Give me what the ancients used.

I have begun to level and grade the patio in preparation for construction of the table. It is like a game to me. I aim at something I call "Egyptian Quality", or, "How would the early builders solve this basic problem?" I can only use the tools and materials I have on hand. The primary tool is my imagination.
I took everything off the patio and put on my spike sandals. I walked all over the patio until all resistence to the spikes was gone. Then I began experimenting with different methods which will not strain my back.
First, I tried a flat shovel. Then a flat piece of steel. Then a board. Then a thing I once built to use as a tamper. I tried dragging, pushing and pulling these "tools" back and forth, but none of these things really showed promise. Then I realized I needed an instrument. I needed something better than my eye to find the level grade. So I set up this string line level. That was when I realized this first attempt was an exercise in engineering. The first thing is accurate measurement with a definite grade target. Mastering the level is not as easy as it seems. Yet, wisdom will make this simple.
First I diddled around. Then I got smart and realized I was dumb. But I read somewhere that wisdom is everywhere trying to enlighten hearts with knowledge and understanding. That's what I need for this project. I need some wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.