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1 | 00:00:02,201 | 00:00:04,192 | Mastrelli: The great pyramid. | Mastrelli: The great pyramid. |
2 | 00:00:04,201 | 00:00:07,639 | The oldest and the largest of the three giant monuments | The oldest and the largest of the three giant monuments |
3 | 00:00:07,714 | 00:00:11,712 | Which still rule cairo's skyline. | Which still rule cairo's skyline. |
4 | 00:00:11,721 | 00:00:16,919 | 481 feet tall, 2.3 million blocks, | 481 feet tall, 2.3 million blocks, |
5 | 00:00:16,994 | 00:00:20,159 | And yet it is a tomb for just one man. | And yet it is a tomb for just one man. |
6 | 00:00:21,561 | 00:00:25,472 | This is the greatest wonder and the greatest puzzle | This is the greatest wonder and the greatest puzzle |
7 | 00:00:25,481 | 00:00:27,319 | Of the ancient world. | Of the ancient world. |
8 | 00:00:27,394 | 00:00:32,192 | Now, two new developments may help solve its mysteries. | Now, two new developments may help solve its mysteries. |
9 | 00:00:32,201 | 00:00:36,199 | First, a radical theory coming not from an archeologist, | First, a radical theory coming not from an archeologist, |
10 | 00:00:36,274 | 00:00:39,239 | But from an engineer intent on understanding | But from an engineer intent on understanding |
11 | 00:00:39,314 | 00:00:42,039 | How the pyramid builders worked. | How the pyramid builders worked. |
12 | 00:00:42,114 | 00:00:46,039 | Second, the extraordinary find of a diary | Second, the extraordinary find of a diary |
13 | 00:00:46,114 | 00:00:51,312 | Written by a man who oversaw a key part of its construction. | Written by a man who oversaw a key part of its construction. |
14 | 00:00:51,321 | 00:00:55,199 | Together, they will help to decode the great pyramid. | Together, they will help to decode the great pyramid. |
15 | 00:00:57,714 | 00:01:01,559 | For centuries, the mysteries of the past | For centuries, the mysteries of the past |
16 | 00:01:01,634 | 00:01:04,672 | Have kept their secrets, | Have kept their secrets, |
17 | 00:01:04,681 | 00:01:09,639 | But there are clues cast in gold, etched in stone, | But there are clues cast in gold, etched in stone, |
18 | 00:01:11,154 | 00:01:12,519 | Written in blood. | Written in blood. |
19 | 00:01:16,201 | 00:01:17,919 | We can unlock them. | We can unlock them. |
20 | 00:01:33,954 | 00:01:36,359 | A very famous egyptian archeologist has a word | A very famous egyptian archeologist has a word |
21 | 00:01:36,434 | 00:01:38,039 | For people who study pyramids | For people who study pyramids |
22 | 00:01:38,114 | 00:01:40,432 | With a mix of pseudo-science and mysticism. | With a mix of pseudo-science and mysticism. |
23 | 00:01:40,441 | 00:01:43,039 | He calls them pyramidiots. | He calls them pyramidiots. |
24 | 00:01:44,201 | 00:01:45,879 | That's a tad harsh, | That's a tad harsh, |
25 | 00:01:45,954 | 00:01:47,872 | Especially because when it comes to ancient mysteries, | Especially because when it comes to ancient mysteries, |
26 | 00:01:47,881 | 00:01:50,039 | There's little doubt that the great pyramid, | There's little doubt that the great pyramid, |
27 | 00:01:50,114 | 00:01:52,272 | Is the biggest mystery of them all. | Is the biggest mystery of them all. |
28 | 00:01:52,281 | 00:01:55,639 | And despite centuries of study, there is still no agreement | And despite centuries of study, there is still no agreement |
29 | 00:01:55,714 | 00:01:59,712 | On just how exactly this massive mausoleum was built. | On just how exactly this massive mausoleum was built. |
30 | 00:01:59,721 | 00:02:02,672 | But now, an outside perspective has been brought to bear | But now, an outside perspective has been brought to bear |
31 | 00:02:02,681 | 00:02:04,432 | On the question, | On the question, |
32 | 00:02:04,441 | 00:02:06,672 | And insights generated are anything but fringeworthy, | And insights generated are anything but fringeworthy, |
33 | 00:02:06,681 | 00:02:11,239 | In fact, they're blowing the lid off of pyramid studies. | In fact, they're blowing the lid off of pyramid studies. |
34 | 00:02:12,594 | 00:02:14,759 | Peter james devotes his working life | Peter james devotes his working life |
35 | 00:02:14,834 | 00:02:16,319 | To ancient buildings, | To ancient buildings, |
36 | 00:02:17,161 | 00:02:21,959 | Not as an archeologist, but as an engineer. | Not as an archeologist, but as an engineer. |
37 | 00:02:22,034 | 00:02:24,599 | He's employed by governments around the world | He's employed by governments around the world |
38 | 00:02:24,674 | 00:02:28,359 | To help protect and preserve key monuments. | To help protect and preserve key monuments. |
39 | 00:02:28,434 | 00:02:30,512 | It's a process that begins with working out | It's a process that begins with working out |
40 | 00:02:30,521 | 00:02:32,239 | Just how they were built. | Just how they were built. |
41 | 00:02:33,481 | 00:02:36,352 | James: As a builder, I can put myself into the shoes | James: As a builder, I can put myself into the shoes |
42 | 00:02:36,361 | 00:02:39,399 | Of the overseer or the construction manager of the site | Of the overseer or the construction manager of the site |
43 | 00:02:39,474 | 00:02:41,312 | And see how it was built. | And see how it was built. |
44 | 00:02:41,321 | 00:02:44,592 | My objective is to find the form of construction, | My objective is to find the form of construction, |
45 | 00:02:44,601 | 00:02:48,679 | To look at the blocks to see really how it was put together. | To look at the blocks to see really how it was put together. |
46 | 00:02:48,754 | 00:02:50,519 | It's a building problem, | It's a building problem, |
47 | 00:02:50,594 | 00:02:53,039 | Resolved by someone who knows something about building. | Resolved by someone who knows something about building. |
48 | 00:02:54,041 | 00:02:56,432 | Mastrelli: The great pyramid is the only pyramid | Mastrelli: The great pyramid is the only pyramid |
49 | 00:02:56,441 | 00:03:00,272 | To have tunnels above ground level, a series of shafts | To have tunnels above ground level, a series of shafts |
50 | 00:03:00,281 | 00:03:03,079 | Leading to the central chamber where the pharaoh's body | Leading to the central chamber where the pharaoh's body |
51 | 00:03:03,154 | 00:03:04,519 | Was intended to lie. | Was intended to lie. |
52 | 00:03:07,641 | 00:03:09,632 | But it's the structure's sheer size | But it's the structure's sheer size |
53 | 00:03:09,641 | 00:03:12,119 | Which always leaves visitors awestruck. | Which always leaves visitors awestruck. |
54 | 00:03:14,601 | 00:03:16,799 | It's as tall as a 50 story building. | It's as tall as a 50 story building. |
55 | 00:03:18,594 | 00:03:22,919 | It stood for 45 centuries and for 38 of them, | It stood for 45 centuries and for 38 of them, |
