The Creation Wiki is now operating on a new and improved server.
Pyramid
From CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science
Pyramids of all different shapes and sizes lie scattered across the ancient land of Egypt, some in complete ruins while others withstand the test of time. While there are around 100 pyramids total there are around 17 significant ones that stand out the most through their history and modern day beauty. [1] Because of the vast age of these monuments that were constructed so long ago, it is difficult for archaeologists to pinpoint specific dates and facts pertaining to each one. From deteriorating artifacts, grave robbers, and simply time itself, there is just not enough evidence to support conclusive data. With the help of biblical records and time constraints mentioned within scripture, archaeologists are able to compare historical findings with the Bible to help construct firm theories. The new chronology was created with the help of the Bible and allows researchers to correspond knowledge and people of ancient times to those talked about within God's word itself. For example, Mizraim's founding of Egypt, Abraham's journey to Egypt, Joseph the vizier to a pharaoh, Moses and the Hebrew slaves' participation in the construction of pyramids. Beginning from the first idea of a pyramid to the great pyramids of the later dynasties, it is incredible to see the vast developments the Egyptians took and how their devotion to these magnificent structures is still evident today.
Contents |
The Beginning of the Pyramids
The knowledge of the origin of such great architectural creations such as the pyramids of Egypt has been widely debated. One of the theories postulated by David Wright is that the intelligence of how to construct such massive monuments came from Babel and those who created the Tower of Babel. The first clue into this belief is that Egypt was established a hundred or so years after the Tower of Babel. The first actual pyramid to be erected was the Step Pyramid of Saqqara and it was not built until the 3rd dynasty. Its construction would have been somewhere between 2100 and 2000 B.C. Archeologists have dated the Tower of Babel to be around 2250 B.C. which would provide more than an adequate amount of time for people to migrate and distribute information. There would be approximately 150-250 years between the days of the Tower of Babel and the first pyramids of Egypt. [2]
Egypt is also called by the name Mistrayim which translates to Mizraim, or Ham’s son. Mizraim is the grandson of Noah from the Bible and is believed to be the founder of the land of Egypt. (Genesis 10:6,13 ) After living in Babel, Mizraim took his family to live in the land of Egypt. He brought with him his 8 children, 4 of which were girls and 4 of which were boys. By calculating the marriages of his children, and the amount of children an average couple would have during that time, it can be estimated that over the course of 30 years each couple would have around 8 children each. This approximation would lead to around 30,000 descendants of Mizraim over the course of 150 years which would be around the time the first pyramid was constructed. If however the time between the Tower of Babel and Egypt was more like 250 years, there could very well have been around 1 million descendants which would be more than enough people to build these massive structures. Because the Bible states in Genesis 11 of how the people back then lived to be quite old, such as over 200 years old, the amount of people living in the land could have been enormous. Although many people would be needed to build a pyramid, 1 million was probably not necessary. Because it is thought that the pyramids were based off of previous structures, such as the Tower of Babel, they would have had a good intellect of how to already construct it. They also would have had helpful technologies such as cranes, ramps, pulleys and other building mechanisms to lessen the work for the actual working bodies. It is also possible that the Egyptians either hired help from neighboring peoples, or forced slave labor, or both to conserve time. [2]
Ancient alien theory
Theories of alien intelligence being involved in the building of the pyramids is propagated by the History Channel on their program titled, "Ancient Aliens". The critical scholarship however does not endorse such fantastic theories and maintains that the pyramids were built by Egyptian architects. There was a cultural cult of worshiping the dead that developed the need for massive housing so to allow proper ceremony and ritual.
