In the Fall 2002 issue of KMT Anthony P. Sakovich showed his systematic approach to estimating the number of stones (some larger, some smaller) in the Khufu pyramid, arrived at a figure of 4 million, and Zahi's response was to say that Khufu's consisted of perhaps one million stones, and each was, on average, less than 2 tons each.Great Pyramid's Stones CountedA new study conducted by the Supreme Council for Antiquities in Egypt has determined that the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza consists of one million limestone rocks.
by Jennifer Viegas
Discovery News
December 2002
The number is under half of the previously estimated amount of 2.3 million stones, indicating that the Egyptian pyramid builders were even more organized and efficient than previously thought.
Zahi Hawass, secretary general of the Supreme Council, said that the Great Pyramid was considered to be a national project that all Egyptians took part in, according to an Egyptian State Information Service report last week. The report also mentioned that Hawass and his team analyzed the administrative organization and work scheme used in the construction of the 450-foot tall monument.
> One question I'd have is, how much time does it take for this to work?
Excellent question: one which favors some form of significant mechanical efficiency about moving them. I can't imagine it being done "Moses" style, with a few hundred Israelites pushing huge rocks against the unaided force of gravity. I've no doubts that the Egyptians would make Israelites do it, mind: but I think they'd probably be clever enough to find a more efficient use of their resources.
Let's say one Israelite per leg, one on either side of the rocker, and say four managing guy ropes to ensure the entire contraption didn't spill over. Ten guys per stone: the only trick would be to get the stone aloft so it could Murphy-Moved, and that could be done easily enough with a block-and-tackle...
No, in my mind's eye, I think Murphy might well be onto something pretty clever. Even if it wasn't what was actually used, it could almost certainly work just fine for moving big rocks.
(Maybe it was a Murphy who built Stonehenge...?)