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Imagine, a magnificent structure in which you can see from space or have to journey in the deepest jungle of Central America. These great structures are known as pyramids. The two main type of pyramids which could be found in two different parts of the world. Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza and the Mayan Pyramids which are found in Central America. Also the designs and the purpose for why the ancestor have created these beautiful and flawless frameworks. Let us continue into a journey of the Mayan and Egyptian Pyramids. The Egyptians’ pyramids known as the Pyramids of Giza. Which first started construction in 2550 BC. According to “The Pyramids of Giza” by “Helena Gustafson” [source 1] claimed that “The pyramids at Giza have been astonishing …show more content…
According to “Mayan Pyramids” [source 3] “The Mayan were a Mesoamerican civilization that arose around 1500BC.” Which is quite a difference between them and the Egyptians civilization. The material on which these structure was made out of were stone block held together by lime mortar. Also the structure has major differences. The Egyptians pyramids were series of tunnels. As for the El Castillo Mayan Pyramids [source 4] had stairs and the height is only 79 feet with only one chamber at the top. Now what were the used for? “Only priests were allowed to climb the stairs to the top. They performed religious rituals including sacrifices. The pyramids were often part of large complexes that included palaces, ball courts, plazas, and court yards.” [source 3] So they use these structure for much more than the Egyptians. They use them for religious ritual and sacrifice or even to spectate a sport. Which is quite fascinating. Another thing about the Mayan Pyramids were “Even now there are Mayan Pyramids hiding in the thick jungle, waiting to be discovered”. [source 3] So there are still more out there that are need to be
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.
When looking at Mayan and Egyptian pyramids side by side, one would immediately notice the difference in heights between the two. The Great Pyramid of Giza stands at an astounding 480ft, with the Mayan pyramids standing only 401ft less, or simply 79ft (Source 4). With such a baffling number, it's no wonder the pyramid of Giza has been titled as "Great". But this doesn't mean the Mayan pyramids aren't impressive, with the ornate details with stairs and a entrance placed at the top. The questions stands as to why such a height was determined for the pyramid, especially when it's six times the height of the Mayans'?The answer can easily be answered with the purpose of the pyramids.
The Egyptians used their pyramids to honor their gods and pharaohs, and the Mayans had flat pyramids that they worshipped their gods on. The Egyptian pyramids were huge and in a triangle shape. Both of these civilizations also sacrificed their gods on their specific pyramids. One thing the Mayans had that the Egyptians didn’t was a priestly caste, which is a social group that officiates sacrifices and leading prayers. Both of them used calendars in different ways than we use them today.
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
They always build their cities and temples using Astronomy mostly on an East to West alignment, but there are some Early to Middle Pre-Classic examples of a Pleiades alignment in the Pacific Lowlands at sites such as: Ujuxte, Monte Alto and Tak 'alik Abaj. Aside from having religious functions, Mayan pyramids also had other purposes. The pyramids were built so high that their tops could be seen protruding out of the jungle. Because of this, the Mayan people were able to use them as landmarks. That was not the only significance of building them so high though. They also served as a reminder that the gods were ever present(Hernandez 13). Some pyramids even house burial chambers for high ranking officials. Housed inside these mammoth structures were small burial rooms. There were narrow corridors that led to these chambers(Hernandez 21). These burial chambers often contained treasures such as jade(Hernandez 13). The Vault and Arch was used also in tombs, such as those in Guaytán, in the eastern Highlands and Tikal or Río Azul in the Petén
The Giza pyramids are massive, in fact, the three pyramids can be seen from space while they were also the largest man made structure for more than 3,800 years. Source two data analysis lists that these ancienet Egyptian beauties originally stood at a towering height of 481 feet to where it currently stands at 450 feet, to put it in perspective the statistics rattle on explaining the extent of the height, they are higher than the Statue of Liberty, St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, or Big ben in London. The Mayan pyramids are considerably smaller, for example the El Castillo Mayan Pyramid pictured in the inforgraphic in source four, shows it’s only a mere 79 feet high. While the Egyptian pyramids are tall and prestigous, the Mayan Pyramids are intricate and have many more aspects. There are traditionally 365 stairs, four staircases, and nine terraces on the Mayan Pyramids, some were even painted and covered in plaster. The Egyptian pyramids are complex but far less ornate, nevertheless paragraph four of source one describes how the sides were “ covered with a smooth layer of bright limestone blocks that would have gleamed and glittered in the sunlight.”The physical appearences of both sets of pyramids are still considred grand in the modern
For the ancient Maya, the world was alive and full of sacred spaces such as caves and mountains, and “The architecture of ritual space replicated the features of sacred geography – the forest, the mountain, and the cave” (Schele and Freidel 72). Classical Maya kings invested a great deal of resources into pyramid construction, and the form of these buildings was carefully calculated. The shape of the pyramid emulated that of a mountain. The external layout, a series of landings and plazas of increasing size, enforced the social hierarchy by controlling the number of people in attendance and their proximity to the sacred spaces (Schele and Frei...