| “ | Rising from the plain of GIZA and at other locations, the structures were no longer simple tombs but stages for elaborate ceremonies where priests offered continual prayers and gifts as part of an ongoing mortuary cult. Later pharaohs were forced to reduce the size of their pyramids, eventually abandoning the form entirely because of a lack of resources, but the Giza monuments remained vivid examples of Egypt’s architectural glories.[3] | ” |
Dynasty 3
The Step Pyramid of Saqqara
The Step Pyramid of Saqqara is said to be one of the greatest advancements in ancient day construction. This structure is believed to be the very first actual pyramid of Egypt, which replaced the flat, rectangular mastabas. The idea of the Step Pyramid is thought to have derived from the Mesopotamian ziggurats, much like those in Ur. Netjerykhet, better known as Zoser or Djoser, was the 2nd king of the 3rd dynasty and was responsible for this pyramid's construction, but the mind behind its actual creation is believed to have been Zoser’s vizier named Imhotep. This pyramid alone jump started the creation of all other pyramids that would later be built by following pharaohs of Egypt. Unlike mud bricks used to build the mastabas, stone blocks were used to produce this pyramid and pave the way for even greater ones to come. [4] At the beginning of its formation it is believed that the Step Pyramid started off as being another mastaba with a burial shaft and tomb chamber. It is debated whether or not the other stages added were intentional from the start or if they were an additional idea that came after construction already began. There are a total of six steps, or stages. This pyramid was built in three different phases, the first layer and then four of which were built after the original layer and two more layers following that. The base is measured to be 410 by 354 feet with a height of 203 feet. Surrounding the land of the pyramid is a 34.4 foot wall.[4] Inside this original edifice was found only a partial remain of a human body and other smaller artifacts. A single hip bone was derived from the tomb and was later deciphered as being from a woman. Archaeologists also found 40,000 stone plates and cups made of alabaster and also semi-precious stones. Outside the pyramid a replicated statue of King Zoser stands at guard by the entrance. The original statue is currently located within the Cairo museum safely on display. Like most of the following pyramids it was also covered in white limestone to hide its imperfect sides. Since then other builders have taken the distinct facing and reused them for their own benefit, but modern day architects have since recovered part of the pyramid to show what it could have appeared as in ancient times. Although time has taken away pieces of this pyramid, it has its benefits. Archeologists are now able to configure how and in what sort of states they were built by examining the different stones in different layers.[4]
Dynasty 4
Seneferu
Seneferu was the first king to erect an actual pyramid in its true form as people in modern times see them. As the first king of the 4th dynasty, he built a total of three pyramids. Combined, the stones of all three pyramids totaled to around 9 million tons. It is still unknown as to the exact reason why Seneferu decided to construct three large pyramids instead of a single one for himself in the afterlife. There are several thoughts about this being debated upon such as if he wanted his structures to be perfect and needed to keep building until he made one that was. Another is if he simply wanted to keep building one after another, and not stopping. Regardless of the reason why he continued to build these pyramids, he is still known today as the ‘greatest pyramid builder of all time.’ [5]
Meidum Pyramid
The first pyramid constructed under the reign of Seneferu was the Meidum pyramid, named after its location. This 302 feet high structure is surrounded by several mastabas as it rises at a 51.5 degree angle and covers 482 feet travelling diagonally across the base. Although this first pyramid was never fully completed, there was an odd pile of rubble found at its base. This pile went under lots of speculation as to what caused the destruction and why it was there. It wasn’t until 1984, when Egyptian archaeologists began taking away some of the rubble in order to figure out exactly what had occurred. By examining the pieces being excavated archeologists can find more facts and evidence as to its cause. Though the pyramid’s construction was never actually completed, writings on a funeral chapel prove its date of construction. Located east of the pyramid the texts from the 18th dynasty include the mentioning of King Seneferu and his temple. Aside from these writings as evidence, there is still speculation that this pyramid was not the work of Seneferu, but of the following pharaoh by the name of Huni. He was the last pharaoh of the 3rd dynasty, but no actual evidence has been provided to prove that the pyramid in Meidum was in fact his. [5]
Bent Pyramid
