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The history of the pyramids
The history of the pyramids
The history of the pyramids
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Many conspiracies surround the Great Pyramid at Giza. Of these theories, nearly all of them stem from curiosities involving the construction process, as well as the planning and design process, of the Great Pyramid. While admitting that it is quite curious that the pyramid is oriented almost perfectly to the cardinal directions; along with the fact that both the golden section and the number π seem prevalent in the design; it is also curious how some people instantaneously connect those possibilities with the idea that only aliens could have built such a structure. The Egyptians created an advanced system of hieroglyphics, and built many other impressive structures, is it so hard to believe that they were also the designers and builders of a structure that incorporates the use of advanced science and mathematics? Although the Egyptians may never have defined the number π, advanced math and advanced science were both clearly used in the design, planning, and construction of the Great Pyramid at Giza. The use of math, science, and logic can be seen within the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza in a variety places. It is most apparent are within the construction and movement of the components; the overall design of the Great Pyramid itself with relation to its height, base, and sides; and within the orientation and layout of the Pyramids at Giza. These three key elements are the basis of many questions formed around the Pyramid and what, in fact, makes this structure so interesting. Often debated upon and discussed the most, is how the large stones, and stone components of the pyramid, were moved and stacked to create such a structure [Figure #1]. There are many hypotheses on how this was accomplished. The most common hypothesis is... ... middle of paper ... ...ml>. Haack, Steven C. "The Astronomical Orientation of the Egyptian Pyramids." Journal of History of Astronomy 15 (1984): S119. The SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System. Web. 21 Sept. 2011. AS...15..119H/0000120.000.html> Lepre, J. P. The Egyptian Pyramids. Jefferson, NC: McFarland &, 1990. Print. O'Connor, J. J., and E. F. Robertson. "An Overview of Egyptian Mathematics." Web. 10 Oct. 2011. http://www.gap-system.org/~history/HistTopics/Egyptian_mathematics.html. Orofino, Vincenzo. "A Quantitative Astronomical Analysis of the Orion Correlation Theory." Web. 1 Nov. 2011. . Shaw, Ian. "Building the Great Pyramid." (2002). British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC, 8 Jan. 2007. Web Article. 21 Sept. 2011. .
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 lift and move 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. Archaeologists suggest that the large stones used in building the pyramids were transported by rolling them over logs or a wet, slippery, clay surface.
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).
The first step in building this pyramid was choosing the best location. Next, crews needed to be organized and resources had to be gathered. This was the responsibility of the second in command, which in Khufu’s case, was Hemiunu, his nephew. Hemiunu also was in charge of delegating responsibilities such as payments, labor, and materials. In regards to how the pyramid was actually built, several theories have been suggested. One theory is that ramps were positioned on the outside of the base of the pyramid throughout the whole building process to move blocks into place. Another theory suggests the same thing except for the idea that as workers neared the top, interior ramps were used instead of exterior ramps. The likelihood of these theories being accurate is quite small because of physics. The most likely theory was proposed by Robert Carson, who believed that the Great Pyramid was built using water power. This could have been made possible by the high water table of the Giza plateau. The Egyptians used a tool called the shaduf, a long pole with a bucket and rope on one end and a weight on the other end. Along with interior ramps, Carson suggested that hydraulic power from underneath combined with hoists from above could have been used to navigate stones into place. Historians have had disputes in the past over who actually did the labor. Some believe it was slaves, but it is
Some theorists that aliens have been around since the early civilizations were formed. These theorists have studied the history of early civilizations and have said to find historical and religious texts filled with ancient alien connections. Theorists have been said to be able to decipher ancient painting of aliens and their spaceships. According to the History Channel’s Ancient Aliens “Swiss author Erik Von Daniken put forth a hypothesis that, thousands of years ago, space travelers from other planets visited Earth, where they taught humans about technology and ancient religions.”(The History Channel). The pyramids of Egypt are so complex to build at the time with limited technology, that these theorists believe that the ancient aliens came down and helped the Egy...
Hoffman, Carl. "Pyramids at Giza -- National Geographic." National Geographic. National Geographic, n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. .
The purpose of this speech is to inform you with the history behind The Great Pyramid of Giza.
Has it ever crossed your mind that the oldest and only surviving of the Seven Wonders of the World was built in times that predated any modern technology? Doesn't it seem almost impossible? There are three Pyramids of Giza, the first one was commissioned in Ancient Egypt by the Pharaoh Khufu, around the year 2540 BCE. They are located in Giza, Egypt, and take on this name. Standing 488 ft tall, they were once the tallest buildings in the world, for many hundreds of years. The site is one of the most famous worldwide, receiving millions of tourists each year. The Pyramid of Giza is extremely significant because of its enormous scale and the many people needed to construct it, along with the methods used to do so.
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.
When one travels to Egypt, what does he/she see - pyramid after temple after tomb, each standing the test of time. One stands out - they are all associated with religious beliefs, they all have stood unmoving for thousands of years, and they all involve mechanical genius- the moving of colossal stones without the use of the wheel. The finest example such mechanics is shown in the construction of the revered pyramid. These three factors, all belonging to the religious architecture of ancient Egypt, do nothing else but prove its greatness.
- [2] Redford, Donald B, Ph.D.; McCauley, M, "How were the Egyptian pyramids built?", Research The Pennsylvania State University, Retrieved 11 December 2012.
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.
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.
In conclusion, it is clear that while their ancient civilization perished long ago, the contributions that the Egyptians made to mathematics have lived on. The Egyptians were practical in their approach to mathematics, and developed arithmetic and geometry in response to transactions they carried out in business and agriculture on a daily basis. Therefore, as a civilization that created hieroglyphs, the decimal system, and hieratic writing and numerals, the contributions of the Egyptians to the study of mathematics cannot and should not be overlooked.
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.