Last week, this two-part series explored the theories surrounding the societies that were lost in time who once made North and South America their homelands, as well as the 190,000 years of unwritten human history.
The Olmec, Anasazi and Maya are each believed to have met their ends through inner conflict, lack of resources, or as the new theories suggest; through contact with extraterrestrials or supernatural beings.
Taking a look at the architectural advancements of each of these lost societies has led researchers to believe that the technology of the time couldn’t have supported the structures they constructed, and some believe extraterrestrials are to blame. This includes the Olmec colossal heads, the complex cities of Chaco Canyon and the temples of the Maya.
But yet another grouping of ancient structures that were incorporated into the theories in the television show Ancient Aliens includes the Egyptian pyramids of Giza. The pyramids themselves are among some of the most impressive manmade pieces of history in the world, and it is estimated that they were built over 4,500 years ago with over 2 million stones. It is also estimated that the structures took 20 to 30 years to complete.
However, with no blue prints or plans to be found in how the Egyptians built the pyramids, the society is also discredited. The sophistication and precision of their carving within obelisks has been compared to modern day techniques, and thus it is concluded by many that it was impossible for ancient architects and master carvers to perform with such quality with the tools used at the time.
So, to argue the theory that ancient civilizations weren’t sophisticated enough to build those structures, the use of the knowledge of the building known as the Coral Castle comes in handy.
Originally called “Rock Gate Park,” the castle was constructed from 1923-1951 by a small man just over 5 feet tall with a weight of 100 pounds in Florida.
Prompted by his “sweet sixteen” fiancé, who called off their wedding just one day before the ceremony, Edward Leedskalnin set out on a lifelong mission to create a monument to his lost love. With no assistance, large machinery and only a fourth grade education, Leedskalnin lifted and carved over 3 million pounds of rock to build what is now one of the world’s most remarkable accomplishments.
But the main question has always been “how did he do it?”
Noting his book “Magnetic Current” which covers his take on detailed experimentation for researchers interested in learning how to become real scientists through refined results interpretation methodology and direct experimentation, many have come to believe that the private Leedskalnin was able to manipulate weight using magnetization. Another words, the way in which he built the Coral Castle was by making the rock levitate.
These theories came about in part of his size and the fact that he would work nightly under lamp light so that he could maintain his own privacy. With his fourth grade education, picks, winches, ropes, pulleys and a broad understanding of the principals of leverage — Leedskalnin constructed the castle with his bare hands.
So, unfortunately for those that enjoy the concept of hidden knowledge, the truth behind the construction of the Coral Castle is that Leedskalnin was capable of building the castle by himself. He may have also employed some of the same concepts as those that were used to build the pyramids.
The two main theories that have been used to explain the building of the pyramids are the ramp theory and water shaft theory.
The ramp theory itself has the most evidence to back it. The theory suggests that the pyramids were made with sheer man power and thousands of workers to pull stones across the desert with rope and sleds. It was only recently that another faction of the theory surfaced: the workers used wet sand to reduce friction which made the stone easier to to drag. This piece of the theory has also been found in ancient wall paintings.
After the stones were dragged across the dessert from quarries which could reach over 900 k.m., in distance from the build site. The workers would then construct ramp options to drag the stones to the top as they built upwards using sand. The ramps either went straight up one side, wrapped around the pyramid or a combination of the two. They then employed the use of levers once a certain height was reached as the rams were no longer feasible.
The main reason why this theory is fervently supported is the fact that sleds and images of giant statues being pulled by hundreds of men have been found on ancient wall paintings, but each ramp for dragging the stone across would have been very time-consuming.
This leads into the other conclusion found in the water shaft theory. This theory outlines that canals were constructed that led all the way to build sites which allowed the stones to float, instead of being dragged to the site.
Floats are believed to have been made of cedar wood or inflated animal skins wrapped in papyrus (a material made using the pithy stem of a water plant which was used in sheets throughout the ancient Mediterranean world), and thus when attached to the stones would enable them to be pulled ashore.
The canals are also believed to have led to a moat that went around the circumference of the building perimeter and four water pipelines were then used to float the blocks uphill. The pipelines were also extended as the pyramid grew; several pyramids measure roughly 400 ft.. A series of gates were also believed to have controlled how the blocks moved upward and a pool of water was placed on the top of the building area to allow for further floating and positioning without any real heavy lifting or dragging.
Thus, the concept that ancient civilizations and societies had help from supernatural beings to construct ancient structures is more far-fetched than the belief that ancient civilizations had the man power and sophistication to do it themselves.
It is also kind to note that today’s marathon would have been a regular run for an ancient Homo sapien.
