Compare And Contrast Egyptian And Mayan Pyramids

The Egyptian and Mayan pyramids, nestled in the desert and thriving in the jungle, are some of the most beautiful and astonishing pieces of architecture existing today, not to mention they were built thousands of years ago. With this beauty comes a multitude of differences between the two landmarks. These differences make these pyramids unique and unlike any other architecture, adding to their beauty and artistry. Some of the most considerable differences between the Egyptian and Mayan pyramids are their appearances, purposes, and constructions. The Mayan and Egyptian pyramids are both aesthetically appealing, however their appearances are noticeably divergent. Based off of the information in the infographic displayed in Source 4, the Mayan pyramids’ entrances are found on the top of the pyramid, the Egyptians’ entrances being on the bottom. Furthermore, according to “Visiting the Mayan Pyramids”, the Mayan pyramids have a much different appearance from the Egyptian. The brochure states, “Compared to the Egyptian pyramids at Giza, Mayan pyramids are mostly smaller, but steeper and more ornate.” However, even with these major differences,

These purposes relate to some extent, but are also contrasting. According to “The Pyramids of Giza” by Helena Gustafson, “The three pyramids at Giza were designed as monumental tombs for pharaohs (kings) of Egypt, to house their bodies after death and to help them achieve eternal life in the afterworld.” Mayan pyramids are also occasionally used as tombs for high-ranking officials, however the pyramids are mainly used as temples for religious purposes. Furthermore, Mayan pyramids are positioned in certain ways to note key events in the Mayan calendar, adding to the amount of complex thought and design that was put into making the pyramids. The purposes of these ancient pyramids may vary, but are also similar in other