Colloquium November 4 Dr. Michel W. Barsoum (hosted by Rigden) Department of Materials Science and Engineering Drexel University A Partial Solution to the Mystery of the Great Pyramids of Egypt For about 4500 years, the mystery of how the Great Pyramids of Giza were built has endured. How did the Ancient Egyptians pull 70 ton granite slabs up an earthen ramp—without the benefit of wheels— 2/3 up the Great Pyramid? How did they carve granite, with pure copper? In some cases, adjacent blocks fit so well together that, even today, a human hair card cannot be inserted between them. Most important of all, to this day, Egyptologists have yet to explain how the tops of the pyramids were built. In this talk, I will present compelling scientific evidence that some of the pyramid blocks were cast using a combination of weathered limestone, diatomaceous earth and lime. Additionally I will also preview the work of a Norwegian architect, O. Bryn who has essentially figured out how the pyramids were built. The historical, archeological, and technological implications of our conclusions to today’s world are truly profound and will be touched upon. Coffee: 3:30 PM, 245 Compton         Lecture: 4:00 PM, 204 Crow