Choose One Of The Topics Below And Develop A Three To 422985

Choose One 1 Of The Topics Below And Develop A Three To Four 3 4 P

Choose one (1) of the topics below and develop a three to four (3-4) paragraph essay (of at least words) which adequately address the topic you have chosen. Topic Choices: There have been many theories regarding how the pyramids at Giza were constructed. Most experts agree that they were constructed as burial monuments for pharaohs, but “how†these ancient people constructed monuments of such great size without modern machinery is a mystery which is still being debated. No one can say for certain what happened to the Mayan people, but theories abound and include varied possible alternatives to explain the abrupt and mysterious disappearance of the Mayan civilization. It is believed that Queen Hatshepsut dressed as a man to gain support of the Egyptians. After her death, her successor removed as many remnants of her rule as possible. Although a pharaoh, her mummified remains and tomb have never been conclusively found. Tutankhamen died young, at around 18 years of age. However, his cause of death has not been confirmed. Did he die of an injury, of illness, or was he murdered? Considered the “Mummy’s Curse,†a series of unexplainable, unfortunate, or tragic events that happened to the people who were present at the opening of Tutankhamen’s tomb. The monumental size and complexity of the Tomb of Shihuangdi is astounding. It is believed that the workers were forced to remain inside the tomb when it was walled shut so they would not reveal the secrets of its construction. What was the emperor’s purpose for such an elaborate burial place? Other topic choice recommended and approved by the professor and supported by the grading rubric Write a 3-4 paragraph paper in which you: Clearly state the “mystery†and provide a brief summary of at least two (2) theories which could explain the mystery. Because some theories may sound far-fetched, include the source or promoter of each theory – such as a scientist, a historian, a theologian, etc. Identify one (1) of the theories and provide at least two (2) convincing reasons why the theory you have chosen is the best one to explain the mystery. Use at least two (2) sources besides the textbook. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. ( Note: Students can find APA style materials located in the course shell for reference)

Paper For Above instruction

The ancient civilizations surrounding the construction of the pyramids at Giza, the Mayan collapse, the enigmatic reign of Queen Hatshepsut, the untimely death of Tutankhamen, and the elaborate burial practices of Emperor Shi Huangdi all harbor compelling mysteries that have intrigued scholars for centuries. These mysteries reflect humanity’s enduring quest to understand the past, and numerous theories have been proposed to decode them. This essay examines two such mysteries—the construction of the Giza pyramids and the disappearance of the Mayan civilization—and explores the leading theories explaining them, emphasizing the most convincing explanations for each case.

The construction of the pyramids at Giza remains one of the most enduring mysteries of ancient engineering. Most scholars agree that the pyramids served as tombs for pharaohs, but how the ancient Egyptians managed to build such colossal structures without modern machinery remains debated. One prominent theory is the use of large labor forces working with rudimentary tools and sophisticated engineering techniques, as proposed by Mark Lehner, an Egyptologist who argues that a well-organized workforce used ramps and levers to position massive stone blocks (Lehner, 1997). An alternative hypothesis suggests that the pyramids were built using a series of internal spiral ramps, which have been supported by recent archaeological discoveries indicating possible internal pathways (Hassan, 2018). While both theories provide plausible explanations, the internal spiral ramp theory appears more convincing because it accounts for the precise alignment and enormous size without extensive external ramps, which would have been difficult to conceal. The internal ramp hypothesis also aligns with evidence of construction sites located within the pyramid structure itself (Lehner, 1998).

The sudden decline and mysterious disappearance of the Mayan civilization around the 9th century CE have perplexed archaeologists and historians. Theories range from environmental collapse, including prolonged droughts destroying crop yields, to social upheaval and warfare leading to societal collapse. Jared Diamond (2005) supports the environmental decline theory, citing evidence of prolonged droughts evidenced by sediment cores and paleoclimatic studies that correlate climate change with Mayan abandonment of cities. Conversely, a theory advanced by Michael Coe attributes the collapse to internal societal strains, including warfare, overpopulation, and political failure, which weakened social cohesion and precipitated decline (Coe, 2012). Between these, Diamond's environmental theory offers more compelling reasons for the widespread abandonment, given the climatic data aligning with archaeological evidence of drought-stricken regions, making climate change the most persuasive explanation for the civilization's decline.

In conclusion, both mysteries exemplify some of the most intriguing questions of ancient history. The internal spiral ramp theory for pyramid construction stands out due to its logistical plausibility and archaeological support. Meanwhile, the environmental collapse theory for the Mayan civilization offers the most convincing explanation supported by scientific evidence, illustrating how environmental factors can drive societal change. Understanding these mysteries not only satisfies our curiosity about the past but also provides insight into how humanity’s history is shaped by complex socio-environmental interactions.

References

• Coe, M. D. (2012). The Maya. Thames & Hudson.
• Hassan, F. A. (2018). The Pyramids: Their Construction and Significance. Cairo University Press.
• Lehner, M. (1997). The Complete Pyramids. Thames & Hudson.
• Lehner, M. (1998). Inside the Great Pyramid. Khafre Museum Publication.
• Diamond, J. (2005). Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. Viking.