The iconic pyramids of Egypt have mystified experts for thousands of years, as they try to unravel the secrets of ancient construction techniques that enabled the building of such massive structures.
Recently, archaeologists made a groundbreaking discovery: a long-lost tributary of the Nile buried beneath the desert sands for millennia. This revelation may finally provide insight into how ancient Egyptians transported the massive stones, some weighing over 10 tons, to build these remarkable monuments.
The findings of this discovery were published in a 2016 study in Nature Communication Earth and Environment, shedding light on the locations of 31 pyramids, including the well-known complex at Giza.
These pyramids, situated on the edge of the Sahara desert far from the Nile River, now seem less mysterious with the identification of the 64km-long tributary known as ‘Ahramat,’ meaning ‘pyramid’ in Arabic. This waterway likely played a crucial role in transporting construction materials directly to the pyramid sites.
Lead author Professor Eman Ghoneim, in an interview with BBC Science Focus, stated, “Many of us interested in ancient Egypt knew that waterways were utilized for building the monumental structures, but the exact location, size, and proximity of such waterways to the pyramid sites remained uncertain.”
Through modern technology, the researchers were able to uncover the ancient tributary, utilizing satellite radar data to penetrate the sandy surface and identify hidden features. They also conducted ground-based surveys and sediment analysis to further confirm the existence of the river and its contribution to ancient construction efforts.
During the pyramid’s construction period, this waterway would have served as a vital transport route 64 kilometers long, half a kilometer wide, and at least 25 meters deep. The river’s eventual demise due to a major drought around 4,200 years ago coincides with the decline of pyramid construction during the Sixth Dynasty.
Further evidence lies in the ceremonial causeways leading to the pyramids, which align with the former course of the Ahramat branch, showcasing the intricate planning and utilization of waterways in ancient Egyptian feats.
This discovery not only unveils the engineering marvels of ancient Egyptians but also underscores the Nile’s significance as a cultural and economic lifeline. It emphasizes how environmental changes impacted the civilization’s core, akin to our modern experiences.
Professor Ghoneim and her team aim to further explore hidden tributaries of the Nile using advanced techniques, hoping to unearth more archaeological treasures along its banks.
About our experts
Eman Ghoneim is a professor in the Department of Earth and Marine Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Her research interests include geographic information systems, remote sensing, hydrological modeling, and sea-level rise simulations. Ghoneim led the project to discover the lost tributaries of the Nile, funded by grants from various organizations.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
