The Egyptian pyramids are one of the greatest engineering marvels in history, raising many questions about how they were built and who constructed them, as they embody the engineering ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians.
The pyramids in Giza were built approximately 4500 years ago, and are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, reflecting the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture.
The three main pyramids in Giza, namely Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, are among the most prominent examples of this ingenuity.
In this article, we seek to explore these questions in detail: Did Thoth build the pyramids? And what is the real role he played in ancient Egyptian civilization?
These pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs, and they are majestic funerary monuments reflecting their belief in immortality. There are many theories about how the pyramids were built and who built them, yet historical and archaeological evidence indicates that the ancient Egyptian pharaohs were the ones who built them, and that they used advanced techniques at that time to accomplish these huge tasks, and not the people of Aad or any other civilization.
Who is Thoth?
Thoth, also known as Djehuty, is the god of wisdom among the ancient Egyptians, and is considered one of the most important ancient Egyptian deities, holding a prominent position in Egyptian mythology, as he represents the essence of knowledge and intelligence. He is depicted with the head of an ibis bird, which was a bird of special significance in ancient Egyptian culture, and was considered a symbol of learning and science.
Thoth was considered the god of writing and calculation, and it is believed that he was the one who taught the ancient Egyptians these arts, making him a symbol of knowledge and science in that era and a fundamental figure in preserving the ancient Egyptian heritage.
Thoth had a fundamental role in the court of the dead, where he would record the result of weighing the heart of the deceased against the feather of Maat. If the heart was heavier than the feather, the heart of the deceased would be thrown to a ferocious monster called Ammit. However, if the heart was lighter, the deceased would be considered righteous.
Thoth had a major role in Egyptian mythology, where he was considered a mediator between the gods and humans, and his role appears as a link between the worlds of divinity and humanity.
What Did Thoth Do in Egypt?
Thoth had a major role in ancient Egypt, where he was considered the god of wisdom, writing, and magic, and the Egyptians considered him the source of all knowledge. It is believed that Thoth was the one who taught the ancient Egyptians writing and calculation, and they considered him the patron of arts and literature.
Thoth is considered the first founder of hieroglyphic writing in ancient Egypt, which is one of the most important inventions.
The Egyptians believed that Thoth was the one who taught them writing, and he was called “scribe of the gods”, and they considered him the patron of writers and intellectuals. This invention was the cornerstone of the development of Egyptian civilization.
Thoth was responsible for creating the Egyptian calendar, which was based on the cycles of the moon and the sun, and setting the times for important religious and social events. This calendar helped organize agriculture and the seasons.
Did Thoth Build the Pyramids?
No, Thoth did not build the pyramids. Thoth is the god of wisdom, writing, and magic, and he had a major role in Egyptian mythology and in the court of the dead, as his role was limited to the spiritual and intellectual aspects.
The pyramids were built by the ancient Egyptian pharaohs as tombs for the kings. The main pyramids in Giza, such as the Pyramid of Khufu, were built during the Fourth Dynasty, and the construction process required great effort.
Evidence that Shows Thoth’s Role in Building the Pyramids
There is no archaeological or historical evidence indicating that the god Thoth had any role in building the pyramids, rather, the evidence indicates that the pharaohs supervised the construction. Thoth was the god of wisdom, writing, and magic, and his status was religious and cognitive.
Was Thoth Good or Evil?
Thoth in ancient Egyptian beliefs was not considered a god of good or evil directly, but rather a symbol of knowledge and wisdom, and was always striving to maintain order. Thoth was a neutral character, acting with wisdom and justice to achieve balance between good and evil.
Who Built the First Pyramids in Egypt?
The first pyramid built in Egypt is the Pyramid of Djoser, known as the Step Pyramid in Saqqara, which represents the beginning of the development of Egyptian architecture. This pyramid was built during the reign of Pharaoh Djoser of the Third Dynasty. The Pyramid of Djoser is considered the first stone pyramid in history, and it was designed by the famous architect Imhotep.
The Pyramid of Djoser consists of six stepped mastabas, and it differs from later pyramids. This pyramid is considered a turning point in the history of Egyptian architecture, and it is considered an initial architectural experiment.
The Step Pyramid in Saqqara is a quantum leap in Egyptian funerary architecture. Before its construction, royal tombs were simple mastabas. This pyramid is considered a symbol of innovation and creativity.
Many ask: Did Thoth build the pyramids? As there is no archaeological or historical evidence indicating that Thoth built the pyramids. Rather, the construction of the pyramids was a huge project supervised by the kings of ancient Egypt, such as King Khufu, and was implemented by thousands of workers and craftsmen using advanced engineering techniques. However, Thoth remained a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, and he was credited with teaching the Egyptians writing and engineering, which contributed to developing the skills that helped in the construction of great monuments such as the pyramids. Therefore, it can be said that his role was intellectual and cognitive more than practical in building the pyramids.