Why is the Great Pyramid of Giza so Advanced When Compared to Other Ancient Structures That We Couldn’t Build Today?

Often, the Great Pyramid of Giza is seen as an enigma, a structure so advanced that even today, we struggle to replicate it with modern technology. However, a closer look reveals that what we celebrate as advanced is actually somewhat simplistic compared to many modern buildings. This article delves into the real reasons behind the Great Pyramid's revered status and why we might not be building similar structures today.

What Makes the Great Pyramid of Giza Seem Advanced?

The Great Pyramid of Giza, much like a pile of rocks, is a simple structure with its most substantial feature being a collection of stone blocks piled one upon another. While this may seem primitive, its grandeur lies in its scale and the precision with which it was built. Yet, when we compare it to modern buildings, it seems vastly less impressive.

A Lack of Modern Amenities

The Great Pyramid lacks many of the modern conveniences we have come to expect in buildings: central heating, plumbing, electricity, WiFi, internet access, a damp course, multi-layered insulation, hinged doors, locks, glass windows, air extractors, gutters, and a gas supply. In effect, it's a basic structure without many of the utilities that make our homes and workplaces functional.

Would we build it today? The answer is a resounding no. It's a structure that, while impressive, serves no practical purpose in modern life. This doesn't belittle the incredible achievements of the ancient builders; rather, it highlights how our modern constructions have evolved to meet the diverse needs of today's society.

Advanced Construction: More Than Just Height or Materials

When discussing advanced construction, the height of a building or the materials used are not the determining factors. What truly defines advanced construction is the useable space it provides. The Great Pyramid's size, while remarkable, is limited by its construction methods. Its design utilizes columns, which necessitate narrow rooms. This constraint in design means there is little free-standing space.

In contrast, modern construction techniques utilizing arches and domes, or triangular designs that allow for longer distances, have vastly improved useable space. For example, the Aerium near Berlin is the largest uninterrupted structure in the world, and the Boeing plant in Everett, WA is the largest building by volume. Both of these buildings are dwarfs in terms of advanced and useable space in comparison to the pyramids of Giza.

Techniques and Materials in Modern Construction

The evolution of construction techniques has been marked by significant advancements. The arch and dome methods, which were known to but rarely used by ancient civilizations, have revolutionized large free-standing volumes. These innovations allowed for more useable space and efficient design. This is a stark contrast to the limited free-standing space offered by the Great Pyramid.

Conclusion: The Great Pyramid in Modern Perspective

If you were to build another Great Pyramid today, it would be a relatively simple task. Modern technology and materials make it possible, but why would we want to? The Great Pyramid stands as a testament to ancient ingenuity, but it also reflects the limitations of its time. Modern buildings are advanced because they serve practical, functional needs, and provide useable space in a way that the Great Pyramid could not. This doesn't diminish the achievements of the ancients; it simply places the Great Pyramid in the context of its time, where practical innovation, rather than advanced design, was the goal.