Unit 3 Pyramids Research Paper

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What are Pyramids and some important pyramids?
The pyramids are the most magnificent and enormous monumental structures made by mankind. Pyramids were built at a time when Egypt was the most prosperous and powerful civilization in the world. Their massive scale reflects the unique role that the “Pharaoh or King” played in the ancient Egyptian society. The pyramidal shape of these structures is widely thought to reflect the ancient belief that the pharaoh was the representative of the sun god, Re, on the earth and hence the shape of pyramids where the top points towards the sun. “Khufu’s pyramid” is part of the Seven Wonders of the World. This is located on the plateau of Giza is mainly built of limestone and is considered an monumental masterpiece. None the less the earliest pyramid was a “Step Pyramid” located in Saqqara. This pyramid was built for King Djoser in the 2750 BC. This first application of large scale technology is attributed to Imhotep, who was the architect of the step pyramid. The pyramids are also found in Mexico and were built by the Mesoamericans in 1000 BC. These pyramids stand at La Venta in Tabacso and were built by the Olmecs.

Form and Structure of The Pyramids?
The Pyramid structure has a square or triangular base with three or four sloping sides that intersect at a point at the top.
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The ancient Mayans built 2 types of pyramids, pyramids that were meant to be climbed and pyramids that were not meant to be climbed. The first type was used for holding rituals of sacrifise. The other type of pyramid was not to be touched or climbed it was sacred. The steps on these structures were too steep to climb and many times they had doorways which however lead to nowhere. During these rituals, the Egyptian priests would climb the pyramid from the earth to the sky by staircases. They believed that climbing these staircases brought them much closer to the sun god, Re

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