Introduction “Fundamental geometric forms, they are among the earliest colossal structures. Whether built by ancient Egyptians or by the indigenous civilizations of pre-Columbian America, they express in stone the idea of mightiness, earthbound but reaching toward the heavens.” The pyramid is a solid structure that has a polygon base and lateral sides of triangular faces that join at a point. There are many pyramids all around the world, some we know a great deal about, but most we hardly know anything about. The pyramids are a mysterious arrangement. Scientists are constantly wondering about how these pyramids were build, either by clay and mud, bricks or stone. But the big question is why. Why was all these pyramids built, what is there purpose? How were these ancient people able to construct these massive formations? Why should these mystical structures be researched? The ancient civilizations did not have heavy equipment like we do today that we use to move mountains, and today we are not able to recreate these pyramids, or even just to move one stone. Pyramids were great structures used to house the dead of powerful people. Most pyramids have traps to confuse or even cause a grave robber to be trapped there. Some believe that the pyramids have been cursed. How is it that today our structures last 50 to maybe 100 years, but ancient civilizations were able to construct massive structures that we are unable to replicate, and they still stand thousands of years later? Ancient worlds did not have the wheel, or vehicles, or the distractions that we have today. They were able to build anything they laid their minds to, day in and day out. No slave worked on building the pyramids. The citizens worked eight hour days, seven d... ... middle of paper ... ...gs, metal contraptions, and even a statue that held a crystal that enclosed smaller pyramids. I. Conclusion How were the pyramids that cover the landscapes of many different ancient worlds really built? Did they have the help of the likes of extraterrestrials and gravity defying instruments? We may never know the meaning behind these marvelous structures or why they were constructed in the place. But one thing is for certain, these structures will continue to amaze and open minds to the unknown realms. The ancient people had all the time in the world to think and create, they made temples, religions, and beautiful art works. The ancient people did not have the detractions that we have today. The ancient people were highly intelligent and Intune with their environments, they used this to their advantage to be creative and use their imaginations to the fullest.
The Red Pyramid, by Rick Riordan talks about two siblings, Carter and Sadie Kane, who lives apart from each other. On one of their infrequent visitations, the two siblings take a trip to the British Museum in London with their Egyptologist father, Julius Kane. In that place, he blows up the Rosetta Stone, thus releasing five imprisoned ancient Egyptian gods: Isis, Osiris, Horus, Set, and Nephthys. Set, generally known to be a God for chaos and destruction, imprisons Julius in a tomb.
After just glancing at the artwork in the chapter about the Ancient Near East and the chapter about Egypt, the one thing that strikes me the most is the great size of some of these structures and the great detail that is shown in them. It is amazing to see that people who lived thousands of years before us, created such things in a society much less advanced then our society of today. For instance how did they build the Palace of Shapur, or the Great Pyramids? It is mind boggling to think that such great things were built without the help of a modern day crane or machine, but rather by manpower.
The extraordinary pyramid you are currently looking at was created by the Zapotec. The amazing pyramid is located in Monte Albán. The pyramid was created during the 700s BCE. This pyramid is large and has alot of terraces. This pyramid also contains deep stone stairs. It's thought that this pyramid was used for storage, mostly valuable items. Also, people thought that this pyramid was used sometimes for a home of rulers of the land.
The building of these enormous pyramids took thousands of thousands of men and supplies. Those supplies had to be dug up and bought from every person possible. The building of such pyramids also employed skilled artisans to carve the temples into shape, and to carve words and symbols inside the pyramid. The temples also required skilled painters and recorders to paint and inscribe inside the temple. The employment of these artisans ensured that they would have work to do and money in their pocket.
Egyptian burial complexes evolved from the simple rectangular mastaba to the great pyramids of the Fourth Dynasty. The true pyramid evolved from the mastaba through an intermediary form, the step pyramid, the earliest example of which is Zoser’s Step Pyramid at Saqqara, which dates to the Third Dynasty (c. 2680 BC). The Step Pyramid was revolutionary for several reasons. It is the earliest known free-standing monument built entirely of stone in Egypt (Fakhry 20); it is also the earliest example of evolutionary architectural development beyond the mastaba. In form the step pyramid is a series of superimposed mastabas and represents the stairway that the spirit of the pharaoh was to climb to reach the sky-realm and join the crew of the solar barque traveling across the heavens (Aldred 47).
