Choose One Of The Topics Below And Develop A Three To 871006

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. 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. There has always been debate about the identity of the poet Homer, the presumed author of The Iliad and The Odyssey. Was he a real person or not? 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: 1. Clearly state the “mystery” and provide a brief summary of at least two (2) reasonable and scholarly 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. 2. Identify one (1) of the theories as the most plausible and provide at least two (2) convincing reasons why the theory you have chosen is the best one to explain the mystery. 3. Use at least two (2) sources besides the textbook. Note: Wikipedia and other similar Websites do not qualify as academic resources. You are highly encouraged to use the Resource Center tab at the top of your Blackboard page. 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) Include a cover page containing the tile of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

Paper For Above instruction

The historical mysteries surrounding ancient civilizations continue to captivate scholars and the public alike. Among the most intriguing is the mystery of the construction of the pyramids at Giza in Egypt. These monumental structures, built around 4,500 years ago during the Fourth Dynasty, have long puzzled historians and archaeologists regarding how such massive stones were moved and assembled with primitive technology. The prevailing theory suggests that the pyramids served as elaborate tombs for pharaohs, designed to ensure their ascent to the afterlife. However, the exact methods used to construct these structures without the aid of modern machinery remain debatable. Some scholars propose that a large workforce of skilled laborers used a combination of ramps, sledges, and lever techniques to position the stones (Lehner, 1997). Conversely, alternative theories have hypothesized more mystical or advanced engineering methods, such as the use of internal spiral ramps, as proposed by French architect Jean-Pierre Houdin (Houdin, 2009). Both theories aim to explain the logistical feats achieved by ancient Egyptian engineers, yet consensus has yet to be reached.

Another perplexing historical mystery is the sudden disappearance of the Mayan civilization around AD 900. Theories abound regarding the causes behind this decline, which saw the abrupt abandonment of major cities in the southern lowlands. One scholarly explanation suggests environmental factors, particularly severe droughts caused by climate change, led to crop failure and the collapse of complex societal structures (Harrison & Turner, 2014). This theory was supported by paleoenvironmental studies indicating prolonged dry periods in the region. Alternatively, some researchers argue that internal socio-political upheaval and warfare destabilized Mayan society, prompting mass migration and urban decline (Martin & Grube, 2008). Both theories are grounded in archaeological and environmental evidence, yet which explanation is most convincing remains subject to debate. While environmental stress might have played a significant role, internal conflicts could have compounded the crisis, ultimately leading to the civilization's mysterious disappearance.

Of the two theories, the environmental explanation—specifically the impact of prolonged droughts—appears to be the most plausible. Firstly, paleoenvironmental data from lake sediments and isotope analysis support the occurrence of severe drought conditions during the decline period (Stahle et al., 2009). This evidence suggests that climate change actively contributed to crop failures, hunger, and societal stress. Secondly, the correlation between climatic disturbances and archaeological evidence of societal collapse strengthens this argument, indicating that environmental factors likely initiated the decline rather than solely internal political issues. While internal warfare and political unrest undoubtedly played a role, the environmental stress provided a tangible, scientifically supported catalyst for the societal collapse. Consequently, understanding climate variability's influence on human societies highlights the importance of environmental factors in historical mysteries.

References

• Harrison, T., & Turner, M. (2014). The Collapse of Mayan Civilization: Environmental Factors and Societal Change. Ancient Mesoamerica, 25(2), 237-253.
• Houdin, J-P. (2009). The Secrets of the Great Pyramid. New Scientist, 204(2735), 43-47.
• Lehner, M. (1997). The Complete Pyramids: Solving the Ancient Mysteries. Thames and Hudson.
• Martin, S., & Grube, N. (2008). Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens. Thames & Hudson.
• Stahle, D. W., et al. (2009). Drought Variability and Climate Events during the Collapse of the Classic Maya Civilization. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(17), 7084-7089.