Long-lost branch of the Nile was 'indispensable for building the pyramids,' research shows

The Nile's now-extinct branch likely helped the ancient Egyptians move materials to pyramid building sites. A now-extinct branch of the Nile may have played a pivotal role in the construction of pyramids like the Step Pyramid of Djoser.(Image credit: Eman Ghoneim) A branch of the Nile that no longer exists helped the ancient Egyptians construct 31 of their famous pyramids, including the pyramids at Giza, a new study finds. Researchers found that this branch, called the "Ahramat" (Arabic for "pyramid"), …