Egyptian Pyramids Research Paper

The word pyramid can be imagined as a triangular stone structure in the deserts of Egypt. However, there are more than one type of pyramid. The Mayans built their pyramids to be used for religious purposes. On the other hand, the Egyptian pyramids were used to entomb deceased pharaohs. The pyramids of the Mayans and of Giza have similarities and differences based on their overall purpose, construction, and religion.

The main purposes of both pyramids are alike, yet the pyramids´ other purposes are very distinct. The Mayan and Egyptian pyramids had a main purpose pertaining to culture. The Mayans used their pyramids for sacrificial ceremonies and were part of the communities. The Ancient Egyptians honored their dead pharaohs by placing them into tombs and sealing the pyramids permanently. However, there was an unintended purpose of both pyramids that would only be discovered until after both civilizations had died, which was the mystery of how the two magnificent pyramids were built.

Considering the fact that the wheel and metal tools were not created, both the Mayans and Egyptians were able to build these grand structures with flawless architecture.

According to the infographic on page 47, one of the most famous Mayan pyramids, El Castillo, measures 98 feet tall while the pyramid of Giza stands at 450 feet. The heights show the overall impressiveness of these finely made pyramids which have been deteriorating over time. On the data analysis on page 44, the Egyptians used wooden tools and stones while the Mayans used stone and bronze tools. Instead, stones of diorite were used to break granite and other harder rocks. In Egypt, the stones were cut so precisely that to this day not even a blade of a knife can fit through the slits according to the video notes. Despite being 371 feet shorter than the Pyramids of Giza, the Mayan pyramids are actually steeper, having 365 steps to the top of the pyramid where the Mayans used to have their religious

activities.
The resemblance between Mayan and Egyptian pyramids is that both the Mayan and Egyptian pyramids were used for their religion. The Mayans held sacrificial ceremonies in the temple at the top of their pyramids. This is due to the Mayan belief in human blood being the most valuable item to offer to the Gods. However, the Egyptian pyramids had a different kind of religious meaning. In the magazine article ¨The Pyramids of Giza,¨ Gustafson states, “they were to honor the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaura, and help the Pharaohs achieve immortality in the afterlife.” This tradition shows the value for the process of death and the afterlife, all of which narrows down to their culture.
To conclude, the Mayan and the Egyptian pyramids shared some distinct similarities yet many differences. The main purpose, construction, and religious influence for the two structures varies in several ways. The Mayan pyramids were used communally for religious ceremonies and were steep. Meanwhile, Egyptian pyramids have a primary purpose to honor deceased Pharaohs, elaborated construction, and securing immortality in the afterlife. Whatever the case, both civilizations have the greatest pyramids the world has ever witnessed.