How they (should have) built the pyramids

TL;DR

This paper introduces a physics-inspired method for moving large stone blocks by transforming their shape into a dodecagon using rods, facilitating easier movement through rolling rather than dragging, with experimental validation.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel shape transformation technique using rods to convert large blocks into dodecagons, improving mobility for pyramid construction.

Findings

Small-scale dodecagon blocks moved with a coefficient of friction around 0.2

Full-scale wooden rods would need to be approximately 30 cm in diameter

Experimental results align with independent work using cylindrical attachments

Abstract

A novel method is proposed for moving large, pyramid construction size, stone blocks. The method is inspired by a well known introductory physics homework problem, and is implemented by tying 12 identical rods of appropriately chosen radius to the faces of the block. The rods form the corners and new faces that transform the square prism into a dodecagon which can then be moved more easily by rolling than by dragging. Experimental results are presented and compared to independent work by another group which utilized wooden attachments providing a cylindrical shape. It is found that a small scale stone block converted to dodecagons can be moved across level open ground with a dynamic coefficient of friction of the order 0.2. For full scale pyramid blocks, the wooden rods would need to be posts of order 30 cm in diameter, similar in size to those used as masts on ships in the Nile.