How Unexplained Stone Structures Helped Reveal Ancient Engineering Methods

Ancient civilizations may have failed to fill us in on what their unexplained stone structures say, but that does not mean it will forever be a huge question mark to experts. In fact, while some are still unexplained, the way it was built was a shining light bulb for architects and engineers.

According to History Timelines, unexplained stone structures often preserve construction techniques like stone-cutting, transport methods, and building without mortar. The durability of these structures, which have withstood thousands of years, suggests maximized engineering principles, such as load distribution.

How Unexplained Stone Structures Helped Reveal Ancient Engineering Methods

Now that we have an idea of which lost civilizations were linked to some unexplained stone structures, the next is to identify materials and methods used that will highlight their unique ancient engineering methods

1. Stone Masonry - Puma Punku

Puma Punku is a testament to the Tiwanaku's ancient engineering methods, reflected in both its precision stone-cutting and modular conception. The large stone slabs, weighing as much as 130 tons, were cut with such precision that they fitted together perfectly without mortar, with no visible seams so as to hold the structure together in a strong and earthquake-resistant way.

Design Times noted that these stones were modular in design; many were H-shaped and standardized, with flexible construction and a rapid rate of assembly. The transportation of these huge stones from nearby quarries has probably used ramps, rollers, or waterways, and such ingenuity essentially furthered the builders to overcome any barrier of logistics.

Overall, this combination of engineering methods enabled the civilization of Tiwanaku to construct Puma Punku, which Vranich believed to be where the world started.

2. Load Distribution and Stability - Great Pyramids of Giza

In constructing the Great Pyramids, the Smithsonian Institute shared that ancient Egyptians used large limestone and granite blocks, some weighing several tons, which were quarried locally and transported to the site. To move the massive stones, they likely employed sleds, ropes, and ramps, with water possibly used to reduce friction on the sand.

At the same time, the alignment of the pyramid with the true north, accurate to within a fraction of a degree, demonstrates an understanding of astronomy and geometry.

According to Design Times, the pyramid's core structure involved careful placement of the massive blocks, with the outer casing made of highly polished limestone to create a smooth surface. The internal chambers and passageways were also able to withstand the immense weight of the pyramid.

To relieve pressure and distribute weight evenly, the builders used corbelling techniques which also further their mastery of load distribution and architectural planning. Hence, why the pyramids endured for millennia as some of the most iconic structures in history.

3. Local Resources - Machu Picchu

Besides the Incas building Machu Picchu with perfectly cut blocks of granite fitted together without mortar and strength during seismic activity because of their precise fitting technique called "ashlar masonry," the ancient civilization developed sophisticated systems of terracing and drainage from all local resources.

The granite blocks used in Machu Picchu were quarried from nearby locations, including a site called the "Inca Quarry" located about 4 miles from the city.

At the same time, the agricultural terraces were built using soil and rocks sourced from the surrounding area. This was built up on steep slopes and supported by retaining walls, with an elaborate network of channels to manage water runoff and avoid erosion, per Ancient Engineering Technologies.

In summary, studying unexplained stone structures provided engineers valuable lessons in the way their architecture was planned and built.