2006-11-20 06:28:26 · 6 answers · asked by aykafrom190 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Geography
The ancient Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for the pharaohs and their queens. The pharaohs were buried in pyramids of many different shapes and sizes from before the beginning of the Old Kingdom to the end of the Middle Kingdom.
Pyramids of Giza
There are about eighty pyramids known today from ancient Egypt. The three largest and best-preserved of these were built at Giza at the beginning of the Old Kingdom. The most well-known of these pyramids was built for the pharaoh Khufu. It is known as the 'Great Pyramid'.
2006-11-20 21:52:33 · answer #1 · answered by virendra s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The monuments called the Pyramids are the shape they are because that is a stable structure and no different in principle to any heap of stones or earth. The engineering principles behind them are the same in Central America as they are in Egypt and in the ziggurats of Mesopotamia which have not survived, being made of mud brick.
The Great Pyramids near Cairo are the result of hundreds of years of experience in building pyramids on the part of the ancient Egyptians who were just as smart as anyone today. Some earlier pyramids partially collapsed because they had poor foundations, were made with poor materials or because the sides were too steep.
The pyramids at Giza were placed on a carefully selected foundation and good materials and design were used. That and the inherent stability of the structure is why they are still here today.
The step pyramid was one of the earliest and shows development of the pyramid from the low flat mound previously built. The monumental complex was designed to be surrounded by a wall, and if the tomb mound inside had been the simple flat topped mound it could not have been seen from outside the wall. So extra layers were added, producing a stepped pyramid.
Someone got the idea of making the sides smooth instead of stepped. With smooth limestone facing it would be white and very showy. With a bit of gold leaf at the top it was even more flash. There is good taste, bad taste and royal taste.
2006-11-20 07:21:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
G'day Aykafrom`190,
Thank you for your question.
Pyramids were built by ancient civilisations most notably the Egyptians but also others such as the Mayans. The Egyptian pyramids were used as the tombs of kings. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the most famous and one of the largest. It is the only remaining seven wonders of the world. It is believed to have been built between 2589 and 2504 BC and is located on the outskirts of Cairo.
I have attached sources for your reference.
Regards
2006-11-20 06:45:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only what I have read. they are made of a stone that is NOT close to the site where they stand. Some even feel that it would have been too far for man, any amount of men to carry or push or pull the heavy stones to where they are now. The design seems to be more advanced than what the people of that time could have made. Aliens?? Visitors??? Miracle????
2006-11-20 06:38:29 · answer #4 · answered by memorris900 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A little
2006-11-20 07:04:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=pyramids&btnG=Google+Search
google is your friend
2006-11-20 06:35:56 · answer #6 · answered by parsonsel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