Origin of the pyramids: should we believe in extraterrestrial theories ?

© Mouad Mabrouk/Pexels

The construction of the pyramids of Egypt is one of the most remarkable architectural achievements of Antiquity. Their erection during the Old Kingdom of Egypt (2686-2181 BC) represents the apogee of an architectural know-how that few ancient societies could claim to have mastered.

The geometric perfection of these buildings and their astronomical alignment has contributed to fueling fantasies about an alleged intervention by an extraterrestrial species in their construction since the 20th century. Conspiracy theories have then spread widely, carried even stronger with the advent of the web, and later, social networks. Transfers of knowledge from aliens to builders, technical assistance, pyramids used as airports for spaceships, pyramids as accumulators of cosmic energy, etc. What is it really ?

Archaeological analysis of architectural developments: empirical refutation of extraterrestrial hypotheses

The stratigraphic and chronological study of pharaonic burials highlights a documented architectural progression, spanning several centuries. The mastabas, primitive pyramids that appeared as early as the predynastic period (around 3,200 BC), are characterized by their quadrangular structure in raw bricks, with average dimensions of 20 meters by 30. These buildings, the oldest examples of which were discovered at Saqqara and Abydos, have a simple superstructure covering an underground burial chamber.

The transition to pyramidal architecture took place gradually during the Third Dynasty (2,686-2,613 BC). The architect Imhotep, also High Priest of Heliopolis and royal physician, designed the first step pyramid at Saqqara for Pharaoh Djoser (2667-2648 BC). This major architectural innovation, 62.5 metres high, superimposes six mastabas of decreasing dimensions, creating a unique stepped structure. The construction techniques used – notably the use of cut stones instead of raw bricks – bear witness to an endogenous technological evolution.

The analysis of the pyramids of the Old Kingdom was the period of the standardization of units of measurement. The Egyptian royal cubit (52.3 cm), divided into 7 palms of four fingers each, constitutes the fundamental standard. This standardization is reflected in the proportions of the pyramid of Cheops: its square base measures exactly 440 cubits on each side, for an initial height of 280 cubits. Geometric studies, carried out specifically on the pyramids of Giza (4th dynasty, 2nd 613-2nd 494 BC), demonstrate an empirical mastery of mathematical ratios. The angle of inclination of 51°50’40&#8221 of the pyramid of Cheops corresponds precisely to the ratio 14/11, while its proportions integrate the golden ratio (1.618…).

Construction techniques also evolved gradually. Limestone blocks, extracted from the quarries of Tourah on the eastern bank of the Nile, were transported by river to the construction sites. Archaeological traces, notably at the unfinished pyramid of Sekhemkhet (around 2648 BC), have proven the use of construction ramps whose slope did not exceed 8°. The tools discovered – chisels made of hardened copper, mallets made of acacia wood, squares made of granite – are all proof of continuous technological development, excluding any inexplicable rupture that would require external intervention.

This technical progression, perfectly inscribed in the historical and technological context of the Old Kingdom, categorically refutes the hypothesis of a transfer of extraterrestrial knowledge.

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Anthropology of the pharaonic construction sites

Recent archaeological excavations show that the pyramid construction sites were the site of a highly structured social organization. Analysis of the remains of the workers' villages at Giza has revealed surprisingly elaborate infrastructures: collective dormitories, specialized workshops, grain warehouses, and medical dispensaries.

Although many workers died on these construction sites, the study of their skeletons indicates a diet rich in protein. The Egyptians understood the importance of a healthy workforce to carry out such projects, and the Pharaohs fed and housed their workers. These men were thus much more than simple slaves,but rather skilled and well-fed workers.

The administrative papyri discovered detail an optimal labor rotation system: farmers, freed from agricultural work during the annual flood (July to October), constituted a skilled labor force of 20,000 to 30,000 people. This rigorous organization, combined with proven engineering techniques, is sufficient to explain the construction of the pyramids without any intervention by any species from outer space.

Scientific Methodology versus Pseudoarchaeology

The proponents of alternative theories, notably Erich von Däniken (author of the book Chariots of the Gods) and Graham Hancock, fbase their hypotheses on partial observations: the alignment of the pyramids with the North Star (with a precision of 0.15 degrees), the mass of the blocks (up to 70 tons) and their millimeter adjustment.

Elon Musk's statement in 2020 illustrates the persistence of these speculative interpretations, since the latter had then declared on Twitter: “The pyramids were obviously built by aliens.” Just type the keywords ” aliens+pyramids ” into Google to come across obscure sites going in this direction.

Experimental archaeology demonstrates however the viability of ancient techniques: use of external helical ramps (8% slope), force-multiplying lever systems (ratio 1:4), lubrication of sliding surfaces with Nile silt. Contemporary investigative technologies (muon tomography, thermographic prospecting, 3D modeling) have demonstrated that the construction methods were purely human.

Once and for all, no extraterrestrials were ever present to help the builders in their work. The Egyptian architects were simply pure geniuses, gifted with unfailing perseverance and a rare collective intelligence. Why do some people persist in believing in these crazy theories ?

The reasons are numerous: fascination with unusual buildings, desire for the extraordinary, etc. On the other hand, if we had to remember one, it would be this: it is easier to imagine that superior beings helped us rather than to admit that our ancestors were capable of such feats. This has a name: the fundamental error of attribution. A cognitive bias that consists of overestimating the influence of personal factors (in this case the supposed intelligence and technology of extraterrestrials) and underestimating that of situational factors when explaining a fact (here, the advanced development of Egyptian civilization). Sorry Mr. Musk, let's be serious for two minutes !

• The Egyptian pyramids are the result of an impressive technological and architectural progression, entirely human.
• Archaeological and historical evidence demonstrates a social organization and ingenious techniques without external intervention.
• Extraterrestrial theories are based on erroneous interpretations and are totally refuted by scientific analyses.

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