Stone Rower

grabcad

The concept of moving massive granite monoliths used in ancient buildings and monuments has always intrigued me. I was inspired by a documentary that demonstrated how friction could be overcome by lifting the stone using a forward rowing motion. In this model, the 50,000 lb granite block is moved by just 20 men through the use of large beams over 16 feet in length. The stone is placed on runners which are pulled by several men with ropes. The lifters then leverage the block up and forward using the runner as a fulcrum. Pegs at the lift end of the levers serve multiple purposes, such as holding counterweights or foot loops/stirrups for added ease during lifting. Each lever requires about 340 lbs of downward force to lift the block. This method can be adjusted by varying the length of the levers or tie beam, but it effectively demonstrates how ancient civilizations could move such massive stones without requiring a completely smooth ground like ground rollers would need.