A recent French study proposes a surprising scenario regarding the construction of Pharaoh Djoser's tomb, the oldest pyramid in Egypt, built around 2680 BCE.

The research, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that ancient Egyptians may have utilized a hydraulic lift system to aid in the construction of the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which dates back nearly 4,700 years.

This hydraulic system involved controlled water flows in a large shaft, allowing for the lifting and lowering of a platform to transport stone blocks to higher levels.

The interdisciplinary research team from France's CEA Paleotechnic Institute uncovered a vast hydraulic complex on the Saqqarah plateau, indicating advanced engineering capabilities.

The study proposes that the nearby Gisr el-Mudir enclosure acted as a check dam to capture water and sediment, while compartments outside the pyramid may have served as a water treatment facility.

The check dam allowed water to flow through multiple compartments, helping to settle sediment and possibly aiding in the construction process.

The existence of such a hydraulic lift significantly alters the understanding of ancient Egyptian engineering capabilities.

The construction of the Egyptian pyramids, particularly the Step Pyramid of Djoser, has long been debated due to the substantial weight of the limestone blocks used.

While the exact mechanism for the hydraulic system remains unknown, further research is necessary to understand how water flowed through the shafts and the availability of water in the region.

Landreau advocates for further investigations at Djoser’s pyramid to explore the potential of the north shaft and its structural implications.

Debate exists over the ancient climate conditions in Egypt, with some researchers suggesting a wetter environment during the Old Kingdom that might have supported the hydraulic lift.

Critics argue against the feasibility of the proposed hydraulic system, questioning the water retention capacity of Gisr el-Mudir and the historical existence of the suggested lake.