Latest news with #Djoser
Sustainability Times
08-08-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
Scientists Say 'Hydraulics Made The Pyramid' In Shocking New Theory About Ancient Egypt's Step Pyramid Construction
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 Researchers propose the Step Pyramid of Djoser was built using a sophisticated hydraulic lift system. system. 🌊 The study suggests advanced water management techniques, including a temporary lake and moat, aided construction. and moat, aided construction. 📜 This theory challenges existing beliefs about the timeline of hydraulic technology in ancient civilizations. in ancient civilizations. 🔍 Future research aims to uncover more about the innovative engineering techniques of the Egyptians. Recent research has uncovered a groundbreaking theory about the construction of one of Egypt's most iconic structures, the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Scientists have proposed that a sophisticated hydraulic lift enabled the ancient Egyptians to build this architectural marvel over 4,500 years ago. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of hydraulic technology, suggesting that ancient engineers may have possessed an advanced understanding of hydraulic systems long before modern scholars realized. The implications of this research could reshape our understanding of ancient engineering techniques and the capabilities of early civilizations. Reevaluating Ancient Engineering The Step Pyramid of Djoser, located in the Saqqara necropolis, is believed to be the earliest of Egypt's monumental pyramids. This new study suggests that the pyramid's construction involved an innovative use of hydraulics to lift massive stone blocks. This concept is revolutionary, as it would place the use of hydraulic technology much earlier in history than previously thought. The researchers believe that the pyramid's internal architecture supports the existence of a hydraulic lift system. By harnessing water pressure, ancient builders could have moved heavy stones from the pyramid's base to its apex. This method, described as a 'volcano fashion' approach, could have allowed the Egyptians to construct the pyramid more efficiently and with fewer resources than previously assumed. The study's findings have sparked a reevaluation of ancient Egyptian engineering. If the hydraulic lift theory is confirmed, it would highlight the Egyptians' sophisticated understanding of hydraulic mechanics long before such systems were thought to be developed. World Stunned as 'Frozen in Time' 1994 Embryo Gives Birth to Baby in 2025, Sparking Fierce Debate on Ethics and the Future of Parenthood Understanding the Hydraulic System Central to the study's hypothesis is the landscape surrounding the Step Pyramid. The research team mapped nearby watersheds and identified a structure known as the Gisr el-Mudir enclosure, believed to function as a check dam. This dam could have created a temporary lake, connecting a Nile tributary to a 'Dry Moat' around the Djoser site. The scientists propose that water from this temporary lake was utilized in the hydraulic lift system. By channeling sediment-free water from the moat's south section, the builders could raise stones from the pyramid's center. The moat's design included features reminiscent of modern water treatment facilities, such as a settling basin and purification system, which would have ensured the water's quality and flow. This interconnected hydraulic system, combining the Gisr el-Mudir and the Dry Moat, underscores the Egyptians' mastery of water management. The study points to the possibility that the water resources available in the area were sufficient to meet the construction project's demands. Synthetic Cell Can 'Follow Chemical Directions and Change Shape' Mimicking Life's Most Vital Functions in Breakthrough Study Implications for Historical Research The research opens new avenues for understanding ancient Egyptian engineering. By demonstrating the potential use of hydraulic technology in pyramid construction, the study challenges existing narratives about the capabilities of early civilizations. It calls for a broader investigation into how other monumental structures might have employed similar techniques. The study's authors emphasize the significance of this discovery, stating that the Egyptians' pioneering use of hydraulics could reshape our understanding of their engineering prowess. The potential applications of this technology extend beyond the pyramids, offering insights into other aspects of Egyptian infrastructure, such as canals and irrigation systems. As scholars continue to explore this theory, the findings could lead to a reevaluation of ancient engineering practices worldwide. The implications of hydraulic technology in early history may have far-reaching effects on our understanding of ancient societies and their achievements. 