The second pyramid of Seneferu is the Bent Pyramid of Dahshur. Out of all the pyramids in Egypt, this pyramid looks the most like it did back in its creation. Much of the outer covering is still intact, unlike other pyramids that have been stripped of its facing stones by other builders. It is said to be the most well-preserved of the pyramids and provides the best example to modern day viewers of these ancient structures. It is called the Bent Pyramid because of its odd angular change during its construction. When viewed, it is easily seen that the builders began shaping the pyramid at a 52 degree angle, but higher up it changes to a 43 degree angle. The sole reason for this dramatic difference is still unknown. Some possibilities that researchers have brought up are lack of funds, Seneferu’s successor had to finish the project and refused to keep paying that high a price for it, or it was in danger of collapsing and the change was a necessity to continue building. Another postulation is that the two distinguishable halves of the pyramid are a representation of the two Upper and Lower halves of Egypt. [5] This pyramid has a base of 617 feet square and holds two chambers within its walls. These two chambers are connected through passageways running throughout the pyramid. The archeologists who discovered this pyramid found nothing within either of the two chambers. On the outside there are two entrances on either the north or west sides. Also on the outside of the pyramid there is located an inscription on the northeast corner. Written in red ochre, the statement says that it was the 21st year of Seneferu. Another caption was found halfway up the pyramid which states that it was the 22nd year of Seneferu. These writings are believed to have indicated the year of which the pyramid was being constructed. The only questionable part of this theory is that the builders only took around two years to create the bottom half of the pyramid. Through calculations of manual labor and the enormity of the project, it would otherwise seem an extremely difficult and nigh impossible feat. [5]
Red Pyramid
The Red Pyramid is located just north of the Bent Pyramid. The final pyramid of Seneferu stands 344 feet high and has a base length of 722 feet. It is believed to be the first actual pyramid to be constructed in its true angular form as people in modern times see pyramids, with its flat sides and accurate angles. This was the only pyramid whose complete structure retained the same ideal angle, this one in particular was kept at a constant 43 degree angle. Being the last of Seneferu’s accomplishments within the architectural world, it is believed that he wanted to finally construct a complete pyramid fit for a king. Because the past attempt at a 52 degree angle appeared to have failed, such as with the Bent Pyramid, it would have been ideally safer to build a whole pyramid at a constant lower angle. Unlike Seneferu’s second pyramid, the Red Pyramid has already lost its outer shell of stones to cover the not as appealing building stones. But even though it lost its lustrous coat it still has its capstone. Within the walls there are passageways, two antechambers, and a tomb chamber. Inside the tomb chamber researchers were able to find the remains of some human bodies. These bodies that were found cannot be distinguished as to who they formerly were. There are writings on this pyramid as well which indicate that it was built within the 21st and 23rd year of an unidentified king. Although Seneferu was not mentioned by name, he is still believed to be the master behind this monument. Of course if the writing is true and Seneferu did in fact build the Red Pyramid another question is speculated as to if he would have built both the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid around the same time. [5]
Abraham
Abraham's journey to Egypt is thought to be a significant factor in the construction of the pyramids. Because of a famine within the land of Canaan, of which he hailed from, Abraham and Sarai traveled to Egypt. Going into Egypt the Bible tells of how Abraham deceived the pharaoh by telling him Sarai was his sister instead of his wife. Consequences rained down on the pharaoh because he made her a part of his harem. Thus he realized the lie and sent her back to Abraham. Along with her return, the pharaoh '...also made him a large present in money, and gave him leave to enter into conversation with the most learned among the Egyptians; from which conversation his virtue and his reputation became more conspicuous than they had been before.' Genesis 13:2 even mentions Abraham leaving the land with his wife in a wealthy state after being sent away by the pharaoh, "Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold." He is believed to have been 'a very wise man, and one of great sagacity.' It is suggested through the writings of ancient Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, that Abraham provided the Egyptians with much knowledge from his homeland that they had never thought of before. 'he communicated to them arithmetic, and delivered to them the science of astronomy.' The works of Josephus continue to say that the Chaldean knowledge of the sciences traveled to Egypt with Abraham and later to the Greeks. The Egyptians had never before been familiar with the suggestions and studies he brought before them. This new knowledge presumably helped the pharaoh reconfigure the great pyramids of Egypt into the astonishing and symmetrical forms they are, as is evident from their current status. It is during the approximate time that Abraham visited Egypt before leaving that there was a major change within pyramid construction that shaped them into greater structures. [6]