56 | 00:03:22,994 | 00:03:25,319 | It was the tallest man-made structure on earth. | It was the tallest man-made structure on earth. |
57 | 00:03:28,921 | 00:03:32,359 | Then there's the footprint, pick the great pyramid up, | Then there's the footprint, pick the great pyramid up, |
58 | 00:03:32,434 | 00:03:36,319 | And drop it in manhattan and it would cover six city blocks. | And drop it in manhattan and it would cover six city blocks. |
59 | 00:03:39,241 | 00:03:40,839 | James: Well, it's incredible that the size of this thing | James: Well, it's incredible that the size of this thing |
60 | 00:03:40,914 | 00:03:42,759 | Is 230 meters square. | Is 230 meters square. |
61 | 00:03:42,834 | 00:03:45,719 | Probably take me 15 minutes to walk around it. | Probably take me 15 minutes to walk around it. |
62 | 00:03:45,794 | 00:03:48,352 | Mastrelli: James immediately identifies the method | Mastrelli: James immediately identifies the method |
63 | 00:03:48,361 | 00:03:50,239 | By which the stones were chosen. | By which the stones were chosen. |
64 | 00:03:51,154 | 00:03:52,759 | James: These slabs are obviously fairly large. | James: These slabs are obviously fairly large. |
65 | 00:03:52,834 | 00:03:56,592 | The ones at the bottom are probably 2 1/2 tons, | The ones at the bottom are probably 2 1/2 tons, |
66 | 00:03:56,601 | 00:03:58,519 | Maybe even three tons each. | Maybe even three tons each. |
67 | 00:03:58,594 | 00:03:59,959 | Mastrelli: At first glance, | Mastrelli: At first glance, |
68 | 00:04:00,034 | 00:04:02,119 | The pyramid may look like a simple, | The pyramid may look like a simple, |
69 | 00:04:02,194 | 00:04:04,352 | Or be it huge construction. | Or be it huge construction. |
70 | 00:04:04,361 | 00:04:08,839 | But around 2,500 bce, when this was built, | But around 2,500 bce, when this was built, |
71 | 00:04:08,914 | 00:04:11,319 | It was cutting edge engineering. | It was cutting edge engineering. |
72 | 00:04:11,394 | 00:04:13,072 | Naunton: One of the staggering things | Naunton: One of the staggering things |
73 | 00:04:13,081 | 00:04:16,112 | About the egyptians' development of technology | About the egyptians' development of technology |
74 | 00:04:16,121 | 00:04:17,959 | For building and architecture is that they went | For building and architecture is that they went |
75 | 00:04:18,034 | 00:04:21,312 | Very, very quickly from relatively small, | Very, very quickly from relatively small, |
76 | 00:04:21,321 | 00:04:25,392 | Unsophisticated buildings into full-scale, enormous, | Unsophisticated buildings into full-scale, enormous, |
77 | 00:04:25,401 | 00:04:28,439 | Hugely sophisticated pyramids within a couple of centuries. | Hugely sophisticated pyramids within a couple of centuries. |
78 | 00:04:29,721 | 00:04:31,159 | Mastrelli: About 100 years | Mastrelli: About 100 years |
79 | 00:04:31,234 | 00:04:33,719 | Before work on the great pyramid started, | Before work on the great pyramid started, |
80 | 00:04:33,794 | 00:04:36,992 | Even egypt's finest buildings were single story | Even egypt's finest buildings were single story |
81 | 00:04:37,001 | 00:04:38,319 | And made of mud brick. | And made of mud brick. |
82 | 00:04:39,721 | 00:04:42,672 | Then, one pharaoh decided to stack a series | Then, one pharaoh decided to stack a series |
83 | 00:04:42,681 | 00:04:45,199 | Of these structures one on top of the other. | Of these structures one on top of the other. |
84 | 00:04:46,201 | 00:04:48,679 | It became the step pyramid, | It became the step pyramid, |
85 | 00:04:48,754 | 00:04:51,392 | The building james was originally called in | The building james was originally called in |
86 | 00:04:51,401 | 00:04:53,239 | To help conserve, | To help conserve, |
87 | 00:04:53,314 | 00:04:56,199 | And then the great pyramid came only two generations later. | And then the great pyramid came only two generations later. |
88 | 00:04:58,754 | 00:05:02,039 | This means that the men who built this had no precedent | This means that the men who built this had no precedent |
89 | 00:05:02,114 | 00:05:06,039 | To work from, no engineering textbook, and no manual | To work from, no engineering textbook, and no manual |
90 | 00:05:06,114 | 00:05:10,752 | For how to organize what must have been a massive workforce. | For how to organize what must have been a massive workforce. |
91 | 00:05:10,761 | 00:05:13,552 | James: It still amazes me, just the sheer scale of it, | James: It still amazes me, just the sheer scale of it, |
92 | 00:05:13,561 | 00:05:15,959 | How they did the whole part, the surveying, | How they did the whole part, the surveying, |
93 | 00:05:16,034 | 00:05:17,959 | The movement and the transporting of the blocks, | The movement and the transporting of the blocks, |
94 | 00:05:18,034 | 00:05:19,879 | And the accuracy that they put them together. | And the accuracy that they put them together. |
95 | 00:05:19,954 | 00:05:21,639 | It just is breathtaking. | It just is breathtaking. |
96 | 00:05:21,714 | 00:05:24,992 | It is almost equivalent of us landing on the moon. | It is almost equivalent of us landing on the moon. |
97 | 00:05:25,001 | 00:05:27,319 | Mastrelli: One way to understand this achievement | Mastrelli: One way to understand this achievement |
98 | 00:05:27,394 | 00:05:29,799 | Is to look at the man for whom all this was done. | Is to look at the man for whom all this was done. |
99 | 00:05:31,161 | 00:05:34,512 | The man destined to lie at the pyramid's heart, | The man destined to lie at the pyramid's heart, |
100 | 00:05:34,521 | 00:05:35,879 | The pharaoh khufu. | The pharaoh khufu. |
101 | 00:05:37,554 | 00:05:41,479 | Luckily, a recent discovery offers a firsthand account | Luckily, a recent discovery offers a firsthand account |
102 | 00:05:41,554 | 00:05:44,119 | Touching directly on khufu's reign. | Touching directly on khufu's reign. |
103 | 00:05:44,194 | 00:05:46,512 | Called the wadi al-jarf papyri, | Called the wadi al-jarf papyri, |
104 | 00:05:46,521 | 00:05:49,399 | It was discovered in the ruins of an ancient port | It was discovered in the ruins of an ancient port |
105 | 00:05:49,474 | 00:05:51,079 | On egypt's red coast. | On egypt's red coast. |
106 | 00:05:52,041 | 00:05:54,352 | It's a four and a half thousand year-old diary | It's a four and a half thousand year-old diary |
107 | 00:05:54,361 | 00:05:56,159 | Written by a man named merer. | Written by a man named merer. |
108 | 00:05:58,274 | 00:06:01,072 | For veteran egyptologist, mark lehner, | For veteran egyptologist, mark lehner, |
109 | 00:06:01,081 | 00:06:03,839 | These ancient documents are transformative. | These ancient documents are transformative. |
110 | 00:06:05,314 | 00:06:09,952 | Lehner: These papyri are almost like an archeologist's dream | Lehner: These papyri are almost like an archeologist's dream |
