During the Old Kingdom, Egypt’s greatest period of glory and power, massive pyramids were created. Though believed to be “astronomical observations” because of an uncanny alignment to the stars, the pyramids were built to house a pharaoh’s remains, while protecting his body and possessions from weather and thieves. These impressive structures ensured the pharaohs union with the gods in the afterlife since the rulers were both kings and gods. With his ownership of everything and supreme authority, the pharaoh was thought to maintain the Ma’at. Egyptians were legally and religiously obligated to follow a pharaoh’s laws and felt that the fate of their people was in his hands. Pharaohs were also believed to be responsible for the Nile’s inundation and utilized its life-giving gift of resources. These materials, matched with a large, organized work force that the pharaoh paid to quarry and transport it, helped them to construct the pyramids and unite Egyptian society. In fact, by assembling the pyramids, the Egyptians generated the knowledge, stability and culture needed to build a nation.
The three-dimensional shape of the pyramids represented the rays of the sun falling on the Earth. While the base is square, “safe” pyramids are angled at to a point whereas “ideal” pyramids are aesthetically angled at like those at Giza. By using geometry, Egyptian architects mastered the management of great volumes to design a series of inner passageways, corridors, and corbelvauted chambers. The architectural principles used in the construction were centered on the pharaoh’s advanced stone working techniques and precise measurement. Some engineering methods practiced included the use of different materials, such as limestone. Other approaches were the organization of workers into crews.
The Term Paper on Egypt Mexican Pyramids Egyptian Maya Ancient
... people to get inside of the Egyptian and Mayan pyramids and discover the treasures of Egyptian pharaohs and Mayan rulers. Most of what ... meant for public consumption. Most of the Egyptian pyramids were built by six pharaohs of the Old Kingdom, and were considered ... was by building a pyramid and putting there all their belongings and riches. Egyptian people believed that pharaoh is the closest person ...
When constructing the mastabas, dried mud bricks were arranged in a long, rectangular, flat-topped way that resembled the benches outside Egyptian houses. In an attempt to build a more elaborate mastaba, Imhotep built a square tomb that was 26 feet high out of stone. Still unsatisfied, however, he continued extending the measurements until he eventually formed a step pyramid that rose over 200 feet. By filling in the steps and adding an outer casing, the slope-sided pyramid was created. Unfortunately, the outer casing collapsed during construction because the casing didn’t rest on a firm foundation and the blocks were not correctly positioned. The bent pyramid was more successful with its reduced angle of sloping sides. The method of packing the stone blocks and laying the case was also dramatically improved during this construction. The next monument in the pyramid evolution was the Cheop’s Great Pyramid. This pyramid rose to an amazing height of 481 feet with sides spanning a width of 755 feet. The pyramid complex of Khufu consisted of a funerary temple, three boat pits, three Queen pyramids, and many mastabas.
Though it is still a mystery how the pyramids were built, there are many theories. For example, to quarry large pieces of limestone, Egyptians were said to have used a variety of tools such as dolomite balls. To transport and raise the heavy stones to such a great height, they may have slid the stones across wet mud and dragged them up large ramps next to the building site. As mentioned earlier, some problems occurred in the actual construction because of improper foundation, measurements and materials.
During the time the pyramids and auxiliary buildings at the Giza site were first completed, they were an incredible spectacle. The pyramids in their glory shined with their electrum capstones surrounded by many other buildings. The pyramid of Mycerinus had three smaller pyramids on the left side. In the front was a Funerary temple and a causeway leading to its Valley Temple. Chephren’s pyramid, located in between Mycerinus and Cheops’ pyramid had a larger Funerary temple with The Sphinx guarding it at the end of the causeway led to another Valley Temple. The man-headed lion statue would have looked even more magnificent at the time it was first finished, bearing the full face of Khafre. Behind and to the left Sphinx lies the Great Pyramid of Cheops. In front and back, as well as to the left, mastaba tombs surrounded the Great Pyramid. Next to Cheops’ Funerary temple was positioned three Queen’s pyramids and boat pits. As breathtaking as we see the pyramids of Giza today, one could only imagine how amazing the site looked some five thousand years ago.
The Essay on Great Expectations part 1
Great Expectations Outline Biography. Introduction. Early years. Occupations and marriage. Death. Introduction to Great Expectations. An Individual is shaped by the worlds and personal experiences.The shaping of Pips character. Joe the blacksmith and his influence on Pip. Miss Havisham and Estella. Satis House. Women manipulate Pips attitudes. The true Benefactor.Shattered dreams. The moment of ...
