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Mayan Pyramids Research Paper

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When one thinks of pyramids, the dramatic stone structures standing regally over the desert sands of Giza, Egypt come to mind. The proud tributes to past pharaohs have captivated explorers for centuries and continue to attract tourists today. They are not, however, the only pyramids that have caught the attention of the public; in Central America lay the Mayan pyramids, step-pyramids built by a Mesoamerican civilization formed around 1500 BC. While both the pyramids of Egypt and the Mayan pyramids are similar in general structure, they are vastly different buildings with blatant cultural differences that are particularly evident in the physical appearance, purpose, construction, and the methods of construction used to build them.

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Though the general structures between the two are alike, the way in which the two cultures formed their pyramids differed greatly. The Egyptians faced the precarious task of hauling 2.5 ton blocks of limestone from quarries as far as five hundred miles away. The limestone blocks were then hauled up a gradually inclining ramp to be placed in their position. The process took “an estimate of 4,000 skilled laborers at least 20 years” to complete, and “stones were hauled into place on sleds pulled by teams of at least 30 men” (Data Analysis 1.) The Mayan pyramids, in comparison, were built with much less labor within men, though it did not make the structures any less regal. These pyramids were formed using “stone blocks held together with a lime mortar. Some were covered with plaster and painted” (Mayan Pyramids 1). Regardless, both sets of pyramids were constructed with differing methods that have helped them withstand great amounts of time. Both the Egyptian and Mayan pyramids were built many thousands of years ago, but the pyramids of Giza have proved to hold together for a longer duration than the Mayan pyramids have. Weathering is very evident on the Mayan pyramids after they “were abandoned and completely swallowed up by the jungle” (Mayan Pyramids 2). Archeologists also

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Over a thousand years ago in the Mesoamerica region the culture that we know as Maya thrived. They had an amazement and intrigued fascination over the technical mastery of their intellectual studies. The Mayan’s history is rich with remarkable human achievements, as well as stories. Some of their most recognizable masterpieces are the Mayan trade network, building Cities, the Mayan number system, and the Mayan calendar.

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The Egyptians created several different systems that were used for constructing pyramid. One of those system would be the ramp and lever pully system and this allowed them to place bricks and stones on top of each other with ease. Another Advancement that helped the Egyptians with construction was mathematics and astronomy, and they were very good at

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For living in a time period where there was not a lot of technological advances that would help them build what they wanted at a faster pace, they had to learn to work with what they had. They also had to learn how to work with materials to be able to make the magnificent and amazing temples, that they are known for. “ The general temple-pyramid consisted of a platform, a long, broad, steep double staircase going up the center, with balustrades going up the sides of the steps. The Aztecs used sculpted stone blocks and skulls to decorate the platform and the ends of the balustrades” (General Construction of Pyramid-Temples). The Aztecs used and made platforms and tools that would help them make their temples better and better each time.

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Some people even think that the pyramids were constructed by extraterrestrials. Others think that it was built by slaves or by regular people. Most people think that farmers did the work when the Nile did not flood. But they did also use math and technology to build these pyramids. They needed to find which way was North because the pyramids' entrances were at the North side of the Pyramid.

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The main reason the Aztecs built such amazing structures was to honor their gods. During this time period the resources for building were extremely limited making the pyramids a magnificent achievement that to this day baffles historians. They used simple tools, and had barely any knowledge on how to build them. On top of these extraordinary projects the level of detail was simply spectacular. “The inside walls were ornamented with either sculpture or painted…

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B) Maya architecture also incorporates various art forms and hieroglyphic texts. Masonry architecture built by the Maya recommended craft specialization, central organization, and political power. The architecture was a remarkable achievement because they built great pyramids, stone palaces, temples, ball courts and other ritual buildings that require lots of effort to make. In fact, "for the single home of a Copan nobleman, It has been estimated that at least 80 to 130 workers would have been employed full time to finish in two to three months." (Document B)

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During the time period of 250-900 AD, the Mayans, located in Mesoamerica, were at their peak. However, the Egyptians were at the peak was around 332 BC. The Mayans were best known for their math, writing system, and very accurate calendar. The Egyptians were best known for their pyramids. Although the Mayans and Egyptians were similar, they also had several differences such as culture, religion, and government.

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West Mexico: West Mexicans unlike the Olmecs did not produce large sculptures but produced permanent structures like tiered platforms and ball courts. West Mexico is mostly known for its clay sculptures often found in tombs and usually a orange or red color these clay sculptures often depicted rituals. Maya Civilization: Similar to the Olmecs the Mayans also have large statues of rock that honor their rulers like the Stelae D in Copan which is detailed with many symbols and hieroglyphs. The temple of the giant jaguar at Tikal which is 45 feet tall and the burial place for one of their rulers. The temple has 9 huge steps said to represent the 9 levels of the underworld.

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The Pyramid of Giza was built in 2560 bce. It probably took along time to build it. The Pyramid was built by the fourth dynasty pharaoh Khufu and Hemiunu. In Moden Cairo,Egypt.

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10 BIZARRE TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD From funny to glory, rituals from around the world could leave one shell-shocked. With innumerable races and ethnicities populating the face of the Earth, the rituals are in plenty and a list of the weird, wacky, unbelievable ones are compiled here. Take a look. 1.

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The colossal structures, stacked stories high, still dumbfound historians today on how they managed to build in such perfection. Theories have arisen how the huge blocks of stone were raised into position and why they were assembled at all. It is clear some were tombs for the king and his family but the subsidiary pyramids in the complex, puzzle archeologists on their purpose. The labor force needed to construct such a massive structure would require an advanced society, far ahead of other civilizations; not only in architecture but government as well. Building of the pyramids not only satisfied religious beliefs, but also benefited the economy.

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With both civilizations being developed around 3500 BC, there are many similarities and differences between the Egyptians and the Mayans. The Egyptians developed their empire in Northeast Africa, which affected the way they farmed and built their cities. The Mayans developed their civilization in MesoAmerica, which influenced their culture differently from the Egyptians. The farming techniques, architecture, and religion were all influenced by the environment they lived in.

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The sides of the construction are slanted to some degree and are proportional to the top of the terrace. See picture two. The geometry used in Central Mexico is not less impressive. The construction of pyramids in Mexico show a more religious purpose; new discoveries in astronomy and anthropology suggest that the construction of the pyramids in Teotihuacan located in the State of Mexico shows an alignment with the constellation of Orion. Mark Cartwright in his paper titled Teotihuacan says that

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Both cultures beliefs were centred around their gods. For this reason, most of their architecture had some sort of religious background. The Egyptian, as well as the Mayan built pyramids; although their intention of use differed. The purpose behind the Egyptians pyramids were to be used as burial sites for pharaohs and the royal families. In the other hand, the Mayans constructed pyramids for sacrificial purposes, as well as for worshiping gods.

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