111 | 00:06:09,961 | 00:06:12,112 | Of, could I just stand back there, | Of, could I just stand back there, |
112 | 00:06:12,121 | 00:06:15,399 | And see everything in action for five to 15 minutes? | And see everything in action for five to 15 minutes? |
113 | 00:06:15,474 | 00:06:19,552 | It's almost opening a window like that on the everyday life | It's almost opening a window like that on the everyday life |
114 | 00:06:19,561 | 00:06:21,239 | Of the pyramid builders of khufu. | Of the pyramid builders of khufu. |
115 | 00:06:21,314 | 00:06:23,952 | Mastrelli: The newly-found papyri suggest that khufu | Mastrelli: The newly-found papyri suggest that khufu |
116 | 00:06:23,961 | 00:06:26,352 | Held his country in an iron grip. | Held his country in an iron grip. |
117 | 00:06:26,361 | 00:06:29,959 | Indeed, merer's diaries specify that all of his endeavors | Indeed, merer's diaries specify that all of his endeavors |
118 | 00:06:30,034 | 00:06:32,672 | Were carried out in khufu's name. | Were carried out in khufu's name. |
119 | 00:06:32,681 | 00:06:35,312 | Narrator: Day 26, the inspector merer and his team | Narrator: Day 26, the inspector merer and his team |
120 | 00:06:35,321 | 00:06:37,792 | Transport stones to the pyramid of khufu. | Transport stones to the pyramid of khufu. |
121 | 00:06:37,801 | 00:06:39,239 | They spend the night at the harbor... | They spend the night at the harbor... |
122 | 00:06:39,314 | 00:06:41,872 | Day 27, they set off from the harbor of khufu | Day 27, they set off from the harbor of khufu |
123 | 00:06:41,881 | 00:06:43,479 | Laden with stones... | Laden with stones... |
124 | 00:06:43,554 | 00:06:45,952 | Mastrelli: Though it's 200 kilometers from giza, | Mastrelli: Though it's 200 kilometers from giza, |
125 | 00:06:45,961 | 00:06:49,399 | The port at wadi al-jarf had just one purpose, | The port at wadi al-jarf had just one purpose, |
126 | 00:06:49,474 | 00:06:52,439 | Aiding the great pyramid's construction. | Aiding the great pyramid's construction. |
127 | 00:06:52,514 | 00:06:54,519 | Lehner: It's a port facility built by khufu, | Lehner: It's a port facility built by khufu, |
128 | 00:06:54,594 | 00:06:56,432 | Used by khufu and then shut down, | Used by khufu and then shut down, |
129 | 00:06:56,441 | 00:06:57,879 | And nobody ever used it again. | And nobody ever used it again. |
130 | 00:06:57,954 | 00:06:59,639 | Mastrelli: Today, it's impossible to follow | Mastrelli: Today, it's impossible to follow |
131 | 00:06:59,714 | 00:07:01,312 | The exact route | The exact route |
132 | 00:07:01,321 | 00:07:03,719 | That merer and his crew took from wadi al-jarf | That merer and his crew took from wadi al-jarf |
133 | 00:07:03,794 | 00:07:06,519 | To the great pyramid because, over the centuries, | To the great pyramid because, over the centuries, |
134 | 00:07:06,594 | 00:07:09,399 | The path of the nile has altered dramatically. | The path of the nile has altered dramatically. |
135 | 00:07:09,474 | 00:07:12,279 | Lehner: We don't know what the topography and geography | Lehner: We don't know what the topography and geography |
136 | 00:07:12,354 | 00:07:14,359 | Of this area was at that time. | Of this area was at that time. |
137 | 00:07:14,434 | 00:07:17,872 | But at some point, they're going to have to take canals | But at some point, they're going to have to take canals |
138 | 00:07:17,881 | 00:07:19,639 | In order to get to the western branch | In order to get to the western branch |
139 | 00:07:19,714 | 00:07:22,272 | Which would have flowed close to the giza plateau. | Which would have flowed close to the giza plateau. |
140 | 00:07:22,281 | 00:07:24,759 | Mastrelli: However, thanks to merer's diary, | Mastrelli: However, thanks to merer's diary, |
141 | 00:07:24,834 | 00:07:27,399 | We do know that a mere eight-mile journey | We do know that a mere eight-mile journey |
142 | 00:07:27,474 | 00:07:30,359 | From the quarries of tura to the great pyramid and back | From the quarries of tura to the great pyramid and back |
143 | 00:07:30,434 | 00:07:32,679 | Took three full days. | Took three full days. |
144 | 00:07:32,754 | 00:07:36,432 | It also says they stayed overnight at a place identified | It also says they stayed overnight at a place identified |
145 | 00:07:36,441 | 00:07:40,039 | Only as the shey of khufu, or khufu's harbor. | Only as the shey of khufu, or khufu's harbor. |
146 | 00:07:41,474 | 00:07:44,919 | Egyptologist mark lehner believes that these details | Egyptologist mark lehner believes that these details |
147 | 00:07:44,994 | 00:07:48,599 | In merer's timeline reveal a much bigger story, | In merer's timeline reveal a much bigger story, |
148 | 00:07:48,674 | 00:07:51,759 | Fitting a theory he's developed over many years. | Fitting a theory he's developed over many years. |
149 | 00:07:53,874 | 00:07:56,199 | Under pharaoh khufu, lehner believes, | Under pharaoh khufu, lehner believes, |
150 | 00:07:56,274 | 00:07:58,839 | Giza was not just a river town, | Giza was not just a river town, |
151 | 00:07:58,914 | 00:08:01,519 | It was the greatest international port of its time. | It was the greatest international port of its time. |
152 | 00:08:02,601 | 00:08:04,919 | Drawing ships from across the region, | Drawing ships from across the region, |
153 | 00:08:04,994 | 00:08:07,799 | Even though it's almost 100 miles from the ocean. | Even though it's almost 100 miles from the ocean. |
154 | 00:08:09,401 | 00:08:11,319 | Lehner: I think the shey of khufu | Lehner: I think the shey of khufu |
155 | 00:08:11,394 | 00:08:15,479 | Was the name of the major nile port right there at giza, | Was the name of the major nile port right there at giza, |
156 | 00:08:15,554 | 00:08:17,552 | And the reason it takes merer and his men a whole day | And the reason it takes merer and his men a whole day |
157 | 00:08:17,561 | 00:08:19,239 | To get from there up to the pyramid | To get from there up to the pyramid |
158 | 00:08:19,314 | 00:08:23,079 | Is that the port was so big, so vast and so complex. | Is that the port was so big, so vast and so complex. |
159 | 00:08:24,361 | 00:08:27,479 | Mastrelli: Climbing to the top of a nearby apartment block | Mastrelli: Climbing to the top of a nearby apartment block |
160 | 00:08:27,554 | 00:08:30,759 | He can picture exactly where the ships came in. | He can picture exactly where the ships came in. |
161 | 00:08:32,521 | 00:08:34,359 | Lehner: Well, I think khufu's harbor was right where we are. | Lehner: Well, I think khufu's harbor was right where we are. |
162 | 00:08:34,434 | 00:08:36,272 | I'm standing on an 11-story building | I'm standing on an 11-story building |
163 | 00:08:36,281 | 00:08:37,959 | That I think is exactly on the spot, | That I think is exactly on the spot, |
