The article presents a number of theories on how to build a pyramid in addition to a brief history relating to prominent personalities in Egypt who had close associations to the pyramids. The theories include the external ramp and crane theory; the theory on Herodotus’s machines and finally the internal ramp theory (Brier, 2007). Of the three, the internal ramp theory is the most realistic.
According to Brier (2007) the fact that the Great Pyramid of Giza still is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world means that the issue of pyramids draws considerable attention from across the globe. The great pyramid of Giza was on record as the world’s tallest construction for 3,800 years.
The External Ramp and Crane Theories suggest that the pyramid was built from one side while using ramps to raise materials from one point to another during the construction period.
The use of Herodotus’s machines was also developed into a theory. It suggests that several cranes were used to transport building materials from one point to another. The internal ramp theory suggests that an internal ramp was used to lift building materials from one location to another. The presence of the ramp necessitated a way of turning its calculated corners. There is enough evidence to support this theory including corner notches used to turn blocks; the observation of a fox accessing the pyramid via a hole close to the notch and the findings of the microgravity survey conducted in the 1980s (Brier, 2007).
In conclusion, the author through the article has presented a clear direction on how the pyramids were built in a comprehensive manner. It is comprehensive in the sense that he has described the major theories relating to how the pyramids might have been built. The article clearly explains what each theory suggests. It is, therefore, quite easy to draw appropriate deductions from the way the author has compared the theories. The author took time to explain the respective flaws to the theories such that it is actually easy to single out the ‘Internal Ramp Theory’ as the most considerable one.
Reference
Brier, B. (2007). How to Build a Pyramid. Archaeological Institute of America, 60 …