Pyramids

Assignment 1: Essay

Rebecca Sirignano

Clare Parsons

HUM 111

7/27/2012

The pyramids are the last remaining of the seven wonders, of the ancient world. Mysterious surrounds their purpose, construction technology, and who built them. Most historians would agree that the ancient Egyptians possessed the art, architecture, and the mathematical knowledge required to erect these massive structures. There are many theories about construction with each one having its own flaws in building theory. These range from a single front facing ramp, to ramps that spiraled around the face or edge of the pyramid as it was built higher. Other theories include the use of machines such as cranes, wooden carts on rollers, and pulley systems.

The creativity that was used to make these building techniques is astounding. Marl Lehner, an American Archaeologist, and director of Ancient Egypt Resource Associates (AERA), expressed that many kinds of different ramps were used in helping build the pyramids. The simplest building technique, but the one requiring the largest work force, and time, would be the front facing ramp. Larger teams of workers would build the ramp higher and higher as the pyramids height rose. In reality the ramp itself would be about the same mass as the pyramid itself. The ramp theory does allow for a simple technique and an unskilled workforce for transporting the stones. Jean-Pierre Houdin an independent Architect. Proposes a new theory in which interior spiraling tunnels are used to construct the pyramid from the inside out. His theory includes a front facing ramp used for the base, and the cranes used at the corners of the pyramid. To position and turn stones. Houdin’s theory is interesting because it uses multiple building techniques utilizing each one’s strengths.

Contrary to early beliefs, the pyramids were not built by slaves. Another theory was that aliens had built the pyramids. When in reality they were built by Egyptians, craftsman, and...