They were defiantly NOT Jewish slaves, recent evidence suggest they were actually paid workers (reference included).
The pyramid was constructed of cut and dressed blocks of limestone, basalt or granite. The core was made mainly of rough blocks of low quality limestone taken from a quarry at the south of Khufu’s Great Pyramid. These blocks weighed from two to four tonnes on average, with the heaviest used at the base of the pyramid. An estimated 2.4 million blocks were used in the construction. High quality limestone was used for the outer casing, with some of the blocks weighing up to 15 tonnes. This limestone came from Tura, about 8 miles away on the other side of the Nile. Granite quarried nearly 500 miles away in Aswan with blocks weighing as much as 60-80 tonnes, was used for the King's Chamber and relieving chambers.
2007-03-06 22:51:43
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answer #1
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answered by fozio 6
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The pyramids were built by firstly determining a suitable place for construction.
Then before measuring and any work had begun. The ritual called "the stretching of the cord" took place.
This involved the Pharaoh and a Priestess who represented the Goddess Sheshat.
During this, the baseline stakes would be driven in to the ground. Then the architect, craftsmen and other officials would measure out and align the pyramids intended perspectives.
Block of limestone or "white-stone" as the Egyptians called it, were hewn from nearby quarries and brought to the site .
Floated on the Nile by barges and drawn by the laborers ,on sleds to the site.
The manpower involved was made up oftradesmen,
craftsmen,labourers,officials scribes and farmers who were sent to represent thier local nome or province.
Proportionatly very few slaves were used and according to custom only those who were prisoners of war.
After the construction of the third layer. Then a ramp was built that surrounded the ever growing pyramid.
It was inclined in a manner that enabled the easiest and safest way of pulling the huge blocks up to the required level.
When the pyramid reached its projected height a capstone was set in place.
It was then that the work began of finishing and polishing the casing stone to its most perfect finish.
As each layer was detailed and decreed as suitable by the officials, craftsmen and overseers then the ramp would be removed and taken away until the ground level of work was completed.
Originally the pyramids had smooth sides.
But time and man has left its mark.
The outer layer was called the casing.
But the only part of a pyramid complex that jutted out,would be the annexe or portico.
This led from its entrance to the originally adjoining temples and mortuary complex.
There is no trace of any of these at the great pyramids now.
So I can only assume you are refering to casing blocks or to where stone blocks have been removed. Either in the 19th centuary or in antiquity.
If you are unable to get the answer regarding the "rocks on the outside" you feel satisfied with, email me with a more detailed description of what you mean, and I shall try to help further.
2007-03-07 23:44:52
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answer #2
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answered by sistablu...Maat 7
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It is somewhat of a mystery still and I believe that aliens built them, how could they get those stones down the Nile otherwise? think about it.
2007-03-06 19:55:42
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answer #3
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answered by katie d 6
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Built by enslaved jewish people, and i think the stones are limestone but im not sure
2007-03-06 19:53:21
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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