The Pyramids

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Recommended: Significance of Nile to ancient Egypt

As of today, there are currently one hundred and thirty-eight massive structures, known as pyramids, located on the west bank of the Nile river, near Giza, Egypt. Each one of these was built by hand, during the Old and Middle Kingdoms, which was from about 3000 B.C. to about 1650 B.C. Every historian has their own idea as to what the pyramids are actually used for, are they used as a passage to the afterlife for Pharoahs, or is it something as simple as a safe spot for when the Nile floods? Either way, it raises several questions about the pyramids. Quite simply, the answers to those questions lie in the cold hard facts. There is a large possibility that the pyramids could have simply been used for flood protection, but, as any hypothesis, it must be supported by facts. In order to do so, three main points must be looked at: the pyramids themselves, the Nile, and Egyptian religion. When considering the basics of the pyramids you think of three main subcategories, which are the pyramid’s location, inside structure, and their outside structure or architecture. The Nile River could be looked at in many ways, but the main ones that pertain to the pyramids which include, the Nile’s tendency to flood, Egypt’s dependency of the Nile, and how Egypt viewed the Nile. Lastly, of course, is Egyptian religion. The main points to look at are the God of the Nile and other Gods connected to the God of the Nile. With each piece put together, the facts show that the pyramids could simply be flood protection, but that cannot simply be said without further proof.
The first, and most obvious piece of information when considering the possible uses for the pyramids, lies within the pyramids themselves. As many people know, the pyramids are found in Egy...

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...eful resource without a need, it’s important to realize that the Nile indeed flooded, and quite often. Every year, around June through September, the water level of the Nile would either rise or fall. This was highly important for Egypt’s crops. If the water rises too much, however, it could cause a flood, which would destroy villages and anything nearby. So, for safety purposes, the pyramids would be easily accessible and provide temporary relief for villagers. In addition, the Nile was a main part of Egyptian religion, the god Hapi, also known as the god of the Nile, was behind the flooding of the Nile. As with any religion, it is not a good idea to upset the gods. So in turn, the pyramids could be the simple alternative to stay safe, and protect the village from harm. With all the possibilities of things that could go wrong, why not use the pyramids to stay safe?

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