Pyramids of Giza
Pyramids at Giza
Maria Takaki
Strayer University
HUM
111
Loftin Montgomery
October 29, 2012
Pyramids at Giza There are many theories as to how the pyramids at Giza were constructed. Most experts agree that they were constructed as burial monuments for pharaohs, but “how” these ancient people constructed monuments of such great size without modern machinery is a mystery which is still being debated. There is one theory from Herodotus, a polish engineer, which states that machines formed of short wooden planks were used to raise the stones. “After laying the stones for the base, they raised the remaining stones to their places by means of machines formed of short wooden planks. The first machine raised them from the ground to the top of the first step. On this there was another machine, which received the stone upon its arrival, and conveyed it to the second step, whence a third machine advanced it still higher. Either they had as many machines as there were steps in the pyramid, or possibly they had but a single machine, which, being easily moved, was transferred from tier to tier as the stone rose - both accounts are given, and therefore I mention both"(Orcutt, 2000, p. 1). This could definitely be a possibility seeing as the stones were extremely heavy for the average man to lift by himself or even with someone else. There is also another theory that once most of the stones were dragged into place the hardest part to believe would be the top of the pyramid. There is a theory that the tops were casted in limestone. “Casting would explain why some of the stones fit so closely together. Still, as with all great mysteries, not every aspect of the pyramids can be explained. How the Egyptians hoisted 70-ton granite slabs halfway up the great pyramid remains as mysterious as ever” (Berninger & Rose, 18 May 2007, p. 1). I think that these are both great theories. I think that the casting is the most understandable seeing as
Maria Takaki
Strayer University
HUM
111
Loftin Montgomery
October 29, 2012
Pyramids at Giza There are many theories as to how the pyramids at Giza were constructed. Most experts agree that they were constructed as burial monuments for pharaohs, but “how” these ancient people constructed monuments of such great size without modern machinery is a mystery which is still being debated. There is one theory from Herodotus, a polish engineer, which states that machines formed of short wooden planks were used to raise the stones. “After laying the stones for the base, they raised the remaining stones to their places by means of machines formed of short wooden planks. The first machine raised them from the ground to the top of the first step. On this there was another machine, which received the stone upon its arrival, and conveyed it to the second step, whence a third machine advanced it still higher. Either they had as many machines as there were steps in the pyramid, or possibly they had but a single machine, which, being easily moved, was transferred from tier to tier as the stone rose - both accounts are given, and therefore I mention both"(Orcutt, 2000, p. 1). This could definitely be a possibility seeing as the stones were extremely heavy for the average man to lift by himself or even with someone else. There is also another theory that once most of the stones were dragged into place the hardest part to believe would be the top of the pyramid. There is a theory that the tops were casted in limestone. “Casting would explain why some of the stones fit so closely together. Still, as with all great mysteries, not every aspect of the pyramids can be explained. How the Egyptians hoisted 70-ton granite slabs halfway up the great pyramid remains as mysterious as ever” (Berninger & Rose, 18 May 2007, p. 1). I think that these are both great theories. I think that the casting is the most understandable seeing as
References: Berninger, S., & Rose, D. (18 May 2007). The Surprising Truth About How the Great Pyramids Were Built. Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/1554-surprising-truth-great-pyramids-built.html Orcutt, L. (2000). Construction of the Great Pyramid. Retrieved from http://www.world-mysteries.com/mpl_2_1.htm