Ancient Egyptian Construction: Cheops and Hatshepsut

The Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu)

Known universally as the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Cheops is an unparalleled feat of ancient engineering.

Dimensions and Foundation

• Height: 146.60 meters (originally).
• Base: A nearly perfect square, measuring approximately 227 meters per side.
• Surface Area: The base covers an area of approximately 5.2 acres (227 m x 226 m).

The foundation work was relatively straightforward. The search for firm ground was not difficult because, by removing only a light cover of sand, builders reached the underlying, characteristic rocky soil, providing a stable base for the massive structure.

Construction Techniques and Logistics

The construction required meticulous planning and execution:

Surveying and Alignment

Stakeout tasks were performed using precise alignments. Methods included:

• Alignments utilizing pinnules on forks.
• String knotted to mark angles and paths.
• Metal pegs.

The alignment of the supporting esplanade was achieved through the creation of water channels, ensuring a level surface.

Material Transport

At the time of construction, the wheel was not yet known. For transporting the massive blocks, workers utilized:

• Sleds or skates slid across the sand.
• Tree trunks laid on the sand to reduce friction, acting as supports for the sleds, but the blocks themselves did not roll.

Lifting and Placement

The stones were carried to the higher planes for placement. There were two primary ways to lift the blocks to the placement platform:

1. The creation of perimeter ramps wrapping around the structure.
2. A single, large ramp perpendicular to one side of the base.

Simple machines like the rocker arm and the lever were essential tools in positioning the stones.

Internal Structure and Materials

The pyramid was built with large blocks of limestone sourced from local quarries. It required just over 2.5 million cubic meters of material.

Hallways and galleries were often constructed in open excavation and then integrated into the pyramid as it rose in height. The Grand Gallery was designed to be sealed after the funeral of the Sovereign (Pharaoh Khufu), ensuring that no one could access the burial chamber afterward.

Labor Estimates

It is estimated that the project took approximately 20 years to complete, involving a massive workforce:

• Approximately 8,000 men dedicated to carrying stones.
• An additional 3,000 skilled workers, including stonemasons and artisans.

Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple (Djeser-Djeseru)

The Temple of Hatshepsut is a magnificent terraced structure designed by the architect Senmut around 1500 BC. Built with local limestone, it honors Queen Hatshepsut, the only woman who acquired the full status of pharaoh.

Architectural Design and Integration

The temple is constituted by various levels of colonnaded terraces, creating a building that dramatically projects forward from the cliff face. This design integrates seamlessly with the natural rocky slope, utilizing the land clearing to create sheltered courtyards.

A central ramp leads up to the first terrace, emphasizing the temple's main axis. After this, a backyard arcade introduces the structure deep into the rock, extending up to 150 meters. Following a long tour of halls and shrines, the path eventually reaches the burial chamber.

Construction Excellence

From a construction perspective, the temple is renowned for its perfect execution, precision, and elegance. Visitors are often amazed by the rhythmic consistency and quality of the elements, particularly the colonnaded porches.