The pharaohs also controlled all of the resources allowing them to perform amazing feats. An instance of this happening is when King Djoser commanded his chief scribe to go figure out a way to build a better tomb for when he died. King Djoser's actions led to the invention of the step Pyramid.
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
Pharaoh Snefru ruled for 24 years from 2613 to 2589. He was the first pharaoh of Egypt 's 4th dynasty. Although Snefru was most known for his ruling, he built 3 pyramids which are “The Bent Pyramid, The Red Pyramid and The Meidum Pyramid.” Snefru put dedication and lots of effort with meaning, to the monuments that are still well known to this day. Snefru had needed a wife so he got married to his half sister named Hetepheres.
Traditionally, it was the role for a Pharaoh to pursue an active building program, but recognising that she was in uncharted waters, Hatshepsut took ambitious steps building on a grander scale than any pharaoh before. The Mortuary Temple at Deir-el-Bahri was one of the greatest Egyptian architectural achievements (plate 11) as several pharaohs also decided to place their temples near Hatshepsut's, to connect themselves with the grandeur of her temple. Hatshepsut also constructed four enormous obelisks to Amon which was mentioned in Thuity’s (Hatshepsut’s official) tomb depicted in plate 8, the Red Chapel which depicted many of the events and accomplishments of her reign, the temple at Buhen, the temple at Medinet Habu and the fortress of Western Thebes which is evident in an inscription highlighted in plate 9.
The monuments that were erected during the reign of Amenhotep III, allow an insight into the pharaoh and who he was when he ruled. The religious temples that were constructed in his name, shows his respect to the egyptian gods. Amenhotep III’s monuments were not the only insight into the religious perspective of the pharaoh. The religious figures that were around during the pharaoh's reign, changed many aspects of his worshipping. As they were idolised and very often represented in monuments and inscriptions.
The mystery of how The Great Pyramids were built 4,600 years ago in Giza, have been questioned for centuries and is a common unknown phenomenon. However, a recent discovery has expanded our knowledge on how they were possibly built and the life of the workers themselves in the article: Standing Tall: Egypt’s Great Pyramids written by Jose Miguel Parra. The Greek philosopher Herodotus has expressed his theories on King Khufu’s pyramid who in which was the second king of the fourth dynasty of Ancient Egypt. This National Geographic article has also new discoveries on how the workers were not slaves as we once thought but paid workers with roles, along with how the process of building each pyramid differed and was created by an “Inner step structure” (Parra par. 15).
Although it is constantly questioned how the pyramids were built, another vital factor to consider is why the pyramids were built. Two of the most relevant factors looked at in relation to the reason for the pyramid’s construction is the Ancient Egyptian’s religion at the time and their knowledge of the skies and astronomy. However it is questionable just how significant and
Ancient Egyptians heavily believed in the afterlife and mastabas were built for the afterlife and the “Ka”, or the soul of Egyptians. Trapdoors were built into mastabas so the “Ka” could escape. Furthermore, because the people in ancient Egypt believed that the king was associated with the Gods, massive tombs were constructed for them. For example, King Djoser was a high priest for the sun God Re, and his architect Imhotep was the son of God Ptah, and this further establishes the role of deities and the afterlife in ancient Egypt. Perhaps the most famous architectural piece in Egypt would be the fourth dynasty pyramids of Gizeh.
There are a few theories saying that building the pyramids took over 20 years to put together and even (the workers?) were paid to do so, but until today (it is a mystery or no longer a mystery?) that’s a mystery. The pyramid was made out of stone blocks that were at least two tons each, but how were these stone blocks stacked up to fit so perfectly together? There are theories suggesting that multiple men, together, maneuvered each block over a ramp that encircled the structure as it rose, or that they moved each stone up long ramps that got higher and longer as the pyramid got taller, or even that a scaffold was used (The Great Pyramid of Giza). When construction was finally completed, the pyramids must have been breathtaking in the Egyptian desert.
The Parthenon was envisioned by Pericles to create a statement to the rest of the world reminding them of how superior Athens was with the help of its government, way of life as well as their Greek values ("Parthenon Temple"). The pyramids with the need of all the manpower and knowledge required in order to develop the incredible blueprints and organize the creation of not just one, but three massive pyramids in ancient Egypt does show that the state must have had both economic and governmental stability ("The Importance"). The second relevance of the pyramids was to directly reflect the power held by the rulers of that time period ("The importance"). It is thought that the power of the different pharaohs can be measured by the sizes and measurements of their pyramids because of the large amount of both human and natural resources needed to be able to create something as monumental as a pyramid during the time period of ancient Egypt ("The importance"). The Parthenon was a smaller construction but nonetheless as important for the Greeks as the pyramids were to the Egyptians because of their own expressed symbols of
Out of many past ancient civilizations, the Egyptian empire was one of the most culturally influencing and architecturally advanced. During the duration of its oldest period of stability, dubbed “The Old Kingdom”, one of the most recognizable Egyptian structures was designed and built multiple times over the course of approximately 300 years, until the Egyptian kingdom was unstable. The pyramids were built with polished limestone in order for them to be aesthetically pleasing, and other blocks such as granite and sandstone as an internal base. However, these structures were not only built to be gorgeous monuments and landmarks, as they also served the purpose as past pharaohs and other government officials burial sites. It is unknown how exactly
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.
The pharaohs were buried in the top most layer of the pyramids and their coffins were filled jewelry and many other items they would need in the afterlife. Unlike the Taj Mahal the pyramids were built up to 455 feet, though it may look taller and wider in t.v. documentaries and books. Since the pyramids took about 20 to 30 years to built it took about 100,000 people to make the buildings. The labor was very tiring as the slaves used to work for long hours in the sun for very little pay. So they used tools such as granite hammers, pickaxes, and they also used gigantic sleds to help carry the huge pyramid blocks over the desert.
On the other hand, the Pyramids of Giza were constructed by multiple pharaohs, in Giza and are seen as a family complex today for the burial of the pharaohs for Egypt to guide them in their afterlives. The construction of the Pyramids of Giza was more about national prestige and leaving behind a
How To Build A Pyramid Have you ever wondered how the Great Pyramids of Giza were built? Or how the Egyptians mummified the dead? Or, even simpler, how they lived their daily lives? Well, according to David Macaulay in the book Pyramid, life was fairly simple.
