Ancient Egypt Pyramids
The reliance on science and computers to solve modern day issues makes the mysteries surrounding the ancient Egypt pyramids more compelling. They stand as an engineering marvel and symbol of the profound influence of religion and politics in the ancient world.
Pyramids as Religious Symbols
Pyramids housed the bodies of pharaohs who have passed. The ancient Egyptians believed that the passing from mortal life was not the end of one’s existence. The pharaoh, after all, became Osiris, king of the dead.
The pyramid for a fallen leader contained possessions of his time on Earth that he would need in the afterlife. Even the shape of the ancient Egypt pyramids had significance -- the pointed form provided a pathway for pharaohs to reach the heavens.
Types of Pyramids
Some 138 pyramids have been found and documented. Yet, not all of these ancient burial grounds are the familiar pyramid shape. Early structures consisted of mounds over a dug burial site. Others were built in layers resembling steps. Pyramids also vary in their slope and shape.
The Giza pyramids are the most well-known. The pyramid of the pharaoh, Khufu, is the largest of these burial sites and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The pyramid consists of 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing between 2.5 to 15 tons each.
Great Sphinx of Giza
The most famous of ancient Egypt pyramids is the Sphinx. It depicts a human-headed lion, one of many of the mysteries surrounding this structure. It is believed to date back to 2500 BC during the reign of the pharaoh, Khafra.
Many theories exist surrounding its purpose, religious significance, and even its construction. No inscriptions give a clue to its meaning or its purpose.
The Sphinx has suffered damage through the years, which is not surprising given its age. However, it is the type of damage which has puzzled scientists. Wind and sand erosion would be expected in a desert climate. Yet, the structure also shows evidence of water damage. This damage may indicate the Sphinx is much older than believed due to the fact that the change of climate of the area is believed to have occurred 5,000 or more years ago.
Preservation of Ancient Egypt Pyramids
With so many unanswered questions, the preservation of these ancient burial grounds is a major concern. The size and structure of pyramids made them an obvious target for theft and plundering, most of which have suffered from such damage. However, the construction of the pyramids seems to indicate early builders anticipated such occurrences.
Many of the pyramids had multiple chambers connected by a network of narrow passageways. Some pyramids had false doors in their chambers. Others blocked access to the areas containing valuables. Some pyramids contained blind passages and concealed trapdoors.
The religious significance may have also played a role in protection. Perhaps one of the greatest attempts at deterrents was the curses associated with the pyramids. Inscriptions on the pyramids warned would-be thieves of the consequences facing them in the afterlife should they breach the sanctity of the burial chamber. Despite these precautions, many ancient treasures were lost. The pyramids were plundered by thieves, taking with them the clues of ancient Egyptian life.
End of the Pyramids
All of the known pyramids of ancient Egypt were plundered through the years. Sometimes, theft even occurred at the time of the burial. The Egyptians realized the pyramids were not protecting the honored dead and abandoned them.
Instead, kings were buried in tombs excavated in the face of cliffs. Yet, even these structures could not protect the ancient tombs. Perhaps as some consolation, the tomb of Tutankhamun escaped theft. Its 1922 discovery by Howard Carter offered a glimpse into the ancient world.
Pyramids continue to fascinate the world due to their immense size and their underlying stories and mysteries. While all the answers they hold remain unknown, they are a testament to the importance of religion and engineering marvel in a time when man’s ingenuity was his most useful tool.