Egyptians used their pyramids as waterworks to pump water from Nile
Due to the heat generated by the relentless sun on the surface of the pyramid, the pressure inside the pyramid exceeded that of the atmosphere, and thus made the subsoil water flow into the reservoirs. Besides, condensate was formed in the chambers of the pyramid. According to Volgin, the sarcophagus located in the king’s chamber, was a floating valve, used for opening and plugging the opening on the floor of the reservoir.
Benben installed at the top of the pyramid was a tool for controlling the discharge vent. By all means, “the phallus of Osiris” was a striking sight as it stood tall in the clouds of steam. The waterworks ran in a pulsed mode provided by the opening and closing of the discharge vent. The circumstance must have added a dynamic component to the phallic metaphor.
Historical and cultural monuments of ancient Egypt have a vague reference to some mystic rite called “the unsealing of the lips and eyes.” The rite called for the use of a special instrument called tesla, which was said to have been put against the mouth and eyes of a pharaoh’s mummy bringing it back to life.
According to Volgin, the opening of the discharge vent atop of the pyramid conveys the true meaning of the “opening of the lips.” Using a hand for opening the vent was either impossible or very dangerous due to a stream of hot steam coming from the bowels of the overheated waterworks. A pharaoh, the embodiment of the deity to his subjects, is said to have used his warder to perform the rite without getting his fingers burned. A leather belt was attached to the ring of the vent to keep it open and prevent it from closing due to its own weight.
Translated by Guerman Grachev
Pravda.ru
