Egyptian pyramids were built using an incredibly clever machine, new research suggests

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have been a source of amazement and intrigue for centuries.

impressive use of water.

Now, a new study has revealed that at least one of the great structures was constructed using machinery more advanced than previously believed.

On 5 August, suggests that the legendary 4,500-year-old Step Pyramid of Djoser was constructed with the help of a pioneering hydraulic lift system.

In the past, specialists thought the Step Pyramid was most likely built using a network of ramps and levers.

However, the latest analysis, led by Xavier Landreau of the CEA Paleotechnic Institute in France, suggests the ancient Egyptians possibly channeled nearby canals to power pump-based lifts.

The study shows that water was able to flow into two shafts within the pyramid, which were used to assist in moving a float that carried the heavy stone blocks into place.

“Old Egyptians are well-known for their trailblazing work and expertise in using waterways for irrigation and massive stone transportation via barges,” the researchers wrote.

“This work begins a fresh line of investigation: the utilisation of hydraulic force in the construction of the immense structures built by the Pharaohs.”

The Great Step Pyramid, reportedly had its beginnings in approximately 2680 BCE as a mortuary complex for the ruler from the Third Dynasty named Djoser.

Landreau and his colleagues argue that a nearby previously-unexplained structure, known as the Gisr el-Mudir enclosure, in fact, served as a "check dam" used to catch water and sediment.

They reckon that a sequence of holes dug into the ground just outside the pyramid might've been used for treating water. This would've allowed sediment to settle out as water flowed through each of the subsequent holes.

From there, after flowing into the pyramid's shafts themselves, the pressurized water would have floated the building stones towards the upper levels of the structure via an internal shaftway, in a process known as “volcano” or "volcanic" construction.

However, the authors still think it's highly likely that the inner workings of the Step Pyramid match a never-before-seen water-lifting system, but they agree more research is required.

Researchers are now trying to figure out how water might've made its way through the tunnels, as well as how much water was nearby at that time.

Notwithstanding other structures like ramps likely being used to aid construction, they suggest it's possible that a hydraulic lift system would have been utilised to support the building process when there was sufficient water.

They're saying their research, done with help from a few Australian national labs, uncovered something that would've allowed the construction of the Great Pyramid at Saqqara – a dam, a water treatment centre, and a big hydraulic lift.

They reckon: "This work kicks off a brand new research direction for the scientific mob: using hydraulic power to build the pyramids of Egypt."

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