The construction of the pyramids of Egypt constitutes one of the architectural achievements the most remarkable of Antiquity. The erection of these during the Old Egyptian Kingdom (2686-2181 BC) represents the apogee of architectural know-how that few ancient societies could boast of mastering.
The geometric perfection of these buildings and their astronomical alignment contributed to fueling fantasies around an alleged intervention by an extraterrestrial species in their construction from the 20th century onwards. Conspiracy theories then spread widely, carried even stronger with the advent of the web, and later, social networks. Knowledge transfers from aliens to builders, technical assistance, pyramids used as airports for spaceships, pyramids as cosmic energy accumulators, 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 progressionspanning several centuries. The mastabas, primitive pyramids that appeared in the predynastic period (around 3,200 BC), are characterized by their quadrangular structure in raw bricks, with average dimensions of 20 by 30 meters. These buildings, including the oldest specimens were discovered at Saqqara and Abydos, present a simple superstructure covering an underground burial chamber.
The transition to pyramidal architecture took place gradually during the Third Dynasty (2686-2613 BC). The architect Imhotep, also High Priest of Heliopolis and royal physician, designed the first step pyramid of Saqqara for the pharaoh Djoser (2667-2648 BC). This major architectural innovation, 62.5 meters high, superimposes six mastabas of decreasing dimensions, thus creating a unique tiered structure. The construction techniques used – notably the use of cut stones instead of raw bricks – demonstrate an endogenous technological evolution.
Analysis of the pyramids of the Old Kingdom was the period of 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 Khufu pyramid: 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, 2613-2494 BC), demonstrate an empirical mastery of mathematical relationships. The inclination angle of 51°50’40” of the Khufu pyramid corresponds precisely to the ratio 14/11, while its proportions include the golden ratio (1.618…).
Construction techniques have also evolved gradually. The limestone blocks, extracted from the Tourah quarries 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 – hardened copper scissors, acacia wood mallets, granite squares – are just as much 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.
Anthropology of the pharaonic construction sites
Recent archaeological excavations prove that the construction sites of the pyramids were the place of a very structured social organization. Analysis of the remains of the workers’ villages of Giza revealed surprisingly elaborate infrastructures: collective dormitories, specialized workshops, grain warehouses and medical dispensaries.
Even though 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 workforce of 20,000 to 30,000 people. This rigorous organization, combined with proven engineering techniques, is enough to explain the construction of the pyramids. without any intervention from any species from space.
Scientific methodology versus pseudoarchaeology
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 on the North Star (with an accuracy of 0.15 degrees), the mass of the blocks (up to 70 tonnes) and their millimetric adjustment.
Elon Musk’s statement in 2020 illustrates the persistence of these speculative interpretationssince the latter then declared on Twitter: “The pyramids were obviously built by extraterrestrials. “. Just type the keywords “ aliens+pyramids » on Google to come across obscure sites along these lines.
Experimental archeology demonstrates yet the viability of ancient techniques : use of external helical ramps (8% slope), force multiplier lever systems (ratio 1:4), lubrication of sliding surfaces with Nile silt. Contemporary investigative technologies (muon tomography, thermographic prospecting, 3D modeling) have demonstrated that construction methods were purely human.
Once and for all, no aliens have ever been present to help builders in their work. Egyptian architects were simply pure geniuses, gifted with unfailing perseverance and rare collective intelligence. Why do some people persist in believing in these crazy theories?
The reasons are many : 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 admit that our ancestors were capable of such feats. It has a name: the fundamental attribution error. A cognitive bias which 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 stay serious for two minutes !
- The Egyptian pyramids are the result of an impressive, entirely human technological and architectural progression.
- Archaeological and historical evidence demonstrates social organization and ingenious techniques without external intervention.
- Extraterrestrial theories are based on erroneous interpretations and are completely refuted by scientific analyses.