Constructed during Egypt's 4th Dynasty, The Pyramids of Giza are truly an astonishing work of architecture. These pyramids display several of the characteristics, that are now known, to be attributed to the Ancient Egyptian era. Years of research show that much of the ancient Egyptian's focus in their artistry, was that of a religious nature, regardless of medium. Artists of the time, focused their efforts on depicting the various Gods and Goddesses, immortality and the afterlife, and the glorification of the pharaohs. (MindEdge) One of the best examples of this are the pyramids. Each pyramid was built to be the final resting place of a pharaoh (Khufu, Khafre, or Menkaure) upon his death, and subsequent mummification. They were built on the
In the third dynasty the egyptians gained more power and wealth. They wanted a way to show off their great power and wealth, so they built pyramids, pyramids were huge pointed stone structures. Pyramids contained rooms full of treasure and secret passageways. The first pyramid was the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, built for King Zoser around 2750 B.C. “The step pyramid was the only one of its kind, it was an amazing improvement from the mastaba.” ( pg 49)
The Pyramids Of Giza were chosen as they are three extraordinary structures that give a rich insight into the context, culture, function, technology, power and experiential aspects of the time period and the buildings themselves. The three pyramids showcase the Egyptian’s advanced construction and design methods, their religious beliefs and practices, their rich and diverse culture, the power of the king, as well as the context that surrounded these magnificent structures.
Aliens built the Egyptian pyramids. Recent research supports the theory that the Pyramids were built long before humans inhabited the area now known as Egypt. It is also nearly impossible for the Egyptians to have lifted and moved the limestone brick used to build these massive structures. Only a more advanced form of life could have constructed such an enormous undertaking, while using advanced mathematics and geography that were not yet known to ancient peoples.
Of the three theories on how the Great Pyramid was built, in descending order of acceptability, the most suitable theory is Clifford Wilson’s followed by Joseph Davidovits’ and Erich Von Däniken’s argument. Clifford Wilson’s theory is the best because he illustrates how the pyramids were built and provides the evidence to prove his theory, however; this is unlike Joseph Davidovits’ theory because Davidovits does not fully answer questions that arise concerning his theory. The three theories have similar points, but contain very different ideas on the construction of the Great Pyramid. This is obvious in Clifford Wilson’s argument where he is repeatedly disproving Von Däniken’s theory that the “gods” created the pyramids, whereas in Davidovits theory the pyramids were simply casted by means of chemically mixing Natron, aluminum and silicon to produce artificial rock. These three individuals express different ideas on the building of the building of the Great Pyramid.
Every structure that they constructed had something to do with the praising of their gods. They made plazas, temples, and pyramids. The pyramids symbolized sacred mountains; they were used to gather people for ceremonies and festivals. These structures were engulfed in images based on the beliefs and practices they had. They were constructed with limestone and faced with lime stucco. They developed the corbel arch, the stacked each block at opposite sides, closer to the middle, and then peaked at the top.
The construction of the Great Pyramid is still a mystery and marvel to this day, there are seven major feats that archeologists still don’t understand.
Joseph Davidovits, a French chemist, has proposed that the pyramids were formed using a special concrete mixture, and then poured into wooden moulds where it hardened (Alt. theory #3).While Davidovits claims to have explained aspects of pyramid construction which the heave-ho theory could not, the mould theory has many faults, rendering it weak and improbable. Firstly, the stones used in building the pyramids were of diverse shapes (Article 5). The shape of the stones would be uniform if they were created in moulds of exact dimensions. If each stone was created in a uniquely fashioned mould, it would account for the diversity in shape. However, building thousands, or even hundreds, of moulds would have been e...
- [2] Redford, Donald B, Ph.D.; McCauley, M, "How were the Egyptian pyramids built?", Research The Pennsylvania State University, Retrieved 11 December 2012.
It is believed that the shape of the pyramid was an important religious statement. Some scholars believe that this is true while others still debate the possibilities. We can assume that the Egyptians were trying to symbolize the slanting rays of the sun. It is also believed that the sloping sides on the pyramid were intended to help the soul of the king climb to the sky and join the gods.