SPEAKER:
Distinguished Professor Michel W. Barsoum, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA
SYNOPSIS:
For about 4500 years, the mystery of how the Great Pyramids of Giza were built has endured. How did the Ancient Egyptians pull 70 ton granite slabs up an earthen ramp —without the benefit of wheels— 2/3 up the Great Pyramid? How did they carve granite, with pure copper? In some cases, adjacent blocks fit so well together that, even today, a human hair card cannot be inserted between them. Most important, to this day, Egyptologists have yet to explain how the tops of the pyramids – the so called “problem at the top” – were built, as well as, the absence of any evidence for ramps.
In this talk, I will present compelling scientific evidence – including C-dating results – that some of the pyramid blocks were cast using a combination of weathered limestone, diatomaceous earth and lime. And while this does not solve all of the aforementioned mysteries, it does solve the “problem at the top” and the lack of ramps. The historical, archaeological, and technological implications of our conclusions to today’s world are profound and will be touched upon.