There has been considerable debate for a long time about exactly how the Egyptians moved the 2.5 ton stones that make up their famous pyramids. We do know that the massive pyramids can be seen from space and were built without the help of modern technology.
Researchers from the FOM Foundation and the University of Amsterdam believe they have figured out how incredibly large stones made their way to the middle of the desert without massive mechanical assistance.
What was the trick?
Through experiments and simulated desert conditions, scientists were able to show adding a small amount of water to sand significantly reduces the sliding friction. Researchers believe the Egyptians probably soaked the desert sand in order to greatly reduce friction for sledges, making the sledges easier to operate and reducing the pulling force up to 50%.
Wall painting depicts the same concept:
Adding more evidence to the conclusion from the researchers is the fact that a wall painting discovered in the ancient tomb of Djehutihotep, which dates back to about 1900 B.C., depicts 172 men hauling an immense statue using ropes attached to a sledge. In the drawing, a person can be seen standing on the front of the sledge, pouring water onto the sand just in front of the progressing sledge.
