extract flakes and chips which were then used in various ways as tools and weapons. These stones were mainly composed of flint and limestone, which were available in vast numbers across the Northern African region.
Through archaeological evidence, we can see that the Ancient Egyptians additionally used rope for lifting and moving Stone blocks for the construction of these structures. It is believed that the ropes were mainly made from leather strands, as only animals such as buffaloes, cows, and gazelles were subject to domestication. In terms of power, human labor was the primary driving force for the construction of such sites. Historians have determined that close on two million people were recruited to build the Great Pyramid, in an area now known as Giza.
Archaeologists and historians also believe that the Ancient Egyptian tools had limitations. Most of their tools were not very efficient and lacked the level of precision necessary for some of the more intricate details displayed in various tombs and statues. It is assumed that this is why the Ancient Egyptians believed in honoring those that achieved such feats of engineering, and directly associated these status to the gods, leading to the mummification process.
It is thought that Ancient Egyptians also had access to metal tools such as bronze and copper. These tools, although aimed at producing refined shapes with higher precision, were very rare and expensive. It is assumed that with the introduction of copper, the Ancient Egyptians could have built stronger and more complex structures.
Overall, we can infer that, although primitive, the Ancient Egyptians had the tools and manpower necessary for the production of the impressive structures throughout what is now known as Egypt. With human labor, a variety of stone tools, and limited amounts of metal tools, the Egyptians achieved feats of engineering that, more than four thousand years later, are still admired by mathematicians and engineers alike.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
When discussing the feat of engineering that is the Great Pyramid, we must first ask why it was built. The answer is simple, the Pyramids were used as tombs for the Pharaohs, which in turn, completed their long-held belief of transitioning into the afterlife. This specific form of engineering was believed to be inscribed into the building, with specific passages designed to facilitate the transition of the Pharaoh’s souls.
The building of The Great Pyramid drained all of Egypt’s available resources. This pyramid is located in the district of Giza and consists of an estimated 2,300,000 blocks of limestone, granite, and basalt. Historians have estimated that the construction of these structures took up to 20 years, with each block measuring only 20 inches tall.
The structure is also very complex due to its four faces being oriented antithetically to the cardinal points. This design, although complex, is believed to be connected to the cosmic universe of the Ancient Egyptians and an alignment of the four pillars that create the universe.
From an engineering perspective, we must appreciate the level of complexity and precision the Ancient Egyptians used to construct the Great Pyramid. By analyzing its odd shape, we can make a variety of inferences regarding the level of accuracy that must have been utilized during its construction. Today, modern engineers often draw upon the precision of the Great Pyramid up to calculate its slope angle, which is known as “Merti’s Angle” and is used as a standard in current engineering projects.
The Sphinx of Giza
The Sphinx, located near to the Great Pyramid of Giza, is not only a symbol of strength and mystery, but also of the incredible engineering capable of the Ancient Egyptians. The Sphinx is another impressive feat of engineering, featuring the body of a lion with the face of Pharaoh Chephren, which was constructed from a single piece of limestone.
The figure is an impressive 240 feet in length and approximately 66 feet in height. After careful analysis, archaeologist theorize that the Sphinx was designed in profile rather than front-on to increase the level of visual impact its face would impose as an ode to the Pharaoh.
Construction of the structure is mainly theorectical, however it is thought to require a team of masons and sculptors due to the intricacy of the details that were required for refined aesthetics on the face of the sphinx.
Historians have come to the agreement that the sphinx was carved directly into the rock rather than constructed piece by piece due to the intricacy of its design. This feat not only requires a skilled, experienced workforce, but also an engineering knowledge suitable for the purpose of producing a large-scale long lasting figure.
Mortar
Mortar was routinely used by the Ancient Egyptians in their constructions throughout the country. The use of mortar, or mud, is assumed to have originated from the Nile, as it was met with the sand and limestone available in the region to form a mixture. This mixture would then be used as glue to hold together the blocks used in construction.
These mixtures were used as a means of providing a sealant to the outside of structures while the interior remained hollow. This technique is also believed to protect structures from water damage and provide a reusable, flexible material able to stand the test of time.
Modern historians believe the mortar used by the Ancient Egyptians was composed of lime, sand, water, and natron. Natron was primarily used as a cleaning and purifying agent for their religious ceremonies, however it is also believed the use of natron to help enhance the durability of the mortar by providing a slight alkali mix.
Most of the time, the Egyptians used the mortar to construct statues, tombs, temples, and most notably, the Great Pyramid and Sphinx. The mortar used in these constructions provided a long lasting impression which can still be seen today.
Limestone and Granite
Limestone and granite were two of the main materials used by the Ancient Egyptians primarily used in larger constructions. Limestone, a sedimentary rock found primarily in the North of Africa, was readily available to the Egyptians. This material was seen as sacred and was mainly used to construct the inner passage ways of the pyramids.
Granite, on the other hand, was more difficult to obtain due to its origin in areas such as the Aswan region. This material had to be shipped to the sites via the Nile and poses an even bigger problem due to its high density. Granite was mainly used in large slabs, and was the material of choice for pyramid blocks located in the secondrow.
The use of such material, alone, displays the expertise of the Ancient Egyptians, as they were able to source materials over long distances and construct them in the necessary locations.
Conclusion and Reflection
In conclusion, it can be assumed that the Ancient Egyptians, through the use of primitive tools and human labor, were able to construct a repertoire of vast sites located in what is now known as Egypt. With the use of a limited array of stone and metal tools, the Ancient Egyptians were able to build some of the most impressive feats of engineering in the ancient era. It is through this mastery of engineering that we are able to admire the pyramids of Giza and Sphinx to this day.
