Ancient Egyptian Pyramid building with ramps and winches

Throughout the past centuries, Egyptologists, archaeologists, engineers, and amateurs have attempted to explain the techniques and processes involved in the construction of the Ancient Egyptian pyramids. However no conclusive explanation has been found so far with reference to issues such as the construction process, technical facilities, and building schedules. In particular on closer examination many of the extant theories show internal contradictions. This article presents the results of the author's recent research conducted at the Ludwig Maximilian University Munich. It is based on a review of relevant scholarship which is focussed on the feasibility of the respective suggestions. A new solution is then developed from the archaeological evidence of the Old Kingdom. The point of the argument is that firstly, the construction process involved steep ramps running parallel to the core steps and fitted with rollers arranged as winches for material transport, and secondly, a surrounding platform was erected for safe installing of the pyramidion and top-down dressing of the facade. Finally, schedule calculations are proposed which are found to agree with the timing of the reigns generally accepted for the three rulers whose pyramids are discussed (Seneferu, Khufu and Menkaure).