'This Is The Creature That Will Rule Earth' The Animal Destined To Dominate After Human Extinction Will Shock You Future Research and Exploration The study's revelations about the Step Pyramid of Djoser invite further exploration into the use of hydraulics in ancient construction. Researchers are encouraged to investigate other Egyptian sites for signs of similar technology. This line of inquiry could uncover additional evidence of advanced hydraulic systems and their role in ancient engineering. The potential for hydraulic technology to have been employed in other monumental projects raises intriguing questions about the extent of its use. Were other ancient civilizations aware of or employing similar techniques? How did the knowledge of hydraulics spread across regions and cultures during this period? As future research delves deeper into these questions, the findings could transform our understanding of how ancient societies harnessed natural resources to achieve architectural feats. The study underscores the importance of revisiting historical assumptions with fresh perspectives and innovative methodologies. The discovery of potential hydraulic technology in the Step Pyramid of Djoser challenges long-held beliefs about ancient engineering. As researchers continue to investigate this theory, they seek to uncover more about the innovative techniques employed by the Egyptians. What other secrets might the ancient world reveal about the ingenuity of early civilizations? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (23)
Sustainability Times
13-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'These Machines Rewrite History': Archaeologists Stunned as Evidence Emerges of Ancient Egyptians Using High-Tech Water-Powered Devices to Build the Pyramids
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Researchers discovered an advanced water management system around the Pyramid of Djoser, showcasing ancient Egyptian engineering prowess. around the Pyramid of Djoser, showcasing ancient Egyptian engineering prowess. 🏗️ The system included a vast stone dam that captured and stored floodwaters, supporting large-scale construction projects. that captured and stored floodwaters, supporting large-scale construction projects. 🔧 An intricate hydraulic lifting system beneath the pyramid utilized water pressure to elevate limestone blocks efficiently. beneath the pyramid utilized water pressure to elevate limestone blocks efficiently. 🔍 This discovery redefines our understanding of ancient Egyptian technological innovation and prompts a reevaluation of historical construction methods. The ancient pyramids of Egypt have long fascinated historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike, drawing them into a world of mystery and architectural brilliance. Recently, a groundbreaking discovery has emerged, offering a fresh perspective on how these monumental structures were built. The presence of an extensive water management system around the Pyramid of Djoser has prompted archaeologists to reconsider the construction techniques of the ancient Egyptian builders, revealing a technological prowess that far surpasses previous assumptions. A Stone Dam to Capture and Store Desert Floodwaters In the heart of Saqqara, a monumental stone structure known as Gisr el-Mudir has intrigued researchers for years. Measuring nearly 1,181 feet long, this rectangular enclosure is one of Egypt's oldest stone constructions. Recent studies by Xavier Landreau and his team at the CEA Paleotechnic Institute, published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE, suggest that this structure was not a ritual enclosure or defensive wall as previously thought. Instead, it functioned as a dam, capable of capturing floodwaters from nearby wadis. By analyzing the region's slopes, ancient watercourses, and erosion marks, researchers reconstructed a watershed capable of channeling water to the enclosure. This structure likely served as a temporary reservoir, holding up to 105 million gallons of water—a volume sufficient to support extensive construction projects. During seasonal floods, the captured water would also deposit sediments into a series of natural basins downstream. This discovery repositions Saqqara's role in Egyptian history, suggesting that its location was chosen not only for religious or political reasons but also based on geological and hydrological criteria. As noted by Armé this new interpretation unveils a previously unrecognized land management strategy for the era. 'They Finally Found the Universe's Missing Matter!': Astronomers Stagger the Scientific World by Pinpointing Hidden Material in Colossal Cosmic Webs How Hydraulic Construction of the Pyramids Worked While ample water storage upstream was essential, it was not enough to lift limestone blocks. The key lay in the depths of the Djoser complex. South of the monument lies a vast trench carved into the rock, featuring a series of interconnected basins and compartments. This network, known as the 'Deep Trench', operated as a water treatment system. Heavier sediments settled first, gradually clarifying the water before it was transferred further. This purified water likely powered a vertical lifting system beneath the pyramid. Two vertical shafts, connected by a 656-foot underground gallery, enabled the installation of a floatation device. Blocks placed on a floating platform could be elevated by the simple pressure of water injected into the shafts. Once the load reached the desired height, it was slid onto the monument's upper levels. The observed structures within the galleries, underground compartments, and pyramid conduits support this hypothesis. Some granite elements, previously thought to have funerary functions, actually exhibit characteristics of a flow-regulation and sealing system. The entire setup functioned much like a hydraulic elevator, using water's force to minimize mechanical effort. 