An ancient Egyptian's home was considered temporary, therefore none were durable enough to survive until today. However, tombs and temples were built to last an eternity and knowledge of ancient Egyptian architecture comes mostly from these structures. Initially, prehistoric graves were simple burials covered with a mound of sand or stones. But jackals foraged among the stones and wind blew the sand away, creating a need for more secure burials. The [G 017/ mastaba] became the basic funerary structure, varying in size and decoration according to the status of its occupant. With Zoser's Step Pyramid, Egyptian technical competency and craftsmanship steadily progressed. Successive pyramids reflect these improvements, culminating with the [I 046 / P 003 / Great Pyramid] of Cheops in the Fourth Dynasty.
[I 035&I036&I037&I038 / GROWTH OF THE SOLID CORE:]
There are essentially two types of pyramid: the [G 003/ buttress] and the coursed. The [L3 301 / V 012 / Step Pyramid of Saqqara], Huni's [L3 302 / pyramid at Meidum] and the [L3 303 / Bent Pyramid at Dahshur] are buttress pyramids whose stability depend on the strength of the outer casing. The core construction of these structures are inherently unstable. This fault was corrected with Snefru's [L3 304 / Low Pyramid] which became a model for the [P 002&P051 / Giza] pyramids. However, from the [L3 305 / Fifth Dynasty onwards], pyramids were built with less detail to durability as the cult of the god-king took on less significance.
[I 040 / HOW TO BUILD A PYRAMID:]
Next to why the pyramids were built, the question of [L3 306 / how they were constructed] is equally baffling. The ancient Egyptians left considerable records on agriculture and manufacturing techniques, but virtually nothing has been found on building methods. It is generally understood that a Master Builder directed the construction of pyramids and other great structures. He occupied a high position in society and was a trusted court noble and adviser to the pharaoh. A host of assistants, superintendents and foremen reported to him, all employing scribes and recorders. Some slaves were employed, but most were peasants drafted for corvee labor during the annual inundation of the Nile. The workers were not regarded as expendable, rather great consideration was given to worker safety.
The most popular theories explaining the transportation and placement of the [V 003 / enormous stone blocks that make up the coursed pyramids] usually refer to the use of ramps. Apparently, the ancient Egyptians had no knowledge of wheels or pulleys until Roman times. Generally, there are three types of ramps: the [L3 307 / N 001 / long], the [L3 308 / N 002 / short] and the [L3 309 / I 031 / spiral]. It is unlikely that the short and spiral ramps could have been made from loose material because of the gradients required, nor could they have been made from mud brick since it could not withstand the many years of constant traffic during the pyramid's construction.
Other theories have proven unworkable and generally approach the question of construction on the basis of the device rather than practical considerations of fabrication. The proposed [L3 310 / use of a lever] has been practically demonstrated, but the only known representation of such a tool is from a XII Dynasty tomb. It shows a mammoth statue pulled on a large sledge by scores of men. What appears to be a lever is carried by three men. This method, however, requires further investigation.
