How: Problems with the Orthodox Theory (con't.)|How: Problems with the Orthodox Theory (con't.)~~Another area of the traditional construction theory which many researchers have a problem believing is the proposal that the heavy pyramid blocks were raised using merely primitive systems of leverage and lots of man-power. The idea of the pyramid blocks having been moved along on rollers or sleds originated on the basis of later hieroglyphs showing the moving of large statues. While no depictions of stones being moved by this method have been found, it is conceded that this system could have worked on fairly level surfaces, but using this method on steep pathways is another issue.|Pyramids|49|||1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,45,46,9,47||H|AW0049.PIC
In Conclusion|In Conclusion~~Obviously none of these criticisms are capable of disproving the orthodox theory of Pyramid construction, but they do open doorways for speculation about other methods of construction that may have been used in building the Great Pyramids.|Pyramids|50|||1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,45,46,9,47||V|AW0050.PIC
How: Problems with the Orthodox Theory (con't.)|How: Problems with the Orthodox Theory (con't.)~~When the building blocks of the Pyramid needed to be moved up the ramps supposedly built around it, there was much less room and a much steeper incline. Thus, a hauling method that had worked on wide flat ground could hardly work at all for raising the stones to a higher elevation: less workers had access to pull the block, and those who could pull it had a much heavier weight to pull because of the increased incline. Another factor that makes this method of transport seem unlikely is that the stones comprising the upper portion of the Great Pyramid are proportionately larger than those of its foundation and base. The ceiling stones of the King's Chamber, for instance, weigh nearly 70 tons each.|Pyramids|51|||1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,45,46,9,47||H|AW0051.PIC
Other Theories: Advanced Powers|Other Theories: Advanced Powers~~THE GREAT PYRAMID WAS BUILT WITH ADVANCED MENTAL OR TECHNOLOGICAL POWERS.~~Some more esoteric theorists believe that the Great Pyramid was built by a single effort of will by some advanced group of beings. Although this concept is not looked upon very fondly by the orthodox scientific community, it does provide a simple, neat explanation. Another theory along the same line of thought is that the Pyramid blocks were moved by spiritually advanced extraterrestrials, who transcended the physical and emotional forms of the building stones and moved the mental level of the blocks, causing the physical equivalent to follow. In addition, it has been hypothesized that the force generated by sound was used to propel and hover the stones to their desired height; and, in fact, scientists are currently experimenting with this form of force, achieving a considerable degree of success. Some believe that technology and mysticism may have been involved in such a way that the blocks were primarily held aloft by sound vibrations and guided by mental effort. ~~Following this technologically-oriented trend of construction theories, one will almost certainly encounter the beliefs that extraterrestrials or Atlanteans built the Great Pyramid using their advanced flying craft and high-tech cutting, hauling, and polishing equipment. Many other variations of these more esoteric theories certainly exist, and are probably quite interesting, but the brief few mentioned here should serve to give an example of the basic premises. While there is no definite evidence supporting any of these theories, there is also no way to prove that any of them are absolutely untrue. This demonstrates the inherent value in both these various theories and in the Great Pyramid itself--the Pyramid and all of the theories that have arisen from it have stimulated phenomenal endeavors of intellect, imagination and sheer will-power in those who have sought to solve its mystery.|Pyramids|53|||1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,45,46,9,47||V|AW0053.PIC
Who built the Great Pyramid? (con't)|Who built the Great Pyramid? (con't)~~Even assuming that Khufu built the Great Pyramid, one must still ask, "Who really built it," for who was Khufu, what do we really know of him? Upon studying the intricacies and various unique features of the Pyramid, it becomes clear that whoever designed and built it must have been a genius compared to the other minds of his own time, if not also to those of ours. Some groups maintain that a line of mystical and scientific knowledge carrying over from the most ancient of times--possibly even from the lost continent of Atlantis--assisted the local talent. Those with this view are quick to suggest that the Pyramid builders must have been initiates in this ancient school of wisdom. Some of Egypt's early historians left interesting bits of information about the enigmatic Khufu. The third-century historian Manetho related that Khufu was "of a different race." This snippet has given fuel to those holding the view that Khufu was an alien or Atlantean.~~On the other hand, it has yielded theories that Egypt was visited by more civilized travelers from an advanced land somewhere in Asia. A statement by Herodotus, that the builders of the Great Pyramids were shepherds, has led theorists to suggest that Khufu may have been one of the Hebraic patriarchs; from the same citation, others have speculated that the builders were some kind of beings who acted as mankind's shepherds in a spiritual sense. ~~Other records relate that Khufu wrote a series of great sacred books. In addition, it is supposed that he was a monotheist; Herodotus reports he closed the many temples of the gods when his pyramid was being built. These tidbits of information can obviously lead in many directions of speculation, and certainly have, but until more records are uncovered, the true nature of the Great Pyramid's builder will remain a mystery.|Pyramids|56|||1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,45,46,9,47||H|AW0056.PIC
Why: Stargazing (con't.)|Why: Stargazing (con't.)~~Proctor suggested that the pyramid had begun as a slot into the ground pointed towards alpha Draconis. On the basis of this orientation, the descending passage was dug and became more accurately pointed toward true north as its chamber became longer. When the digging was complete, the upper-most portion of the passage was completed, and the base of the pyramid was begun.|Pyramids|57|||1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,45,46,9,47||V|AW0057.PIC
Why: Stargazing (con't.)|Why: Stargazing (con't.)~~The next step in construction was to begin the ascending passage, which was properly aligned with the stars by filling the lower half of the descending passage with water to create a mirror and reflect the same stars which had been used in the orientation of the descending passage. Thus it was guaranteed that the two passages were oriented at the same angle, and the builders could easily calculate the position of the King's chamber so that it was directly above the bottom-most chamber.|Pyramids|58|||1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,45,46,9,47||V|AW0058.PIC
Why: Stargazing (con't.)|Why: Stargazing (con't.)~~The Grand Gallery was the last portion to be completed, and it was built with several features to make it a very ideal observatory. Proctor suggests that there were several observers he called "watchmen of the night," who kept observations of the southern sky to the timing of an hour glass, or a water dropper. The hall of the King's chamber may have contained scaffolding with multi-layered seating; there are several patterned holes along the length of the chamber's base. The inherrently layered formation of the gallery's ceilling provided useful measuring points and angles as the watchmen followed the stars.|Pyramids|59|||1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,45,46,9,47||H|AW0059.PIC
Why: Stargazing (con't.)|Why: Stargazing (con't.)~~According to some records, the positions of the twelve zodiacal constellations were drawn on the platform top of the Pyramid, allowing the priests to measure the Grand Cycle of 29,920 years required for the zodiacal houses to make a full circle back to their original position.|Pyramids|60|||1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,45,46,9,47||H|AW0060.PIC
