A groundbreaking discovery has shed new light on the construction of the Egyptian pyramids. Researchers have identified a long-lost branch of the Nile River, crucial for transporting materials to the pyramid sites.
The study, published in the journal "Communication Earth and Environment," was led by Dr. Eman Ghoneim of the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. The research team utilized satellite imagery, radar data, and sediment analysis to map the course of the now-vanished waterway, dubbed the Ahramat branch (Arabic for "pyramid").
The Ahramat branch ran along the base of 31 of the most important Egyptian pyramids, stretching for 64 kilometers. This discovery confirms the long-held suspicion that the Nile played a vital role in the construction of these monumental structures.
The branch, approximately half a kilometer wide and 25 meters deep, provided a convenient route for transporting the massive stone blocks used in pyramid construction. Along its banks, the Egyptians built elevated platforms and pathways for unloading materials.
The research also revealed that the river's course and water levels changed over time, influencing the locations chosen for the pyramids. The team also discovered evidence of causeways leading to the Ahramat branch, further supporting its use for transporting building materials.
This discovery not only enhances our understanding of the logistics behind pyramid construction but also highlights the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians in adapting to their environment.