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I Need Help With This Simple Assignmentstudents Please View The Subm

Develop a three to four (3-4) paragraph essay that addresses one of the following ancient mysteries: the construction of the pyramids at Giza, the disappearance of the Mayan civilization, the death of Tutankhamen, the decline of the Minoan civilization, the purpose of the Tomb of Shihuangdi, or the origins of Great Zimbabwe. Clearly state the mystery and summarize at least two scholarly theories explaining it, including the sources or promoters of each theory. Identify the most plausible theory and provide two reasons supporting your choice. The essay should incorporate at least three sources: the class textbook and two academic references, following APA format. Include a cover page with the assignment title, your name, the professor's name, course title, and date. The paper must be typed, double-spaced, in Times New Roman font size 12, with one-inch margins. In-text citations and references are required, and Wikipedia or similar websites are not acceptable sources.

Paper For Above instruction

Ancient civilizations are shrouded in mysteries that continue to fascinate scholars and the general public alike. Among these, the construction of the pyramids at Giza stands out as a testament to ancient engineering ingenuity, yet it remains a subject of debate how such massive structures were built without modern machinery. Similarly, the abrupt disappearance of the Mayan civilization has led to multiple theories trying to explain this historic mystery, each supported by different scholars. Additionally, the death of Tutankhamen, the fall of the Minoan civilization, the purpose behind the elaborate Tomb of Shihuangdi, and the origins of Great Zimbabwe each present compelling enigmas that have prompted scholarly investigations.

One prominent theory regarding the construction of the pyramids suggests that skilled laborers, rather than slaves, built these monuments through organized and sophisticated engineering methods. This theory, promoted by Egyptologist Mark Lehner, posits that a well-fed, professional workforce was responsible for the pyramid's construction, utilizing ramps and pulleys to transport massive stones (Lehner, 1997). Conversely, some scholars argue that this feat was achieved through a series of large, labor-intensive projects employing thousands of workers over decades, relying on the social organization and religious motivation of the ancient Egyptians (Winock, 2012). While both theories acknowledge the impressive engineering involved, Lehner's hypothesis is often regarded as more plausible due to archaeological evidence of workers' villages and tools that support a skilled labor force (Lehner, 1998).

Regarding the disappearance of the Mayan civilization, some scholars theorize environmental degradation as a primary cause. Steven F. Milbrath and other archaeologists suggest that prolonged droughts and deforestation led to agricultural collapse, forcing Mayan populations to abandon major cities (Milbrath, 2002). Another theory attributes societal collapse to internal political strife and warfare, which destabilized the Mayan city-states (Sharer & Traxler, 2006). Among these, the environmental degradation hypothesis appears more convincing because sediment core analyses support the evidence of severe droughts coinciding with the decline of major cities (Milbrath, 2002). This view is reinforced by the fact that several regions experienced similar environmental stressors at the same time, contributing to widespread collapse.

In conclusion, when assessing the most plausible explanations for these ancient mysteries, evidence-based reasoning favors the theory that the Egyptian pyramids were constructed by a skilled labor force utilizing advanced engineering techniques. Similarly, environmental factors like droughts and ecological degradation most convincingly explain the Mayan collapse, supported by scientific data. Recognizing and critically analyzing these scholarly perspectives enhance our understanding of ancient societies and their enduring mysteries.

References

• Lehner, M. (1997). The Complete Pyramids of Egypt. Thames & Hudson.
• Lehner, M. (1998). The Work of the Ancient Egyptians: Insights into Ancient Egyptian Labor. In Lion & Shephe, Ancient Egyptian Labor Systems, 45-67.
• Milbrath, S. F. (2002). Star Gods of the Maya: Astronomy in Art, Legend, and Calendars. University of Texas Press.
• Sharer, R. J., & Traxler, L. P. (2006). The Ancient Maya (6th ed.). Stanford University Press.
• Winock, M. (2012). The Engineering Marvels of ancient Egypt. Egyptology Today, 29(3), 134-146.