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.
When thinking of pyramids our minds quickly go to the country of Egypt. We have learned about Egyptian pyramids in school, seen their pictures in books, and they are frequently featured in various movie projects. These pyramids, as famous as they may be, are not the only pyramids in the world. There happens to be just as many located in Egypt’s southern neighbor, Sudan.
The most famous building El Castillo known as in english as “The Castle” and can also be certain people’s last names which is pretty common. The pyramid itself was first built between the 8th and 12th century at Tinum, Yucatan, Mexico. The pyramid itself is centered of the Chichen Itza which is in site in the state of Yucatan of Mexico. During this time there was an ancient civilization in southern Mexico called “Maya”
The context was a very important aspect in the construction of the Pyramids of Giza, as it provided the means that made the construction of these pyramids possible. The Pyramids of Giza are situated on the west bank of the Nile River in Giza, Northern Egypt, a short distance from Memphis, the capital of Egypt at the time. The Nile River was one of Egypt’s main reasons for it’s prosperity, so for the pyramids to be located alongside the Nile made perfect sense for the Pharaoh’s of the 4th Dynasty. 1 The Nile River provided a source of fresh water, as well as a means of transportation throughout Egypt that allowed materials for the pyramids to be transported from the queries to the building site with ease. Without a means of transportation like this, moving large rocks would have been very difficult.
One theory proposed by archaeologist Mark Lehner, who has written many books, and has thirty years of experience excavating in Egypt, came up with a theory that the pyramids were built by well-fed, skilled Egyptian workers who lived in a nearby city chosen by Pharaoh having only the best for construction of the pyramids. The pharaoh wanted only the best workers for these sacred structures, as back then they were considered very spiritual and religious.
The Great pyramids of Egypt are undoubtedly one of the most recognized and admired landmarks in the world. Built to pay tribute to gods and pharaohs, the pyramids were of great importance to the Egyptians, and the mystery of their construction continues to amaze us today. Many theories pertaining to how the pyramids were built have been suggested, however, none are as well supported or intelligible as the heave-ho method of quarrying and cutting limestone. Joseph Davidovits’ theory disproving this, in which states the pyramids were moulded, is not plausible. Substantial physical evidence which is consistent with the Egyptologists’ portrayal of the heave-ho method has been found. The entire process of building a pyramid with this method is possible, as demonstrated by thorough experiments and analysis of the Egyptian culture. Indisputably, the Great Pyramids of Giza were constructed by quarrying limestone, and the use of ramps, sleds, and cutting tools, owing to the ingenuity and strength of highly organized Egyptian workers.
The Egyptian pyramids are ancient masonry structures with a square. base and four sloping triangular faces located in Egypt [1]. were built as tombs for the country's Pharaohs and their consorts during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods. As of 2008, 138 pyramids have been built. discovered in Egypt.
The pyramids of Egypt are fascinating, however, they remain to be a mystery. The well-built architecture is located in Giza, Egypt, on the west bank of the Nile River. The pyramids of Egypt are the oldest and only surviving member of ancient wonders. It is also the pride and one of the most important factors in Egyptian culture.