'They Just Rewrote the Future!': FAMU's Mind-Blowing 3D Printing Revolution Sends Shockwaves Through NASA and Could Launch Humanity Into Deep Space A Sophisticated Technology Befitting Pharaonic Ambitions Though the hydraulic construction hypothesis may seem bold, it rests on concrete field observations. The dam, basins, galleries, and shafts all exhibit a logical organization compatible with a hydraulic chain. Contrary to popular belief, the Egyptians already mastered many water-related techniques. Irrigation canals, wooden sluices, agricultural dams—all testify to their well-established hydraulic expertise. The study goes further, showing that this system avoided the need for immense external ramps, significantly reducing labor requirements and logistical constraints. The project thus became more efficient, safer, and precise. While this method doesn't entirely rule out the use of ramps, it offers a complementary, credible, and ingenious solution. This level of engineering, advanced for its time, prompts researchers to reconsider other Old Kingdom monuments. The Pyramid of Djoser, often viewed as a prototype, could actually have been the product of a highly developed technology that subsequent dynasties failed to replicate. 'We Slashed the Work by 99.9%': Scientists Achieve Fusion Reactor Analysis 15× Faster in Unbelievable Computational Breakthrough What the Hydraulic Remains at Saqqara Change in Our Understanding of the Past Until now, pyramids have been predominantly studied from symbolic or architectural perspectives. The discovery of such an expansive and integrated hydraulic system opens up a new avenue. It demonstrates that the builders did not merely respond to a religious project; they also conceived a sustainable technical ecosystem, adapted to the environment and available resources. This interdisciplinary approach, combining archaeology, hydrology, and geotechnics, enriches our understanding of the past. It reveals a sophisticated work organization, rigorous material management, and fine territorial exploitation. It's now plausible to imagine that pyramids were not solely the result of massive labor mobilization but also an underappreciated technical genius. This perspective highlights the innovative capabilities of ancient Egypt and invites a new examination of other monumental sites, searching for similar traces of buried or forgotten hydraulic systems. The revelation of Egypt's ancient hydraulic mastery not only reshapes our understanding of pyramid construction but also sheds light on the broader technological landscape of the time. As we delve deeper into these ancient systems, we must ask: What other forgotten technologies might be waiting to be rediscovered beneath the sands of history? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (20)
TimesLIVE
03-07-2025
- Science
- TimesLIVE
Ancient Egyptian man's genome reveals his society's cross-cultural ties
DNA obtained from the remains of a man who lived in ancient Egypt about the time the first pyramids were built is providing evidence of the ties between two great cultures of the period, with a fifth of his genetic ancestry traced to Mesopotamia. Though based on a single genome, the findings offer unique insight into the genetic history of ancient Egyptians — a difficult task considering that Egypt's hot climate is not conducive to DNA preservation. The researchers extracted DNA from the roots of two teeth, part of the man's skeletal remains that had been interred for millennia inside a large sealed ceramic vessel in a rock-cut tomb. They then managed to sequence his whole genome, a first for any person who lived in ancient Egypt. The man lived about 4,500-4,800 years ago, the researchers said, about the beginning of a period of prosperity and stability called the Old Kingdom, known for the construction of immense pyramids as monumental pharaonic tombs. The ceramic vessel was excavated in 1902 at a site called Nuwayrat near the village of Beni Hassan, about 270km south of Cairo. The researchers said the man was about 60 years old when he died and aspects of his skeletal remains hinted at the possibility that he had worked as a potter. The DNA showed the man descended mostly from local populations, with about 80% of his ancestry traced to Egypt or adjacent parts of North Africa. But about 20% of his ancestry was traced to a region of the ancient Near East called the Fertile Crescent that included Mesopotamia. 'This suggests substantial genetic connections between ancient Egypt and the eastern Fertile Crescent,' said population geneticist Adeline Morez Jacobs of Liverpool John Moores University in England and the Francis Crick Institute in London, lead author of the study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature. The findings build on the archaeological evidence of trade and cultural exchanges between ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, a region spanning modern-day Iraq and parts of Iran and Syria. During the third millennium BCE, Egypt and Mesopotamia were at the vanguard of human civilisation, with achievements in writing, architecture, art, religion and technology. Egypt showed cultural connections with Mesopotamia, based on some shared artistic motifs, architecture and imports such as lapis lazuli, the blue semi-precious stone, the researchers said. The pottery wheel from Mesopotamia first appeared in Egypt at about the time the man lived, a period when the earliest pyramids began to spring up near modern-day Cairo, starting with the Step Pyramid of the pharaoh Djoser at Saqqara and later the Great Pyramid of the pharaoh Khufu at Giza. About 90% of the man's skeleton was preserved. He stood about 1.59m tall, with a slender build. He also had conditions consistent with older age such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, as well as a large unhealed abscess from tooth infection. 