Pre-Building Stages
When it came to building a pyramid, a master builder oversaw the initial drawing of the plans on papyrus. Planners might have even produced a model of the proposed pyramid, as evidence suggests from digs in Dahshur at the Pyramid of Amenemhet III. At the site, calculations were made to determine the exact orientation of the pyramid, based on the cardinal directions so it faced true north. This was thought to be done using stellar measurements. Before construction, the ancient Egyptians carried out a series of foundation rituals as an important religious step in building pyramids.
Foundation Rituals
The first ritual was called "Stretching the Cord" in which the building plan was laid out. In the second ritual, gypsum was sprinkled on the ground, purifying the area. The third ritual involved digging the first foundation trench. In the fourth ritual, the trench was filled with sand. A fifth ritual centered around molding the first brick. As part of the sixth ritual, the foundation deposits were buried. Then the seventh ritual opened the building site with an initiation. These seven rituals were all pre-construction rituals. As the end of construction, three more foundation rituals would be carried out. So as an eighth ritual, the completed temple would be purified. For the ninth ritual, the temple would be presented to the appropriate deity or dieties. And lastly, sacrifices would be offered.
Building Basics of the Pyramid
During the sixth ritual, foundation deposits were placed in a pit. These deposits included a variety of objects, including plaques, models, building tools or the head of a bull. Most of these objects were typically made of wood or clay. Constructing a pyramid was the accomplishment of many Egyptian craftsmen in a concerted effort along with the labor of many slaves. The process of building a pyramid continued with setting the pyramid's nucleus with properly placed corner stones and covering blocks. The funerary apartments and ramps for transporting the large blocks were made next. The core of the pyramid was generally built using low-grade limestone or other materials, reserving the high-grade white limestone for the outside. Inside walls were often lined with pink granite and basalt or alabaster was commonly used for floors.
The Ramps
The stones were laid out side by side in a square, creating a base. To get the next layer on top required using a ramp, as most theories support. The only account explaining the building of the pyramids comes from Herodotus, and while many of his statements appear unreliable and unbelievable, he does include accurate and credible portions that historians take into consideration. While most believe a ramp system was used, the way in which it was laid out is under debate. Most theories fall into one of two groups. The first theorize that ramps were straight and ran perpendicular along one side of the pyramid leading to the next level. The second group of theories suggest the use of a helical (or encircling) ramp that wound around the pyramid.
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