THE PYRAMIDS
The pyramids of Egypt weren’t just tombs — they were massive engineering projects requiring logistics, labor, tools, and time. Each stone weighed tons, and millions were used. It took repeatable processes to get it done.
The ancient engineers didn’t have cranes or concrete. They used sleds, levers, and possibly lubricated sand to move blocks. What mattered most was consistency and scale — do the same thing well, again and again.
The site layout, alignment to stars, and nearly perfect measurements show careful planning. The pyramid’s shape helps distribute weight, which is why it’s still standing 4,500 years later.
Engineering Lens: Big builds require repetition and planning.
Memory trick: Ancient scale = modern project management.
What to remember
- Massive logistics: millions of blocks, thousands of workers.
- Simple tools, big impact: ramps, levers, and sleds.
- Repeatable systems: build it once, then repeat.
- Shape matters: pyramids hold their form under pressure.