'Ancient DNA recovery from Egyptian remains has been exceptionally challenging due to Egypt's hot climate that accelerates DNA degradation, with high temperatures breaking down genetic material over time compared with cooler, more stable environments,' Francis Crick Institute population geneticist and study co-author Pontus Skoglund said. 'In this case, the individual's burial in a ceramic pot vessel within a rock-cut tomb probably contributed to the unusual DNA preservation for the region,' Skoglund added. That his burial occurred before mummification became standard practice in Egypt may have helped avoid DNA degradation because his remains were spared elaborate preservation techniques. Scientists have struggled to recover ancient Egyptian genomes, according to paleogeneticist and study co-author Linus Girdland Flink of the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. One previous effort yielded partial genome sequencing of three individuals who lived about 1,500 years after the Nuwayrat man. Given the track record, the researchers were surprised with their success in sequencing the man's genome. 'Yeah, it was a long shot,' Skoglund said. The man may have worked as a potter or in a trade with similar movements because his bones had muscle markings from sitting for long periods with outstretched limbs. 'All indicators are consistent with movements and positions of a potter, as indicated in ancient Egyptian imagery,' said bioarcheologist and study co-author Joel Irish. 'He would have been of high status to have been buried in a rock-cut tomb. This conflicts with his hard physical life and conjecture that he was a potter, which would ordinarily have been working class. Perhaps he was an excellent potter.'
Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Science
- Straits Times
Ancient Egyptian man's genome reveals his society's cross-cultural ties
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox DNA obtained from the remains of a man who lived in ancient Egypt around the time the first pyramids were built is providing evidence of the ties between two great cultures of the period, with a fifth of his genetic ancestry traced to Mesopotamia. Although based on a single genome, the findings offer unique insight into the genetic history of ancient Egyptians - a difficult task considering that Egypt's hot climate is not conducive to DNA preservation. The researchers extracted DNA from the roots of two teeth, part of the man's skeletal remains that had been interred for millennia inside a large sealed ceramic vessel within a rock-cut tomb. They then managed to sequence his whole genome, a first for any person who lived in ancient Egypt. The man lived roughly 4,500-4,800 years ago, the researchers said, around the beginning of a period of prosperity and stability called the Old Kingdom, known for the construction of immense pyramids as monumental pharaonic tombs. The ceramic vessel was excavated in 1902 at a site called Nuwayrat near the village of Beni Hassan, approximately 170 miles (270 km) south of Cairo. The researchers said the man was about 60 years old when he died, and that aspects of his skeletal remains hinted at the possibility that he had worked as a potter. The DNA showed that the man descended mostly from local populations, with about 80% of his ancestry traced to Egypt or adjacent parts of North Africa. But about 20% of his ancestry was traced to a region of the ancient Near East called the Fertile Crescent that included Mesopotamia. "This suggests substantial genetic connections between ancient Egypt and the eastern Fertile Crescent," said population geneticist Adeline Morez Jacobs of Liverpool John Moores University in England and the Francis Crick Institute in London, lead author of the study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature. The findings build on the archaeological evidence of trade and cultural exchanges between ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, a region spanning modern-day Iraq and parts of Iran and Syria. During the third millennium BC, Egypt and Mesopotamia were at the vanguard of human civilization, with achievements in writing, architecture, art, religion and technology. Egypt showed cultural connections with Mesopotamia, based on some shared artistic motifs, architecture and imports like lapis lazuli, the blue semiprecious stone, the researchers said. The pottery wheel from Mesopotamia first appeared in Egypt at about the time the man lived, a period when the earliest pyramids began to spring up near modern-day Cairo, starting with the Step Pyramid of the pharaoh Djoser at Saqqara and later the Great Pyramid of the pharaoh Khufu at Giza. About 90% of the man's skeleton was preserved. He stood about 5-foot-3 (1.59 meters) tall, with a slender build. He also had conditions consistent with older age such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, as well as a large unhealed abscess from tooth infection. "Ancient DNA recovery from Egyptian remains has been exceptionally challenging due to Egypt's hot climate that accelerates DNA degradation, with high temperatures breaking down genetic material over time compared to cooler, more stable