Within the new chronology Abraham is dated to have arrived in Egypt a little after 1875 BC. According to Exodus 6:4 a covenant was made between God and Abraham. Also on record in the Bible, Galatians 3:16-17 indicates that the covenant made with Abraham was created 430 years before the date of which it is being discussed in the scriptures. Thus because the Exodus from Egypt itself is approximated to date around 1445 B.C., 430 years prior to that would lead archeologists to approximate Abraham's presence in Egypt, where he provided the leaders with vast knowledge which helped to construct the great faces that mark their land, at around 1875 B.C. [7] This system of dating helps to better align biblical events with historical data gathered through archaeological research. For example by comparing dates it is estimated that Abraham would have arrived in Egypt around the same time that Khufu was pharaoh over Egypt. If this were true it would make sense that the Great Pyramid of Egypt had such sudden precision and accuracy in its construction. In addition, because the pyramid was found to be in alignment with the points of a compass, the astronomical intelligence brought from the land of Ur of the Chaldees by Abraham, where the study of science was quite advanced, would be a wise explanation. Genesis 11 [8]
Pyramid of Khufu
The Great Pyramid of Gizeh is the single largest Egyptian pyramid in the world. The son of Seneferu, Khufu, or Cheops, built this 480 foot high monument as his tomb for eternity. It was considered to be one of the Old Kingdom structures, but its geometric accuracy leaves even modern day people astonished. It is also found that each of the corners of the pyramid face each direction of north, south, east, and west. [9] Constructed in the 4th dynasty, approximately in the 19th century B.C. according to the revised chronology, Khufu used around 2,300,000 stones to build it. [10]Each of these stones individually would have weighed around 2.5 tons each. Some of them have even reached weights that go over 16 tons. In the burial chamber some of the granite slabs that were found weighed over 50 tons. The base of this incredible structure covers around 750 feet of ground along the side. [9]
| “ | The work went on in three-monthly shifts, a hundred thousand men in a shift. It took ten years of this oppressive slave labour to build the track along which the blocks were hauled -- a work in my opinion of hardly less magnitude than the pyramid itself, for it is five furlongs in length.... To build the pyramid itself took 20 years --Herodotus [10] | ” |
Dynasty 12 and 13
Sesostris I and Mentuhotep
Sesostris I was believed to have been pharaoh over Egypt during the 12th dynasty. With the new revised chronology archeologists date the biblical Joseph coming to power as vizier in Egypt under Sesostris I. Archeological findings lead to Sesostris I having a second in command by the name of Mentuhotep. Because of the similarities in dates, it is suggested that Mentuhotep was in fact Joseph, the son of Jacob. Emille Brugsh states in his book Egypt Under the Pharaohs that "In a word, our Mentuhotep....appears as the alter ego of the king. When he arrived, the great personages bowed down before him at the outer door of the royal palace." This statement aligns similarly to that of the Bible in Genesis when the pharaoh gave Joseph absolute power over the land aside from his own. Egyptian inscriptions found continue to support the famine, the Bible says, Joseph predicted from interpreting pharaoh's dream for it said, "...Because Hapy [the river god] had failed to come in time in a period of seven year. Grain was scant, kernels were dried up, scarce was every kind of food..." There is also another writing found by a provincial governor of the time telling how he helped to preserve food and despite the famine they were well prepared and the people remained in good spirits. [8]
"He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and men shouted before him, 'Make wasy!' Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt." Genesis 41:43
South Lisht Pyramid
The only pyramid constructed by Sesostris I in the 12th dynasty was the South Lisht Pyramid. Built sometime during the 12th dynasty, the building stones were made of limestone. Apart from the actual foundational stones, the pyramid was solidified by filling the open crevices with unfired bricks. After completing the monument it was covered with Tura limestone to give off a more beautiful and elaborate appearance. The total height of Sesostris I’s pyramid was 200 feet (61 meters) and the length of one of its sides was 344 feet (105 meters). Along with his own place of burial, Sesostris I built ten other smaller satellite pyramids surrounding his. These other chambers were for the royal family and were supposed to keep them in the afterlife. For example one of these pyramids was created for Nefru, the wife of Sesostris I. Her satellite pyramid was constructed slightly larger than the rest of them, but the others also only housed deceased women of the family, not men. Mastabas were also found located in the same vicinity of the main pyramid. [11]
Moses
