Experiment to estimate expected accuracy of ancient linear measurements--

Tools: Two stone rods with a rectangular cross-section 2 inches by .5 inches and combined length of 51.5 inches. Each end of each rod was tapered vertically and horizontally to a .25" square face at the bottom corner.

Method: One of the rods was placed at a beginning mark on a level flat surface. The other rod was placed in line with the first rod and moved toward the first rod until the touching of the rods was felt through the second rod. The first rod was removed and used to mark off the third segment. The process was continued for approximately 98.7
feet and then reversed until reaching the point of beginning. Measurement was performed quickly--approximately 5 seconds per segment.

Result: Ending point was 1/32 of an inch short of the beginning point.

Analysis:

Distance: approximtely 1184 inches
Error: .03125 inches
Ratio: .03125 / 1184 = .000026 per unit

Giza G1: 440 cubits x .000026 = .0116 cubits
Giza Site*: 2000 cubits x .000026 = .0528 cubits

*assuming a series of temporary flat level surfaces.

C. Wayne Taylor
Richmond, Virginia USA