environments," Francis Crick Institute population geneticist and study co-author Pontus Skoglund said. "In this case, the individual's burial in a ceramic pot vessel within a rock-cut tomb likely contributed to the unusual DNA preservation for the region," Skoglund added. The fact that his burial occurred before mummification became standard practice in Egypt may have helped avoid DNA degradation because his remains were spared elaborate preservation techniques. Scientists have struggled to recover ancient Egyptian genomes, according to paleogeneticist and study co-author Linus Girdland Flink of the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. One previous effort yielded partial genome sequencing of three individuals who lived some 1,500 years after the Nuwayrat man. Given the track record, the researchers were surprised with their success in sequencing the man's genome. "Yeah, it was a long shot," Skoglund said. The man may have worked as a potter or in a trade with similar movements because his bones had muscle markings from sitting for long periods with outstretched limbs. "All indicators are consistent with movements and positions of a potter, as indicated in ancient Egyptian imagery," said bioarcheologist and study co-author Joel Irish. "He would have been of high status to have been buried in a rock-cut tomb. This conflicts with his hard physical life and conjecture that he was a potter, which would ordinarily have been working class. Perhaps he was an excellent potter." REUTERS
Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Eerie discovery at Egyptian burial site with chilling messages on coffins
�A burial site in Egypt has been uncovered by archaeologists which is believed to have been used by people from working and middle class backgrounds instead of the elite When people think about Egyptian discoveries, they often conjure images of pharaohs and high-ranking officials, their tombs lavishly decorated with precious artefacts, ornate coffins, and detailed cartouches revealing the identity of the interred. However, a recent find consisting of dozens of 2,000 year old burials near the Saqqara necropolis has shed light on the lives of ordinary folk from that era. As reported by Science Alert, it's believed this discovery represents the final resting place of individuals from working and middle-class backgrounds, rather than the societal elite. During a September 2018 excavation, Polish Egyptologist Kamil Kuraszkiewicz from the University of Warsaw and his team were working in an area situated between the world's oldest pyramid, Djoser, and a location known as the dry moat. The dry moat is essentially a regular ditch, approximately 20 metres deep and 40 metres wide, encircling the 4,600 year old structure, reports the Mirror US. "Most of the mummies we discovered last season were very modest," Kuraszkiewicz told the Polish Press Agency. "They were only subjected to basic embalming treatments, wrapped in bandages and placed directly in pits dug in the sand." This significant find follows decades of work by Polish archaeologists in Egypt, who have been instrumental in excavating the expansive "city of the dead" to uncover its hidden secrets. The Saqqara necropolis, the ancient burial ground for the capital of Memphis and various Royal families over thousands of years, offers a unique window into the funerary customs of ancient Egyptians. However, the site poses significant challenges to archaeologists, including numerous bodies not interred in tombs, deteriorating wooden coffins, and centuries of looting. Despite the site's degradation, one coffin still bore enough decoration to discern some details. A necklace was depicted on the lid of the casket, positioned where the mummy's neck would have been. Further down, imitation hieroglyphs were found, but to the scientists' disappointment, they did not reveal the identity of the casket's occupant. These symbols were deemed utterly nonsensical, providing little insight. Nevertheless, this discovery provides a haunting glimpse into how someone was significant enough to warrant an attempt at replicating elements of the elite's burial process. Despite these burials being simpler and more modest compared to the opulent tombs discovered in other parts of the necropolis, the mummies reveal that common folk shared similar funerary customs with the affluent. It seems artists attempted to emulate the burial rites of the wealthy, even if they didn't fully comprehend them, in an effort to bestow dignity upon the deceased. Kuraszkiewicz shed light on the discovery, stating: "Apparently, the artisan who painted it could not read, and perhaps he tried to recreate something that he had seen before. In any case, some of the painted shapes are not hieroglyphic signs, and the whole does not form a coherent text." The Warsaw-based researcher described the coffin as "Beautifully clumsy", revealing two depictions of Anubis - the jackal-headed guardian of the Egyptian underworld - at its foot. What caught their attention was the unusual blue colour used for both figures, as typically, these mythological creatures are depicted in black. The team couldn't pinpoint why the artist chose blue, speculating that they might have been unfamiliar with artistic norms or it could be a nod to the deity's precious hair. Unfortunately, there wasn't much else to go on, as the coffin had been plundered long ago and the burial mask, which would have offered additional crucial clues, was missing.
