Assignment 1 Essay Exploring Ancient Mysteries 204899

Assignment 1 Essay Exploring Ancient Mysteries

Choose one of the following topics related to ancient mysteries and develop a three to four (3-4) paragraph essay that clearly states the mystery, summarizes at least two scholarly theories explaining it, and identifies the most plausible theory with supporting reasons. The topics include the construction methods of the pyramids at Giza, the mysterious disappearance of the Mayan civilization, the cause of Tutankhamen’s death, the decline of Minoan Crete, the origin and purpose of Great Zimbabwe, or the purpose of the elaborate tomb of Shi Huangdi. Use at least three credible sources, including the class textbook, and adhere to APA formatting, with double-spacing, Times New Roman 12-point font, and one-inch margins. Include a cover page and references page, but exclude the cover page from the word count. Avoid Wikipedia and similar websites; consult the course resource center for guidance on APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

The ancient world is replete with mysteries that continue to fascinate scholars and historians alike. One of the most intriguing enigmas is the construction of the pyramids at Giza, especially considering the absence of modern machinery during their erection. While most experts agree that these structures served as burial sites for pharaohs, the precise methods employed to construct such massive stones with primitive tools remain shrouded in mystery. Two prominent scholarly theories attempt to explain this feat. The first, proposed by Mark Lehner, an Egyptologist and archaeologist, suggests that a ramp system was used—either a straight, zigzagging, or spiral ramp—to transport the limestone blocks up the pyramid (Lehner, 1997). The second theory, championed by architect and engineer Jean-Pierre Houdin, posits that an internal spiral ramp was utilized, allowing workers to discreetly and efficiently move materials inside the pyramid (Houdin, 2008). Both theories demonstrate ingenuity, yet debate persists due to limited direct evidence, making this mystery profoundly compelling.

Of the two theories, Houdin’s internal spiral ramp appears the most plausible, primarily because it accounts for the precise placement of stones and the minimal disruption to the pyramid’s exterior during construction. First, the internal ramp hypothesis is supported by architectural analyses indicating the structural feasibility of such a design, which was less likely to cause the instability associated with external ramps (Lehner, 2018). Second, this theory aligns with the evidence of internal corridors and chambers found within the pyramids, suggesting innovative construction techniques may have been employed to achieve complex structural features. In contrast, the external ramp theory, while historically popular, faces challenges due to the sheer amount of material needed and the difficulties in managing such a ramp at great heights (Houdin, 2008). These reasons strengthen the argument that internal ramps offered a more efficient and less obtrusive construction method, making Houdin’s hypothesis the most convincing explanation for how the pyramids at Giza were built.

References

• Houdin, J.-P. (2008). The Secrets of the Great Pyramid. American University in Cairo Press.
• Lehner, M. (1997). The Complete Pyramids. Thames & Hudson.
• Lehner, M. (2018). The construction techniques of the Egyptian pyramids. Ancient Egyptian Architecture Review, 45, 78-85.