- Although it is not precisely understood how the pyramids were constructed, it is widely understood that simple, effective tools were used to quarry the stones, move them to the construction site and place them in desired locations. It was a monumental undertaking, estimated to take 20 years per pyramid, involving the mechanics of moving huge masses of building material, varying logistics and thousands of workers. Pyramid construction was the most massive building project in all of history.
- The Aztecs, Mayans and ancient Egyptians had one thing in common: They built pyramids. Egyptians set the standard for classic pyramid design, massive monuments with square bases and four smooth-sided triangular sides rising to a point. The construction involved highly skilled masons and various other tradesmen who held rank over laborers, many of whom died during construction. The workers were not considered slaves. They were given tax breaks and lived in "pyramid cities" where they were provided shelter, food, and clothing. The construction was an enormous drain on both the economy and manpower resources of the civilization. Thus, the pyramids became smaller and less extravagant as time passed. It is estimated the construction period lasted from 2700 B.C. to 1700 B.C.
- Every time a new pharaoh ascended the throne, construction on a pyramid began. The new pyramid would be the pharaoh's final resting place. The construction site was laid out after engineers found a suitable location with a good foundation, which was excavated and leveled by laborers. Workers used copper- and stone-cutting tools to carve out large stone blocks from the quarries. These large pieces were transported from local quarries using wooden sleds that were dragged manually, sometimes using beasts of burden. Transportation from remote quarries was accomplished with barges.
- How the large stones were raised is uncertain. There is evidence that earthen ramps made of mud brick and rubble were used at an inclined plane during the first stages of construction. These were built up as the pyramid progressed upward and then removed as the pyramid was finished downward. The large blocks were dragged on sledges to the needed height. The exact configurations of the ramps are unknown.
- Pyramid construction followed exact measurements and calculations performed by mathematicians. Skilled stonecutters had precision tools with which they ensured the stones were smooth and fit together perfectly. The laborers were coordinated to bring all the materials together to accomplish the pyramid's construction. There is no documentation available on how these great artifacts were actually built. However, human stamina, ingenuity and a stunning degree of intelligence were certainly critical to the pyramid's monumental construction.
