Author Description

More than 4,500 years after its completion virtually everything is known about Khufu's pyramid except for the most important fact: Its method of construction. At present there are no answers to the mysteries of this colossal monument: 146.70 meters in height (the world's tallest building until the nineteenth century). 230.60 meters square base, 2.6 million cubic meters in volume, and 5,500,000 tons in weight spread uniquely over more than 220 layers. This book solves the riddles of Khufu's pyramid by combining archaeological information from distinguished researchers, and a professional architect's approach. This monument set many precedents, such as it was the first building in history to use integrated technical means for its construction - and in its architecture. After studying in detail all of the components of the pyramid - materials, tools, transportation and human strength - Mr. Houdin pieces together the extraordinary planning and organization, the technical skill, and the machines which allowed this great pyramid to rise over a period on twenty-one years, and last until today.