Built more than 4,500 years ago, even today their majesty can not be denied. The Great Pyramid of Giza is even considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world. However, even after all this time, how they were built is still a great mystery to mankind, especially considering that the blocks of stones weighted about 2.5 tons in a time when resources were not yet available.

Among myths and creeds, there are some scientific studies on the subject with physical explanations of how the Egyptians would have built the pyramids. Check it:

Wetting the sand

Indeed, the foundation of the scientific explanation for the construction of the Egyptian Pyramids could be summed up in one word: friction. Physicists at the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter at the University of Amsterdam defended the idea that to transport stone blocks and statues with sledges, the Egyptians humidified the sand on which the sledges would pass. According to the scientists, by slightly humidifying the sand it is possible to reduce considerably the friction, which reduces the amount of men needed to drag the sledges, as well as the strength needed for this. The explanation would be that with humidification in the ideal quantity would not accumulate sand in front of the vehicle, as with dry sand.

One of the proofs of this theory would be the painting found on one of the walls of the tomb of Djehutihotep, ruler of one of the regions of Upper Egypt during the reigns of Amenemhat II, Sesostris II and Sesostris III (1914-1852 a.C.). In it, you can see the image of a person standing at the front of the sled throwing water on the sand.

Simple, don’t you think? Discover other physics curiosities here on our blog.