Inclined Planes Throughout History

People have used inclined planes throughout history to build temples, aqueducts, and roads. Ancient Egyptians used inclined planes made of dirt when they built pyramids. These long ramps were built alongside the pyramids. The large stone blocks used to build the pyramid itself were pushed, pulled, or carted up the ramp.

The ancient Romans used inclined planes in war. In 72 CE, the Romans attacked the Jewish fort at Masada, in present-day Israel, for many months. The fort sat at the top of a high cliff. In order to reach the top of the cliff and enter the fort without having to climb straight up the cliff, the Romans built a long ramp along the cliff’s face.

Many people think that ancient Egyptian pyramids in Giza, Egypt, shown here, were built with the help of inclined planes.View Larger Image

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