Quantitative Study, Carried Out by AI, of the Construction Method of the Pyramid of Khufu Published by Nicolas Caltagirone

This document presents an AI-assisted quantitative analysis of the construction method for the Great Pyramid of Khufu proposed by Nicolas Caltagirone. The method relies exclusively on technical means available during the pharaonic period and rests on two logistical principles: (i) the rolling of stone blocks by successive controlled tipping and rotation, in place of conventional sledge hauling, and (ii) a set of modular, evolving ramps (11° to 26°) that rise and are reconfigured with each course of masonry. Using elementary mechanics, the study estimates the traction force and crew size required for blocks of 2.5 t to 50 t on ramps and on level ground, derives transport speeds and daily throughput, and compares the method with the main academic and engineering hypotheses (Lauer, Arnold, Houdin, Croon). The results indicate that the method is compatible with the commonly accepted construction timeframe of 20–25 years. The analysis was generated with the assistance of an AI tool and reviewed by the author. A French version is published separately by the author on Scribd.

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-11-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23965307
Primary Topic
Ancient Egypt and Archaeology
Type
article
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article

Quantitative Study, Carried Out by AI, of the Construction Method of the Pyramid of Khufu Published by Nicolas Caltagirone

Nicolas Caltagirone
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Ancient Egypt and Archaeology
article

Quantitative Study, Carried Out by AI, of the Construction Method of the Pyramid of Khufu Published by Nicolas Caltagirone

Nicolas Caltagirone
article en

Abstract

This document presents an AI-assisted quantitative analysis of the construction method for the Great Pyramid of Khufu proposed by Nicolas Caltagirone. The method relies exclusively on technical means available during the pharaonic period and rests on two logistical principles: (i) the rolling of stone blocks by successive controlled tipping and rotation, in place of conventional sledge hauling, and (ii) a set of modular, evolving ramps (11° to 26°) that rise and are reconfigured with each course of masonry. Using elementary mechanics, the study estimates the traction force and crew size required for blocks of 2.5 t to 50 t on ramps and on level ground, derives transport speeds and daily throughput, and compares the method with the main academic and engineering hypotheses (Lauer, Arnold, Houdin, Croon). The results indicate that the method is compatible with the commonly accepted construction timeframe of 20–25 years. The analysis was generated with the assistance of an AI tool and reviewed by the author. A French version is published separately by the author on Scribd.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Ancient Egypt and Archaeology
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