The Pyramid Builders Handbook

The designs of the pyramids of ancient Egypt evolved over time; they had connections with the ancient myths, legends, and with the stars as they were in ancient times. When pyramid dimensions are converted to 'cubits' and 'seked,' revealing relationships emerge that were obscured by using using modern units. All of the energy of building came from manpower, courtesy of the energy consumed in the workers' food and drink. The mathematics of ramp construction, and of the use of ramps to convey stones at the phenomenal rates apparently achieved, challenge pet theories of construction. Most captivating is a study of the culture of the builders, evidenced in models of villages and farms, scenes of food preparation, toys, statues, magic, and tomb art.

In Dr David's study, the builders of the pyramids are revealed as simple people with ordinary preoccupations: who worried about their families, grumbled about working conditions - and even planned a strike to improve them.

Is it a mere coincidence that pyramids are found throughout our globe? Did cultures ranging across vast spaces in geography and time, such as the ancient Egyptians; early Bud-dhists; the Maya, Inca, Toltec, and Aztec civilizations of the Americas; the Celts of the British Isles; and even the Mississippi Indians of pre-Columbus Illinois, simply dream the same dreams and envision the same structures? Robert M. Schoch-one of the world's preeminent geologists in recasting the date of the building of the Great Sphinx-believes otherwise. In this dramatic and meticulously reasoned book, Schoch, like anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl in his classic Kon-Tiki, argues that ancient cultures traveled great distances by sea. Indeed, he believes that primeval sailors traveled from the Eastern continent, primarily Southeast Asia, and spread the idea of pyramids across the globe, particularly to the New World of the Americas where they abounded until the days of the Conquistadors.

A complete handbook about the pyramids of Ancient Egypt during the pyramid age. Includes information on: locations and dimensions of interiors and exteriors of the pyramids; the history and builders of the pyramids; theories of construction; theories of their purpose and function; the sacred geometry that was incorporated into the design of the pyramids.

Describes the construction and uses of Egyptian pyramids.

This book examines the architectural achievements of the Egyptian pyramid builders and how they may have accomplished those deeds. Many of their building techniques we today cannot explain. The baffling puzzle of how the stones were raised is one of these. The big puzzle aside, many minor mysteries are for the first time explained. Egyptologists agree that those performing the heavy labor were conscripted citizens, not slaves. The builders were inventive, motivated, daring, and superbly organized. They made mistakes, the price of innovation. Still, they persevered, and created some of the most impressive monuments in history. This book should help the reader understand the problems the builders faced, and instill admiration of their work.

This is a new release of the original 1958 edition.

In Rosalie David's hands, the Egyptian builders of the pyramids are revealed as simple people, leading ordinary lives while they are engaged on building the great tomb for a Pharoah. This is an engrossing detective story, bringing to the general reader a fascinating picture of a special community that lived in Egypt and built one of the pyramids, some four thousand years ago.