164 | 00:08:38,034 | 00:08:39,559 | But it was a very big place. | But it was a very big place. |
165 | 00:08:39,634 | 00:08:42,112 | This is only the northern part of the harbor, | This is only the northern part of the harbor, |
166 | 00:08:42,121 | 00:08:44,672 | And the whole portage extended all the way | And the whole portage extended all the way |
167 | 00:08:44,681 | 00:08:47,712 | Nearly a kilometer to the south. | Nearly a kilometer to the south. |
168 | 00:08:47,721 | 00:08:49,879 | Mastrelli: Seen from mark lehner's perspective, | Mastrelli: Seen from mark lehner's perspective, |
169 | 00:08:49,954 | 00:08:53,079 | Khufu's port was a hive of activity. | Khufu's port was a hive of activity. |
170 | 00:08:53,154 | 00:08:57,312 | Lehner: All kinds of river craft would have docked here at giza, | Lehner: All kinds of river craft would have docked here at giza, |
171 | 00:08:57,321 | 00:09:01,312 | Bringing protein in the form of cattle, sheep and goats, | Bringing protein in the form of cattle, sheep and goats, |
172 | 00:09:01,321 | 00:09:05,719 | Carbohydrates in the form of grains, material for ropes, | Carbohydrates in the form of grains, material for ropes, |
173 | 00:09:05,794 | 00:09:07,552 | Copper for the tools. | Copper for the tools. |
174 | 00:09:07,561 | 00:09:09,639 | So, without boats you could not have built | So, without boats you could not have built |
175 | 00:09:09,714 | 00:09:11,472 | The great pyramid. | The great pyramid. |
176 | 00:09:11,481 | 00:09:14,199 | Mastrelli: If lehner is right, the immense infrastructure | Mastrelli: If lehner is right, the immense infrastructure |
177 | 00:09:14,274 | 00:09:17,719 | Required for building a pyramid was clearly in place | Required for building a pyramid was clearly in place |
178 | 00:09:17,794 | 00:09:20,039 | 4,500 years ago. | 4,500 years ago. |
179 | 00:09:20,114 | 00:09:23,312 | But infrastructure alone doesn't build pyramids, | But infrastructure alone doesn't build pyramids, |
180 | 00:09:23,321 | 00:09:24,879 | That requires a plan. | That requires a plan. |
181 | 00:09:25,794 | 00:09:28,919 | (dramatic music) | (dramatic music) |
182 | 00:09:28,994 | 00:09:31,232 | I doubt it's news to anyone that the ancient egyptians | I doubt it's news to anyone that the ancient egyptians |
183 | 00:09:31,241 | 00:09:33,599 | Used a writing system called hieroglyphs. | Used a writing system called hieroglyphs. |
184 | 00:09:34,514 | 00:09:36,839 | And when they weren't carving them into stone, | And when they weren't carving them into stone, |
185 | 00:09:36,914 | 00:09:38,192 | They were writing them down | They were writing them down |
186 | 00:09:38,201 | 00:09:40,479 | On a kind of paper called papyrus. | On a kind of paper called papyrus. |
187 | 00:09:41,794 | 00:09:44,432 | Okay, so it's not some super smooth vellom | Okay, so it's not some super smooth vellom |
188 | 00:09:44,441 | 00:09:46,672 | But despite having a surface that's as rough | But despite having a surface that's as rough |
189 | 00:09:46,681 | 00:09:50,352 | As a logging trail, it can still do a serviceable job. | As a logging trail, it can still do a serviceable job. |
190 | 00:09:50,361 | 00:09:52,912 | Plus papyrus can last thousands of years | Plus papyrus can last thousands of years |
191 | 00:09:52,921 | 00:09:54,512 | In the right conditions. | In the right conditions. |
192 | 00:09:54,521 | 00:09:55,959 | So, its little wonder that it's given us | So, its little wonder that it's given us |
193 | 00:09:56,034 | 00:09:57,479 | Some of our best insights | Some of our best insights |
194 | 00:09:57,554 | 00:09:59,519 | Into how the great pyramid was built. | Into how the great pyramid was built. |
195 | 00:10:01,321 | 00:10:03,559 | Today, it's impossible to stand | Today, it's impossible to stand |
196 | 00:10:03,634 | 00:10:05,559 | Beneath the great pyramid of khufu, | Beneath the great pyramid of khufu, |
197 | 00:10:05,634 | 00:10:08,279 | And not be awed by its immensity. | And not be awed by its immensity. |
198 | 00:10:08,354 | 00:10:10,039 | But it's not a building to be judged | But it's not a building to be judged |
199 | 00:10:10,114 | 00:10:12,672 | By outside appearances alone. | By outside appearances alone. |
200 | 00:10:12,681 | 00:10:15,312 | Which is why egyptologist mark lehner | Which is why egyptologist mark lehner |
201 | 00:10:15,321 | 00:10:18,359 | And engineer peter james have come together | And engineer peter james have come together |
202 | 00:10:18,434 | 00:10:20,239 | To explore its insides. | To explore its insides. |
203 | 00:10:22,201 | 00:10:25,792 | James wants to see what clues the interior will provide | James wants to see what clues the interior will provide |
204 | 00:10:25,801 | 00:10:27,759 | As to how this structure was built. | As to how this structure was built. |
205 | 00:10:29,241 | 00:10:31,152 | The access point used today, | The access point used today, |
206 | 00:10:31,161 | 00:10:33,719 | Once deliberately hidden by the casing stones, | Once deliberately hidden by the casing stones, |
207 | 00:10:33,794 | 00:10:37,232 | Is some 56 feet above ground. | Is some 56 feet above ground. |
208 | 00:10:37,241 | 00:10:39,159 | It's believed that the original plan | It's believed that the original plan |
209 | 00:10:39,234 | 00:10:42,239 | Was to place the king's body in an underground chamber. | Was to place the king's body in an underground chamber. |
210 | 00:10:45,321 | 00:10:47,319 | But that idea changed. | But that idea changed. |
211 | 00:10:47,394 | 00:10:50,359 | What was completed was an ascending passage | What was completed was an ascending passage |
212 | 00:10:50,434 | 00:10:54,359 | Opening out onto this 28-foot tall grand gallery, | Opening out onto this 28-foot tall grand gallery, |
213 | 00:10:54,434 | 00:10:57,439 | The last stop before the actual burial chamber. | The last stop before the actual burial chamber. |
214 | 00:11:00,601 | 00:11:02,839 | Though it's high up in the center of the pyramid, | Though it's high up in the center of the pyramid, |
215 | 00:11:02,914 | 00:11:05,872 | There are still more than 300 feet of masonry | There are still more than 300 feet of masonry |
216 | 00:11:05,881 | 00:11:08,279 | Piled directly on top of it. | Piled directly on top of it. |
217 | 00:11:08,354 | 00:11:10,279 | James: Absolutely stunning, from an engineering point of view, | James: Absolutely stunning, from an engineering point of view, |
218 | 00:11:10,354 | 00:11:12,832 | Of how they managed to know how much width | Of how they managed to know how much width |
219 | 00:11:12,841 | 00:11:15,559 | Could carry that much weight, because otherwise | Could carry that much weight, because otherwise |
