The Solution of the Pyramid Problem; Or, Pyramid Discoveries: With a New Theory as to Their Ancient Use
The Solution of the Pyramid Problem; Or, Pyramid Discoveries: With a New Theory as to Their Ancient Use
The Solution of the Pyramid Problem; Or, Pyramid Discoveries, published in 1882 by engineer Robert Ballard, presents a new theory regarding the ancient purpose of the pyramids at Giza. Ballard argues that these structures were primarily built for practical uses, particularly in surveying and measurement, rather than solely as burial tombs. He analyzes the geometric proportions and architectural features of the pyramids, specifically those of Cheops, Cephren, and Mycerinus, highlighting the advanced engineering knowledge of the ancient Egyptians.
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A civil engineer and the author of this technical work on pyramid theory. He presents himself as a methodical investigator who developed his theories through careful mathematical analysis and observation.
A land surveyor and civil engineer from Bogantungan who assisted Ballard with calculations and provided suggestions for the work.
A friend from Brisbane who persuaded Ballard to publish his theory and undertook press correction work.
A previous pyramid researcher whose measurements and theories Ballard frequently references, both agreeing with and challenging his conclusions.
About The Solution of the Pyramid Problem; Or, Pyramid Discoveries: With a New Theory as to Their Ancient Use
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Ballard establishes that the Gïzeh pyramids are positioned according to precise geometric triangles - the 3,4,5 Pythagorean triangle and the 20,21,29 triangle. He provides detailed measurements and ratios connecting all pyramid positions.
- 2
- Ballard derives the R.B. cubit (1.685 British feet) as the fundamental measurement unit used in pyramid construction, connecting it to Earth's polar circumference and creating a comprehensive measurement system.
- 3
- Using the R.B. cubit system, Ballard calculates the precise base measurements of the three main pyramids at different levels, establishing Cephren's base level as the reference plane.
Key Themes
- Scientific Method vs. Speculation
- Ballard emphasizes mathematical precision and geometric proof over mystical or speculative theories about pyramid purposes. He advocates for empirical measurement and logical deduction.
- Ancient Wisdom and Lost Knowledge
- The work suggests that ancient civilizations possessed sophisticated mathematical and engineering knowledge that has been forgotten or misunderstood by modern scholars.
- Practical Purpose vs. Mystical Interpretation
- Ballard argues against tomb theories and mystical interpretations, proposing instead that pyramids served practical surveying and land measurement functions.
Characters
- Robert Ballard(protagonist)
- A civil engineer and the author of this technical work on pyramid theory. He presents himself as a methodical investigator who developed his theories through careful mathematical analysis and observation.
- E. A. Delisser(minor)
- A land surveyor and civil engineer from Bogantungan who assisted Ballard with calculations and provided suggestions for the work.
- J. Brunton Stephens(minor)
- A friend from Brisbane who persuaded Ballard to publish his theory and undertook press correction work.
- Piazzi Smyth(major)
- A previous pyramid researcher whose measurements and theories Ballard frequently references, both agreeing with and challenging his conclusions.
- Herodotus(minor)
- Ancient Greek historian whose accounts of the pyramids Ballard references to support his geometric theories.
- Pythagoras(minor)
- Ancient Greek mathematician whom Ballard argues did not discover the 3-4-5 triangle, claiming it was known to Egyptian pyramid builders first.
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<a href="https://lex-books.com/book/the-solution-of-the-pyramid-problem-or-pyramid-discoveries-with-a-new-theory-as--c65dbd87-124b-4c58-985f-73a1f9b1687d"><img src="https://lex-books.com/badges/read-on-lex.svg" alt="Read The Solution of the Pyramid Problem; Or, Pyramid Discoveries: With a New Theory as to Their Ancient Use by Robert Ballard free on Lex" width="160" height="40"></a>[](https://lex-books.com/book/the-solution-of-the-pyramid-problem-or-pyramid-discoveries-with-a-new-theory-as--c65dbd87-124b-4c58-985f-73a1f9b1687d)[url=https://lex-books.com/book/the-solution-of-the-pyramid-problem-or-pyramid-discoveries-with-a-new-theory-as--c65dbd87-124b-4c58-985f-73a1f9b1687d][img]https://lex-books.com/badges/read-on-lex.svg[/img][/url]Read The Solution of the Pyramid Problem; Or, Pyramid Discoveries: With a New Theory as to Their Ancient Use by Robert Ballard free on Lex: https://lex-books.com/book/the-solution-of-the-pyramid-problem-or-pyramid-discoveries-with-a-new-theory-as--c65dbd87-124b-4c58-985f-73a1f9b1687dCite this book
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Ballard, Robert. The Solution of the Pyramid Problem; Or, Pyramid Discoveries: With a New Theory as to Their Ancient Use. Lex, lex-books.com/book/the-solution-of-the-pyramid-problem-or-pyramid-discoveries-with-a-new-theory-as--c65dbd87-124b-4c58-985f-73a1f9b1687d.Ballard, R. (n.d.). The Solution of the Pyramid Problem; Or, Pyramid Discoveries: With a New Theory as to Their Ancient Use. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/the-solution-of-the-pyramid-problem-or-pyramid-discoveries-with-a-new-theory-as--c65dbd87-124b-4c58-985f-73a1f9b1687dBallard, Robert. The Solution of the Pyramid Problem; Or, Pyramid Discoveries: With a New Theory as to Their Ancient Use. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/the-solution-of-the-pyramid-problem-or-pyramid-discoveries-with-a-new-theory-as--c65dbd87-124b-4c58-985f-73a1f9b1687d.








