Archaeologica.org

Just watched a History International program called Flying Pyramids Soaring Stones in which, with absolutely no evidence, this scientist got the idea that the Egyptians "could" have used wind power in the form of big kites to lift obelisks into place or raise stones up the pyramids.

Using nylon ropes, pulleys, telephone poles and a big modern kite she succeeded in raising an almost 1/5 scale, steel-reinforced concrete obelisk almost all the way up. Then they declared "victory".

Allegedly this was a seven year project and I'm still not sure what it proves as the Egyptians did not have pulleys, nylon ropes, big kites or telephone poles.

Sheeesh.

That is funny, I think they did Giza with huge long earthen ramps.

Genesis Veracity wrote:That is funny, I think they did Giza with huge long earthen ramps.

I could buy that.....but not in twenty years.

And then, of course, not as a tomb for one king.

In how many years do you think?

I guess the huge long earthen ramp started near the Sphinx location, where lapped the waters of the Nile at that time, for the barges bringing the quarried limestone.

Or was most of the limestone quarried somewhere nearby, and so, the ramp would be from that direction?

big kites

well that one is a toss-up but i doubt if they could build a frame strong enough to hold the weight .

Allegedly this was a seven year project

they give money for anything now. i figure balloons and helium would be easier for them to find and use

Genesis Veracity wrote:In how many years do you think?

I don't know. How long did it take to build the cathedrals of Europe? They were far less massive and the builders had the advantage of block and tackle. Still....they took centuries.

Genesis Veracity wrote:I guess the huge long earthen ramp started near the Sphinx location, where lapped the waters of the Nile at that time, for the barges bringing the quarried limestone.

Or was most of the limestone quarried somewhere nearby, and so, the ramp would be from that direction?

The limestone quarries are nearby but the granite had to be shipped in from well down river.

but i doubt if they could build a frame strong enough to hold the weight .

That's where the telephone poles came in.

Genesis Veracity wrote:I guess the huge long earthen ramp started near the Sphinx location, where lapped the waters of the Nile at that time, for the barges bringing the quarried limestone.

Or was most of the limestone quarried somewhere nearby, and so, the ramp would be from that direction?

The ramp wrapped around the structure of the pyramid. As you say, it would be too long to be practical if it was a straight line from the Nile to the worksite.

I don't know. How long did it take to build the cathedrals of Europe? They were far less massive and the builders had the advantage of block and tackle. Still....they took centuries.

only when they were built by O'Reilly builders and sons

The west front was ready by 1265. The cloisters and chapter house were completed around 1280. Because the cathedral was built in only 38 years, Salisbury Cathedral has a single consistent architectural style, Early English Gothic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salisbury_Cathedral

It's been many years since I read "Sarum" - when was that font added? Sure doesn't look original to me.

oldarchystudent wrote:

Genesis Veracity wrote:I guess the huge long earthen ramp started near the Sphinx location, where lapped the waters of the Nile at that time, for the barges bringing the quarried limestone.

Or was most of the limestone quarried somewhere nearby, and so, the ramp would be from that direction?

The ramp wrapped around the structure of the pyramid. As you say, it would be too long to be practical if it was a straight line from the Nile to the worksite.

Such a ramp would be even longer and pulling stones around the corners would be very difficult. One critic of the idea also claimed that such ramps would make it impossible for the architects to check their work in progress.

Good points but I'm not sure what else would make sense. Kites, UFOs and levitation certainly don't so what's left? The wrap around ramp is the best explanation I've seen but I'd be interested in alternatives.

Hey min, how far from the GP is the old quarry, and what is their difference of elevation?