According to the shortened time line provided by biblical records, Joseph, Jacob, and Moses were all to have lived in Egypt during the 12th dynasty. During the reign of Amenemhet III, his daughter, Sebekneferu, was believed to be the one who rescued baby Moses from the river. As portrayed in Exodus 2 of Moses' birth, his birth mother made for him a basket and floated him safely down the river where the pharaoh's princess came to find him and keep him as her own. While the Bible states that she 'came down to wash herself at the river', it is now presumed that because of her infertility and the Egyptian belief in gods, she was there praying to the fertility god for a child. Raised within the pharaoh's house, Moses would have been like a son under Amenemhet III's rule. Amenemhet III is said to be the last pharaoh to build one of the great pyramids which lies 70 miles south of Cairo in what would have been called Hawarra. In that same passage in Exodus it tells of how Moses, when he was grown around the age of 40, secretly killed an Egyptian who was beating one of the Hebrew slaves. When he went to disband a quarrel between two of the Hebrews they confronted him about his furtive murder. The pharaoh soon caught word of Moses' betrayal which forced Moses to escape to Midian. Sobekneferu was the last of her dynasty because she bore no children and Moses, her only heir, fled. After 40 years time, Moses returns to Egypt as commanded by God. By this time Sobekneferu and all those who knew of his previous life had died. (Exodus 4:19 ) He returned to finally free his people from the Egyptian oppressors. The pharaoh who endured the wrath of God during the 12 plagues of Egypt is believed to be Neferhotep I of the 13th dynasty. [1]
Israelites
"Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt. "Look," he said to his people, "the Israelites have become much too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country." So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites and worked them ruthlessly. They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor the Egyptians used them ruthlessly." Exodus 1:8-14
The 12th dynasty era is found to be the time when pyramids were made of mud-bricks. These massive stones were dried by the sun to harden and as they were constructed into pyramids, covered by smooth stones. The addition of the stones on the surface provided the pyramids with a more grandiose appearance in place of the mud slabs. Amenemhet III constructed his own mud-brick pyramids. Because he is believed to be the pharaoh who ruled during Moses' stay in Egypt, he is also believed to be the sole oppressor of the Iraelites, forcing them to construct his pyramids through harsh labor. With the shortened chronology and biblical records, the Israelites did presumably build pyramids during the 12th dynasty, creating the stones themselves. Exodus 5:7-8 proves that the reigning pharaoh forced their labor into constructing some monument for it says, "You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks; let them go and gather their own straw. But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don't reduce the quota. they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.'" Josephus' ancient writings also provide evidence that the Israelites were slaves in Egypt and did in fact build their pyramids. "They [the Egyptian taskmasters] set them also to build pyramids." [1]
Despite the doubt from other archeologists and the old chronology, biblical accounts specifically mark the dates of the Israelite's in Egypt during the 12th dynasty at approximately 1660 to 1445 BC. IKings 6:1 helps to put the Israelites into a timeline for it states, "In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the temple of the Lord." [1]
There is also evidence found about the great exodus from Egypt. The secular archeologists can not decipher why such a mass of people would migrate so quickly from the land. Only the Bible can confirm the reason why so many Hebrew slaves detained in Egypt would suddenly be released and allowed to leave. [1] Another piece of evidence proving the Israelites existence in Egypt is the discovery of several excavated boxes found buried beneath what would have been the Hebrews houses. Inside these boxes were several skeletons of babies. These babies are believed to be those that were ordered to be killed by the pharaoh, the order of which brought Moses into the Egyptian palace. Exodus 1:16
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 The Pyramids of Ancient Egypt By David Down. First published: Creation 26(4):44–49 September 2004
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Were There Enough People to Build the Pyramids? By David Wright. Answers. February 13, 2008
- ↑ Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt By Margaret R. Bunson. 2002 Revised Edition, pg. 50
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 (Ashton, John and David Down. Unwrapping the Pharaohs. October 2006. Master Books Inc. pg. 15-16,18-19)
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 (Ashton pg. 32-35)
- ↑ Antiquities of the Jews: Book 1: Chapter 8 By Flavius Josephus. The Works of Flavius Josephus. Bible Study Tools
- ↑ (Ashton pg. 37)
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Egyptian history and the biblical record: a perfect match? By Daniel Anderson. Published: 23 January 2007. Creation Ministries International
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 The pyramids of Ancient Egypt Bible History Online
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 (Ashton pg. 36-38)
- ↑ Sesostris I Egypt – Land of Eternity. Tripod
External Sources
- Biblical Archeology: Egypt Bible History Online
- Doing Egypt Right--With a BAS Tour By Steven Feldman, Director of Educational Programs. Biblical Archaeology Review.
| ||||||||||||||