220 | 00:11:15,634 | 00:11:18,832 | The whole chambers squeeze in if you get that angle wrong. | The whole chambers squeeze in if you get that angle wrong. |
221 | 00:11:18,841 | 00:11:20,559 | It's almost like a crude arch. | It's almost like a crude arch. |
222 | 00:11:21,481 | 00:11:22,752 | Lehner: It's also a very good place | Lehner: It's also a very good place |
223 | 00:11:22,761 | 00:11:24,592 | Where you can see the chiseling | Where you can see the chiseling |
224 | 00:11:24,601 | 00:11:27,559 | Because see how he's just coming in with little strokes, | Because see how he's just coming in with little strokes, |
225 | 00:11:27,634 | 00:11:30,679 | As opposed to the longer strokes in the face of the block, | As opposed to the longer strokes in the face of the block, |
226 | 00:11:30,754 | 00:11:33,079 | Here at the seams they're taking great care. | Here at the seams they're taking great care. |
227 | 00:11:33,154 | 00:11:35,232 | Mastrelli: The stones which line the gallery | Mastrelli: The stones which line the gallery |
228 | 00:11:35,241 | 00:11:39,559 | Are cut with such care that they fit together perfectly. | Are cut with such care that they fit together perfectly. |
229 | 00:11:39,634 | 00:11:42,679 | In effect, they form a seal. | In effect, they form a seal. |
230 | 00:11:42,754 | 00:11:43,559 | James: And what was the function of this, mark? | James: And what was the function of this, mark? |
231 | 00:11:43,634 | 00:11:45,072 | What would this be, | What would this be, |
232 | 00:11:45,081 | 00:11:46,912 | Just a chamber going into or a corridor? | Just a chamber going into or a corridor? |
233 | 00:11:46,921 | 00:11:49,152 | Lehner: Egyptologists don't really know. | Lehner: Egyptologists don't really know. |
234 | 00:11:49,161 | 00:11:51,472 | One idea is it's a huge processional, | One idea is it's a huge processional, |
235 | 00:11:51,481 | 00:11:53,399 | Even though it was never meant to be seen, | Even though it was never meant to be seen, |
236 | 00:11:53,474 | 00:11:56,519 | It's a processional for the king to ascend | It's a processional for the king to ascend |
237 | 00:11:56,594 | 00:11:58,672 | Even in the afterlife. | Even in the afterlife. |
238 | 00:11:58,681 | 00:12:00,519 | It's a bit of a mystery to this day. | It's a bit of a mystery to this day. |
239 | 00:12:01,634 | 00:12:03,472 | Mastrelli: Lehner and james move into the heart | Mastrelli: Lehner and james move into the heart |
240 | 00:12:03,481 | 00:12:04,919 | Of the pyramid, | Of the pyramid, |
241 | 00:12:04,994 | 00:12:07,839 | To the focus of the entire building project. | To the focus of the entire building project. |
242 | 00:12:08,841 | 00:12:11,159 | This was khufu's resting place. | This was khufu's resting place. |
243 | 00:12:12,514 | 00:12:14,432 | Lehner: So, peter, this is what it was all about, | Lehner: So, peter, this is what it was all about, |
244 | 00:12:14,441 | 00:12:17,479 | All the building, all the infrastructure, | All the building, all the infrastructure, |
245 | 00:12:17,554 | 00:12:19,872 | This granite box, | This granite box, |
246 | 00:12:19,881 | 00:12:22,512 | Which is where the king was probably buried, | Which is where the king was probably buried, |
247 | 00:12:22,521 | 00:12:24,439 | In this sarcophagus, | In this sarcophagus, |
248 | 00:12:24,514 | 00:12:26,919 | Which is located at one end of the chamber, | Which is located at one end of the chamber, |
249 | 00:12:26,994 | 00:12:29,472 | Right on the center axis of the pyramid | Right on the center axis of the pyramid |
250 | 00:12:29,481 | 00:12:31,239 | To ensure his resurrection. | To ensure his resurrection. |
251 | 00:12:31,314 | 00:12:33,632 | Mastrelli: It's thought that this box held the coffin | Mastrelli: It's thought that this box held the coffin |
252 | 00:12:33,641 | 00:12:38,112 | Or sarcophagus that in turn held khufu's body. | Or sarcophagus that in turn held khufu's body. |
253 | 00:12:38,121 | 00:12:40,599 | They have long since vanished. | They have long since vanished. |
254 | 00:12:40,674 | 00:12:43,232 | But the very fact that it's made of granite, | But the very fact that it's made of granite, |
255 | 00:12:43,241 | 00:12:46,439 | As are the walls, the floor and the ceiling, | As are the walls, the floor and the ceiling, |
256 | 00:12:46,514 | 00:12:50,639 | Is once more testimony to the power of khufu's reach. | Is once more testimony to the power of khufu's reach. |
257 | 00:12:52,674 | 00:12:53,952 | Lehner: This granite itself | Lehner: This granite itself |
258 | 00:12:53,961 | 00:12:56,992 | Came from some 500 miles to the south, | Came from some 500 miles to the south, |
259 | 00:12:57,001 | 00:12:58,279 | All from aswan. | All from aswan. |
260 | 00:12:58,354 | 00:12:59,952 | James: Aswan. | James: Aswan. |
261 | 00:12:59,961 | 00:13:01,712 | Lehner: And it was probably all worked initially, | Lehner: And it was probably all worked initially, |
262 | 00:13:01,721 | 00:13:04,839 | In the initial shaping by pounding with pounding stones. | In the initial shaping by pounding with pounding stones. |
263 | 00:13:04,914 | 00:13:08,279 | And then things like the sarcophagus were actually sawn | And then things like the sarcophagus were actually sawn |
264 | 00:13:08,354 | 00:13:11,552 | With a copper blade and probably quartz sand. | With a copper blade and probably quartz sand. |
265 | 00:13:11,561 | 00:13:13,719 | James: How long would it take you to form this box inside? | James: How long would it take you to form this box inside? |
266 | 00:13:13,794 | 00:13:15,159 | Lehner: A very long time. | Lehner: A very long time. |
267 | 00:13:15,234 | 00:13:17,719 | The king didn't care about human labor. | The king didn't care about human labor. |
268 | 00:13:17,794 | 00:13:19,479 | Whatever it cost. | Whatever it cost. |
269 | 00:13:19,554 | 00:13:21,559 | James: We really don't know what lies beyond these, | James: We really don't know what lies beyond these, |
270 | 00:13:21,634 | 00:13:24,432 | What sort of structure is beyond that. | What sort of structure is beyond that. |
271 | 00:13:24,441 | 00:13:26,199 | What have we really got behind there? | What have we really got behind there? |
272 | 00:13:26,274 | 00:13:29,472 | What are we holding up with this huge, granite chamber? | What are we holding up with this huge, granite chamber? |
273 | 00:13:29,481 | 00:13:31,719 | Mastrelli: From a construction standpoint, | Mastrelli: From a construction standpoint, |
274 | 00:13:31,794 | 00:13:34,199 | This is part of what makes the great pyramid | This is part of what makes the great pyramid |
275 | 00:13:34,274 | 00:13:36,912 | One of the strangest buildings on earth. | One of the strangest buildings on earth. |
276 | 00:13:36,921 | 00:13:41,072 | The fact that less than one-tenth of 1% of its interior | The fact that less than one-tenth of 1% of its interior |
