How the pyramids were built without technology: a scientist explained the secret of ancient masters

      August 7, 2026 19:30 Culture and Leisure Thousands of years ago, people built structures from stone blocks weighing several tons, processed granite without modern technology, and achieved precise fitting of parts. How they managed this was explained by science journalist and one of the creators of the project "Anthropogenesis.ru," Alexander Sokolov, during a lecture at the IAEA in Nizhny Novgorod. His words are quoted by the website pravda-nn.ru. Scientists often have to judge ancient technologies based on indirect evidence: preserved tools, traces on stone, images, or unfinished works. The latter are especially valuable as they allow us to see the sequence of actions of the master. According to Sokolov, ancient builders first created a rough blank, then refined its shape, marked it, and only after that achieved the desired result. Unfinished structures and products sometimes preserved all these stages.

      "It is precisely because this is long and difficult that sometimes they gave up. Money ran out, people died, war... The monument remained unfinished. And this is a great fortune for archaeologists, for those who study it," the scientist said.

      One of the main questions remains the processing of hard stone. In Ancient Egypt, archaeologists discovered 915 copper chisels, although some of them could have been burial inventory. At the same time, some tools show clear signs of wear characteristic of construction work. Experiments show that stone could be processed with copper and bronze tools. Traces from experimental tools match those found in ancient quarries.

      "The technology for carving these stone blocks changed very slowly. The material changed. When we talk about the Middle Ages, and especially about the 19th century, these are iron and steel tools. In ancient times, bronze and copper. But the principle is absolutely the same," Sokolov explained.

      At the same time, copper dulled quickly, so tools had to be regularly sharpened and repaired. It was more challenging to deliver the finished block to the required height. One of the most likely solutions researchers consider is ramps—inclined structures along which stones were dragged upwards. Their remains are found in various places. Such structures could include brick walls, filler, mortar, and wooden beams. In some cases, parts of old ships were reused for them—wood was an expensive material in Egypt. Written evidence also confirms the existence of such structures. One of the ancient Egyptian papyri describes a task related to calculating the size of the ramp and the necessary number of bricks. The functionality of such methods was also tested in later times. For example, during the restoration of the Karnak temples, an 80-ton stone block was moved using levers, wooden rollers, and a winch. About 150 people participated in the work. The ramp allowed solving the lifting problem due to distance: the higher the stone needed to be lifted, the longer the structure became. Therefore, for the Great Pyramid, researchers consider different options—straight, spiral, zigzag, and internal ramps, as well as their combinations. Experiments showed that such methods indeed allow moving heavy blocks. In one case, 15-20 people dragged a stone weighing about 2.5 tons up the ramp. In another, researchers lifted a 40-ton granite obelisk. However, modern reconstructions cannot be considered fully authentic, as they use modern technology. A separate task is the precise fitting of stone blocks to each other. One of the experimental methods suggests that two roughly processed blocks are first placed next to each other, and then a saw is run between them, removing protruding irregularities. After a slight shift, the procedure is repeated. Similar traces of processing have been found on ancient structures, including pyramids that are about 4500 years old. To find protrusions on the surface of the stone, a simple device made of sticks and a taut rope could also be used. By the same principle, modern carpenters fit logs. According to Sokolov, the main achievement of ancient builders lies not in some mysterious technology, but in the ability to organize large-scale work, using knowledge and experience accumulated over generations. Earlier, it was reported that more than 40 burials from the 8th century Muroma were found in the Vachsky district. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+