The Great Pyramid

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Recommended: The egyptian religion and architecture

Outline

Thesis Statement: The Great Pyramid is a mystery to the modern age, even though its

purpose, uses, history, and condition have challenged explorers for centuries it will

always be considered one of the greatest wonders of the world.

1. Why was the Great Pyramid built?

A. Who built the Great Pyramid?

B. Why was it built?

C. Comparative theories.

2. What was the Great Pyramid used for?

A. Religious uses.

B. Astronomical uses.

C. Environmental uses.

3. How was the Great Pyramid built?

A. Workers.

B. Dimensions.

C. Surrounding community.

Why the Great Pyramid of Giza was built is a question that has been challenging archeologists, philosophers, and historians for hundreds of years. What we do know is that the Egyptians built it during the fourth dynasty under the rule of King Khufu in the area known as Giza. (i) The amount of people that it took to build such a massive structure has been the subject of dispute for hundreds of years. The Greek historian Herodotus believed that it took one hundred thousand workers over a twenty-year period to build the great pyramid, but recent archaeologists using modern calculations believe that the pyramid was built by four thousand primary laborers and sixteen to twenty thousand secondary workers but also over a twenty year time period. (ii)

There are many competing theories on why the great pyramid was built, none of them are definite but all of them are interesting. Many other pyramids have been built in the Middle East but none of the same stature. Other pyramids have been found to be burial chambers for various kings and pharaohs, but the Great Pyramid contained no burial remnants even though its essential design is the same as other pyramids, even containing special chambers for a king and a queen. (iii) Modern day scientists have discovered many interesting correlations between the location and dimensions of the Great Pyramid, that relate to the earth, the stars, and the seasons. (iv)

Several controversies have risen over the last hundred years about the reasons for the building of the Great Pyramid. Some theories believe that the Great Pyramid was built by or aided by alien beings because of the precise nature of its location and dimensions. While others believe that, the pyramid represented a symbol of ultimate power for t...

... middle of paper ...

...tration along with metalworkers, joiners, painters, and draughtsmen because of various workshops found in the ruins. (xvi) It has been thought that feeding these armies of workers were extensive bakeries because bread mold from the same period has also been uncovered. (xvii) All these discoveries are the main reason why it is believed that this great giant of a structure was built out of national pride, by volunteers and not by slave labor as previously theorized. When one looks at the overall task and complexity of building this Great Pyramid, it certainly will always remain one of the greatest accomplishments of humankind.

Bibliography

1. "Pyramid." Encyclopedia Britannica. 2003. Encyclopedia Britannica Premium Service. 27 Sep, 2003 .

2. “Egyptians.” British Broadcasting Service. 2003. British Broadcasting Service Interactive. 26 Sep, 2003

3. “Excavations at Giza 1988 – 1991.” University of Chicago. 1992. Oriental Institute, University of Chicago. 26 Sep, 2003

4. “Q&A with Dr. Kent Weeks.” The Learning Channel. 2003. The Learning Channel Online. 26 Sep, 2003

5. “Great Pyramid Facts and Statistics.” Egyptian Pyramids Index. 2001. Crystalinks. 27 Sep, 2003

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