277 | 00:13:41,081 | 00:13:42,559 | Is open space. | Is open space. |
278 | 00:13:43,561 | 00:13:45,399 | Though some people have suggested | Though some people have suggested |
279 | 00:13:45,474 | 00:13:48,432 | That there may be other chambers yet to be discovered | That there may be other chambers yet to be discovered |
280 | 00:13:48,441 | 00:13:52,112 | Within the pyramid, lehner, like most archeologists | Within the pyramid, lehner, like most archeologists |
281 | 00:13:52,121 | 00:13:55,159 | Believes that over 99% of its volume | Believes that over 99% of its volume |
282 | 00:13:55,234 | 00:13:57,959 | Is comprised of stone blocks. | Is comprised of stone blocks. |
283 | 00:13:58,034 | 00:14:00,759 | Lehner: I think there's a good probability that the pyramid, | Lehner: I think there's a good probability that the pyramid, |
284 | 00:14:00,834 | 00:14:03,919 | Other than the chambers and passages we've been in is solid. | Other than the chambers and passages we've been in is solid. |
285 | 00:14:05,794 | 00:14:08,919 | Mastrelli: And that for peter james, as an engineer, | Mastrelli: And that for peter james, as an engineer, |
286 | 00:14:08,994 | 00:14:12,039 | Is the fact on which everything turns. | Is the fact on which everything turns. |
287 | 00:14:12,114 | 00:14:15,952 | He's spotted a problem which undercuts every current theory | He's spotted a problem which undercuts every current theory |
288 | 00:14:15,961 | 00:14:17,719 | About the pyramid's construction. | About the pyramid's construction. |
289 | 00:14:18,674 | 00:14:21,439 | And it demands a radical new idea. | And it demands a radical new idea. |
290 | 00:14:23,794 | 00:14:26,432 | Engineer peter james has built a career | Engineer peter james has built a career |
291 | 00:14:26,441 | 00:14:29,319 | On working on how ancient buildings were constructed. | On working on how ancient buildings were constructed. |
292 | 00:14:30,274 | 00:14:33,479 | Now, turning to look at the great pyramid in giza, | Now, turning to look at the great pyramid in giza, |
293 | 00:14:33,554 | 00:14:36,199 | He's focused on something that doesn't quite add up. | He's focused on something that doesn't quite add up. |
294 | 00:14:37,881 | 00:14:40,912 | It's generally agreed that the amount of limestone | It's generally agreed that the amount of limestone |
295 | 00:14:40,921 | 00:14:42,759 | Needed to complete the pyramid | Needed to complete the pyramid |
296 | 00:14:42,834 | 00:14:45,839 | Was about 95 million cubic feet. | Was about 95 million cubic feet. |
297 | 00:14:47,241 | 00:14:49,552 | That's similar to the volume of stone | That's similar to the volume of stone |
298 | 00:14:49,561 | 00:14:51,319 | Taken from the quarries. | Taken from the quarries. |
299 | 00:14:51,394 | 00:14:54,399 | And that in turn is a major problem. | And that in turn is a major problem. |
300 | 00:14:56,281 | 00:14:58,352 | There is no way of cutting square blocks | There is no way of cutting square blocks |
301 | 00:14:58,361 | 00:15:00,752 | Like the ones we see in the pyramid | Like the ones we see in the pyramid |
302 | 00:15:00,761 | 00:15:03,919 | Without producing vast quantities of waste. | Without producing vast quantities of waste. |
303 | 00:15:05,874 | 00:15:08,112 | James: The local quarry could not possibly | James: The local quarry could not possibly |
304 | 00:15:08,121 | 00:15:12,199 | Have given enough stone, in total, in this shape, | Have given enough stone, in total, in this shape, |
305 | 00:15:12,274 | 00:15:15,472 | And to this exact size all the way through. | And to this exact size all the way through. |
306 | 00:15:15,481 | 00:15:18,352 | It would not be possible, because removing the stone, | It would not be possible, because removing the stone, |
307 | 00:15:18,361 | 00:15:19,712 | Cleaning it, shaping it and putting it there, | Cleaning it, shaping it and putting it there, |
308 | 00:15:19,721 | 00:15:21,879 | There'd be an enormous waste factor. | There'd be an enormous waste factor. |
309 | 00:15:21,954 | 00:15:24,192 | Probably up to maybe 70%. | Probably up to maybe 70%. |
310 | 00:15:24,201 | 00:15:27,079 | Mastrelli: What that means by james' reckoning. | Mastrelli: What that means by james' reckoning. |
311 | 00:15:27,154 | 00:15:28,592 | Is that if the pyramid really | Is that if the pyramid really |
312 | 00:15:28,601 | 00:15:30,912 | Is a stack of blocks like these, | Is a stack of blocks like these, |
313 | 00:15:30,921 | 00:15:33,399 | The quarry should be three times bigger. | The quarry should be three times bigger. |
314 | 00:15:35,401 | 00:15:39,232 | Not only that, there should be a pile of waste somewhere | Not only that, there should be a pile of waste somewhere |
315 | 00:15:39,241 | 00:15:41,199 | More than twice the size of the pyramid. | More than twice the size of the pyramid. |
316 | 00:15:42,114 | 00:15:44,359 | So, either the pyramid is hollow, | So, either the pyramid is hollow, |
317 | 00:15:44,434 | 00:15:48,839 | A structural impossibility, or something else is going on. | A structural impossibility, or something else is going on. |
318 | 00:15:49,714 | 00:15:52,832 | Peter james finds his answer on the summit | Peter james finds his answer on the summit |
319 | 00:15:52,841 | 00:15:55,479 | Of a smaller ruined smaller pyramid nearby. | Of a smaller ruined smaller pyramid nearby. |
320 | 00:15:56,681 | 00:15:58,439 | (dramatic music) | (dramatic music) |
321 | 00:15:58,514 | 00:16:01,839 | This was a tomb that khufu built for one of his wives. | This was a tomb that khufu built for one of his wives. |
322 | 00:16:05,961 | 00:16:07,999 | Its insides are exposed, | Its insides are exposed, |
323 | 00:16:10,841 | 00:16:12,359 | And what he's now standing on | And what he's now standing on |
324 | 00:16:12,434 | 00:16:15,799 | Is not carefully cut stone but rubble. | Is not carefully cut stone but rubble. |
325 | 00:16:18,441 | 00:16:21,239 | Still, we don't know what the great pyramid's core | Still, we don't know what the great pyramid's core |
326 | 00:16:21,314 | 00:16:23,072 | Is made from. | Is made from. |
327 | 00:16:23,081 | 00:16:26,672 | It's always been assumed that, like the parts we can see, | It's always been assumed that, like the parts we can see, |
328 | 00:16:26,681 | 00:16:29,799 | It's made of stacked stone blocks. | It's made of stacked stone blocks. |
329 | 00:16:29,874 | 00:16:31,312 | But putting himself | But putting himself |
330 | 00:16:31,321 | 00:16:33,239 | In the position of the pyramid builders, | In the position of the pyramid builders, |
331 | 00:16:33,314 | 00:16:35,152 | James comes to what he believes | James comes to what he believes |
332 | 00:16:35,161 | 00:16:37,279 | Is the only logical solution, | Is the only logical solution, |
