Ancient Egyptian Pyramids Flashcards
Why did ancient civilizations build such large monuments
to demonstrate religious/ideological beliefs and to perform rituals
to reassert the power of the society and the ruler
to protect the society and its resources
How were mega projects completed
collaboration of the majority of people at the beginning of a society or an era
collaboration of the majority of people to glorify a deity or to commemorate an important person
collaboration of the majority of people to protect the society
What were technical issues of building monuments
cutting was difficult
need to be long lasting
used big stones for cladding
When were the monuments in ancient Egypt built?
Old Kingdom to the Middle Kingdom
What is significant about the Pyramid of Giza
its astronomical orientation based on its base and diagonal shafts line up with stars/constellations
Why are Egyptian Pyramids unique compared to those of America
their orientation
precision
size of building blocks
magnitude of the construction project
What dimensions were used in the stones of the Pyramid of Giza
the golden ration - l/w = 1/6
What is a true pyramid
four smooth sides meet at a point in the sky
What are main questions about pyramid construction
methods of construction
methods of delivering stones - ramp theories
methods of orientation correction
methods of placing the casing stones
logistics
Quarrying - cutting and bringing them from various places
What were two primary problems for ancient engineers
raise the stone to great heights
place the stone in position with accuracy
What are the ramp theories
straight on ramp - perpendicular
zigzag ramp
internal ramp
combination of these models
Describe Perpendicular Ramps
A huge of volume is required, usually more than the pyramid itself
has to have a low gradient of 5-10 degrees
every time the ramp has reached a higher stone course it has to be made higher and lengthened
there must be ramps on each side to speed up the construction process
What gradient would require a one mile long ramp
12 degrees
Describe Spiral/Zigzag ramps
very difficult to maneuver the large blocks of stone around the corners
measuring and controlling the shape of the pyramid is very difficult because the ramp covers most of the pyramid
the ramp itself would cover the whole surface of the pyramid
What’s the oldest pyramid
Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, c. 2670 BC
