They look remarkably similiar.
2007-05-24 11:13:12 · 6 answers · asked by Judi R 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
If you want to build something tall, and you've only got stones and maybe mortar, you can only go so high with a column. You've got to taper it. Then it becomes a pyramid. A square- bottom shape is easiest to lay out. Then the sides can be flat or terraced or a combination. Not really that many options when you haven't got girders or modern tools.
2007-05-25 00:28:51 · answer #1 · answered by Gevera Bert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A step pyramid construction was the common architecture for primitive pyramids. Even Egypt began with step pyramids similar to the Sumerian ziggurauts, but the Egyptians made an improvement.
So the Mayans also developed a basic step pyramid design.
2007-05-24 12:42:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How come the Mayans looked like the Sumerians? Think things through next time and do not fall for new age BS.
2007-05-24 11:41:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a logical shape you end up with when you start putting temples or mastabas one on top of the other. It was the only technology they could afford to build impessive monuments, until the coming of concrete and the cupola in Roman times, and the Gothic cathedral in the Middle Ages.
2007-05-24 11:31:03 · answer #4 · answered by Erik Van Thienen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How come they both look like mountains? Because when building tall structures out of heavy materials the pyramid shape is the best way to do it.
2007-05-24 11:17:38 · answer #5 · answered by Shinigami 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that it was the simplest way to build pyramids. Also, the temples and ziggurauts had the same significance; to get closer to their gods.
2007-05-24 11:18:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