333 | 00:16:38,434 | 00:16:40,759 | That these stones are just a shell | That these stones are just a shell |
334 | 00:16:41,961 | 00:16:44,199 | And the core is simply rubble. | And the core is simply rubble. |
335 | 00:16:45,321 | 00:16:47,559 | James: Who would possibly think of building | James: Who would possibly think of building |
336 | 00:16:47,634 | 00:16:49,792 | This massive structure with blocks all the way through? | This massive structure with blocks all the way through? |
337 | 00:16:49,801 | 00:16:50,832 | Just not necessary. | Just not necessary. |
338 | 00:16:50,841 | 00:16:52,519 | Builders wouldn't do that. | Builders wouldn't do that. |
339 | 00:16:52,594 | 00:16:54,352 | They would do the outer casing, do whatever they had to, | They would do the outer casing, do whatever they had to, |
340 | 00:16:54,361 | 00:16:56,839 | Three or four courses of it, and everything else inside | Three or four courses of it, and everything else inside |
341 | 00:16:56,914 | 00:16:57,879 | Would just be fill. | Would just be fill. |
342 | 00:16:58,834 | 00:17:00,759 | This is how the pyramids were built. | This is how the pyramids were built. |
343 | 00:17:02,514 | 00:17:05,312 | Mastrelli: The egyptologists' argument against this | Mastrelli: The egyptologists' argument against this |
344 | 00:17:05,321 | 00:17:07,472 | Is that it fails to take into account | Is that it fails to take into account |
345 | 00:17:07,481 | 00:17:09,199 | The egyptian's beliefs. | The egyptian's beliefs. |
346 | 00:17:11,314 | 00:17:13,239 | Jeffreys: As an engineer, peter james | Jeffreys: As an engineer, peter james |
347 | 00:17:13,314 | 00:17:17,239 | Takes a supremely practical line approach | Takes a supremely practical line approach |
348 | 00:17:17,314 | 00:17:18,759 | To the construction of the pyramid. | To the construction of the pyramid. |
349 | 00:17:18,834 | 00:17:21,639 | He insists that things have to be done | He insists that things have to be done |
350 | 00:17:21,714 | 00:17:23,239 | With the minimum of effort. | With the minimum of effort. |
351 | 00:17:23,314 | 00:17:25,392 | But in actual fact, some of the evidence we have, | But in actual fact, some of the evidence we have, |
352 | 00:17:25,401 | 00:17:27,232 | For the giza pyramids at least, | For the giza pyramids at least, |
353 | 00:17:27,241 | 00:17:30,752 | Shows that it's the exact opposite. | Shows that it's the exact opposite. |
354 | 00:17:30,761 | 00:17:33,959 | Mastrelli: If khufu wanted the best for its own sake, | Mastrelli: If khufu wanted the best for its own sake, |
355 | 00:17:34,034 | 00:17:36,439 | And if the builders viewed constructing the pyramid | And if the builders viewed constructing the pyramid |
356 | 00:17:36,514 | 00:17:40,119 | As a religious act, then normal logic wouldn't apply. | As a religious act, then normal logic wouldn't apply. |
357 | 00:17:41,801 | 00:17:43,159 | Jeffreys: The more work that's gone into it, | Jeffreys: The more work that's gone into it, |
358 | 00:17:43,234 | 00:17:44,599 | The more effort that's gone into it, | The more effort that's gone into it, |
359 | 00:17:44,674 | 00:17:48,272 | The more expense, if you like, in all terms | The more expense, if you like, in all terms |
360 | 00:17:48,281 | 00:17:53,199 | That has gone into it, adds to the value of the structure. | That has gone into it, adds to the value of the structure. |
361 | 00:17:55,161 | 00:17:59,239 | Mastrelli: But james persists, because he is coming to believe | Mastrelli: But james persists, because he is coming to believe |
362 | 00:17:59,314 | 00:18:02,759 | That his way is the only way that the great pyramid | That his way is the only way that the great pyramid |
363 | 00:18:02,834 | 00:18:04,039 | Could have been built. | Could have been built. |
364 | 00:18:05,394 | 00:18:08,592 | The evidence says that it took between 20 and 30 years | The evidence says that it took between 20 and 30 years |
365 | 00:18:08,601 | 00:18:10,352 | To build the great pyramid. | To build the great pyramid. |
366 | 00:18:10,361 | 00:18:14,432 | But with an estimated 2.3 million blocks, | But with an estimated 2.3 million blocks, |
367 | 00:18:14,441 | 00:18:16,919 | That could mean positioning one block | That could mean positioning one block |
368 | 00:18:16,994 | 00:18:21,919 | Approximately every six minutes night and day for 25 years. | Approximately every six minutes night and day for 25 years. |
369 | 00:18:22,761 | 00:18:25,632 | James: The ancient egyptians were ahead of their time, | James: The ancient egyptians were ahead of their time, |
370 | 00:18:25,641 | 00:18:28,119 | But they were not miracle workers. | But they were not miracle workers. |
371 | 00:18:28,194 | 00:18:31,039 | Mastrelli: So, james continues to develop his theory. | Mastrelli: So, james continues to develop his theory. |
372 | 00:18:32,361 | 00:18:35,159 | He's now convinced that this single decision | He's now convinced that this single decision |
373 | 00:18:35,234 | 00:18:37,552 | To use rubble instead of cut stone | To use rubble instead of cut stone |
374 | 00:18:37,561 | 00:18:39,799 | Makes all the major problems go away. | Makes all the major problems go away. |
375 | 00:18:40,921 | 00:18:44,512 | James: If the pyramid is full of small stones and rubble, | James: If the pyramid is full of small stones and rubble, |
376 | 00:18:44,521 | 00:18:48,432 | You don't need an army of expert masons and stonemasons | You don't need an army of expert masons and stonemasons |
377 | 00:18:48,441 | 00:18:50,832 | To build it, it could be done by semi-skilled people. | To build it, it could be done by semi-skilled people. |
378 | 00:18:50,841 | 00:18:52,592 | Mastrelli: Most importantly, | Mastrelli: Most importantly, |
379 | 00:18:52,601 | 00:18:54,512 | That rubble could easily be packed | That rubble could easily be packed |
380 | 00:18:54,521 | 00:18:57,152 | Into whatever shape they wished. | Into whatever shape they wished. |
381 | 00:18:57,161 | 00:19:00,079 | The core and the ramps would be one and the same. | The core and the ramps would be one and the same. |
382 | 00:19:02,034 | 00:19:04,759 | As it went up, a pyramid built this way | As it went up, a pyramid built this way |
383 | 00:19:04,834 | 00:19:06,992 | Would look more like a modern quarry | Would look more like a modern quarry |
384 | 00:19:07,001 | 00:19:08,799 | Than any conventional building. | Than any conventional building. |
385 | 00:19:09,714 | 00:19:12,799 | Put altogether, the theory works like this. | Put altogether, the theory works like this. |
386 | 00:19:14,674 | 00:19:17,319 | The corners come first to make a perfect square. | The corners come first to make a perfect square. |
387 | 00:19:18,201 | 00:19:21,759 | Then they join to form a curtain wall and the fill goes in. | Then they join to form a curtain wall and the fill goes in. |
388 | 00:19:22,921 | 00:19:25,799 | A rubble ramp takes more blocks and more rubble | A rubble ramp takes more blocks and more rubble |
389 | 00:19:25,874 | 00:19:30,119 | To the next level, and so it continues. | To the next level, and so it continues. |
390 | 00:19:30,194 | 00:19:33,079 | It means that the vast bulk of the material, | It means that the vast bulk of the material, |
391 | 00:19:33,154 | 00:19:35,632 | Including the white limestone cladding, | Including the white limestone cladding, |
392 | 00:19:35,641 | 00:19:38,432 | Can be fed up the inside. | Can be fed up the inside. |
393 | 00:19:38,441 | 00:19:41,719 | But some egyptologists are less than fully persuaded. | But some egyptologists are less than fully persuaded. |
394 | 00:19:41,794 | 00:19:45,639 | Jeffreys: It's an ingenious idea but I don't see the proof | Jeffreys: It's an ingenious idea but I don't see the proof |
395 | 00:19:45,714 | 00:19:49,399 | Or the evidence for these internal ramps that he proposes. | Or the evidence for these internal ramps that he proposes. |
396 | 00:19:50,354 | 00:19:51,639 | Mastrelli: James's belief | Mastrelli: James's belief |
397 | 00:19:51,714 | 00:19:53,959 | Is that the proof could be acquired, | Is that the proof could be acquired, |
398 | 00:19:54,034 | 00:19:55,879 | But only at the cost of damaging | But only at the cost of damaging |
399 | 00:19:55,954 | 00:19:57,639 | The world's most famous monument. | The world's most famous monument. |
400 | 00:19:59,634 | 00:20:01,479 | James: I believe the internal ramps are still in the pyramid, | James: I believe the internal ramps are still in the pyramid, |
401 | 00:20:01,554 | 00:20:03,879 | That if we were allowed to drill 30 or 40 meters | That if we were allowed to drill 30 or 40 meters |
402 | 00:20:03,954 | 00:20:07,312 | Inside the pyramid we would have a complete guide | Inside the pyramid we would have a complete guide |
403 | 00:20:07,321 | 00:20:09,232 | To what's inside. | To what's inside. |
404 | 00:20:09,241 | 00:20:12,279 | Mastrelli: Given the pyramid's unique importance, | Mastrelli: Given the pyramid's unique importance, |
405 | 00:20:12,354 | 00:20:15,552 | This is clearly not an option. | This is clearly not an option. |
406 | 00:20:15,561 | 00:20:17,799 | Until we have the technology to scan | Until we have the technology to scan |
407 | 00:20:17,874 | 00:20:19,952 | And see beneath these stones, | And see beneath these stones, |
408 | 00:20:19,961 | 00:20:22,919 | There won't be a definitive answer. | There won't be a definitive answer. |
409 | 00:20:22,994 | 00:20:25,472 | And the fact that we still can't say for sure | And the fact that we still can't say for sure |
410 | 00:20:25,481 | 00:20:28,672 | How this structure went up must remain part | How this structure went up must remain part |
411 | 00:20:28,681 | 00:20:30,752 | Of its fascination. | Of its fascination. |
412 | 00:20:30,761 | 00:20:33,559 | Jeffreys: We can't see the interior of the great pyramid, | Jeffreys: We can't see the interior of the great pyramid, |
413 | 00:20:33,634 | 00:20:38,519 | Except where the egyptians have created access into it. | Except where the egyptians have created access into it. |
414 | 00:20:38,594 | 00:20:40,592 | Mastrelli: And does what james is proposing | Mastrelli: And does what james is proposing |
415 | 00:20:40,601 | 00:20:43,519 | Make khufu's achievements any less remarkable? | Make khufu's achievements any less remarkable? |
416 | 00:20:44,361 | 00:20:46,039 | Naunton: I think however they did it, | Naunton: I think however they did it, |
417 | 00:20:47,401 | 00:20:49,152 | What is most impressive is that they did, | What is most impressive is that they did, |
418 | 00:20:49,161 | 00:20:50,519 | And that it's still there. | And that it's still there. |
419 | 00:20:50,594 | 00:20:51,879 | So, I would say no whether it's rubble | So, I would say no whether it's rubble |
420 | 00:20:51,954 | 00:20:53,319 | Or solid, solid blocks. | Or solid, solid blocks. |
421 | 00:20:53,394 | 00:20:54,919 | What's impressive is that they achieved | What's impressive is that they achieved |
422 | 00:20:54,994 | 00:20:55,799 | What they intended to achieve. | What they intended to achieve. |
423 | 00:20:57,154 | 00:21:01,952 | Mastrelli: Around 2566 bce khufu died. | Mastrelli: Around 2566 bce khufu died. |
424 | 00:21:01,961 | 00:21:04,759 | His body was transported up the nile, | His body was transported up the nile, |
425 | 00:21:05,794 | 00:21:07,879 | And when the pyramid was sealed, | And when the pyramid was sealed, |
426 | 00:21:07,954 | 00:21:09,719 | The greatest building project | The greatest building project |
427 | 00:21:09,794 | 00:21:12,239 | In the ancient world was complete. | In the ancient world was complete. |
428 | 00:21:13,081 | 00:21:15,479 | Lehner: I've been convinced that khufu's architects | Lehner: I've been convinced that khufu's architects |
429 | 00:21:15,554 | 00:21:18,759 | Stood right here to plan the building of the great pyramid | Stood right here to plan the building of the great pyramid |
430 | 00:21:20,114 | 00:21:22,519 | Because of the opportunities this site offered | Because of the opportunities this site offered |
431 | 00:21:22,594 | 00:21:24,359 | For a major nile port. | For a major nile port. |
432 | 00:21:25,314 | 00:21:28,599 | The canal would've fed into the great basins of giza | The canal would've fed into the great basins of giza |
433 | 00:21:28,674 | 00:21:32,119 | With deliveries from the levant, granite from aswan. | With deliveries from the levant, granite from aswan. |
434 | 00:21:33,721 | 00:21:36,432 | This was a very busy bustling port. | This was a very busy bustling port. |
435 | 00:21:36,441 | 00:21:39,999 | It would've been truly the major port city of its time. | It would've been truly the major port city of its time. |
436 | 00:21:42,361 | 00:21:44,352 | Mastrelli: Of the seven wonders of the ancient world, | Mastrelli: Of the seven wonders of the ancient world, |
437 | 00:21:44,361 | 00:21:46,519 | There's only one that still endures, | There's only one that still endures, |
438 | 00:21:46,594 | 00:21:48,599 | The great pyramid of khufu. | The great pyramid of khufu. |
439 | 00:21:48,674 | 00:21:51,559 | Whether it helped him reach his goal of immortality | Whether it helped him reach his goal of immortality |
440 | 00:21:51,634 | 00:21:53,959 | Is unknowable, but we can be sure of this, | Is unknowable, but we can be sure of this, |
441 | 00:21:54,034 | 00:21:56,359 | Khufu's pyramid has memorialized | Khufu's pyramid has memorialized |
442 | 00:21:56,434 | 00:21:59,399 | All of ancient egypt for millennia. | All of ancient egypt for millennia. |