View The Videos And Read The Article Found At The Links Belo ✓ Solved
View the videos and read the article found at the links below
View the videos and read the article found at the links below. These three amazing structures come from three different time periods and cultures. Yet there are many similarities between the three structures. After viewing the videos and article above, go to Module 4 Discussion Board and discuss the similarities you see with reference to:
- Construction techniques and materials.
- Purpose or function of the structure.
- Relationship to religious beliefs and/or astronomical phenomenon.
What you glean from this information will differ from some of your classmates’ – respond to two classmates’ posts that point out a similarity you missed, or that you disagree with.
Paper For Above Instructions
Stonehenge, the Pyramids at Giza, and the Ziggurats of Mesopotamia are three monumental structures that have intrigued archaeologists, historians, and the public for centuries. Each structure represents a significant achievement of ancient engineering and architecture, yet they also share a multitude of similarities despite originating from different cultures and time periods. This paper examines the construction techniques and materials, the purposes or functions of these structures, and their relationships to religious beliefs and astronomical phenomena.
Construction Techniques and Materials
One of the most prominent similarities among Stonehenge, the Pyramids at Giza, and the Ziggurats is the sophisticated construction techniques and materials used in their development. Stonehenge, built between 3000 BC and 2000 BC on the Salisbury Plain in England, primarily utilized sarsen stones and bluestones, which were transported from considerable distances. Recent research depicts the use of sledges and the rolling of logs as potential methods to transport these massive stones to the construction site (Parker Pearson, 2012).
In comparison, the Pyramids at Giza, constructed around 2580 – 2560 BC, employed limestone and granite. The construction techniques, which are still debated, likely involved a combination of ramps and manual labor, utilizing a workforce of skilled artisans rather than slaves as traditionally thought (Hawass, 2010). The Great Pyramid, built for Pharaoh Khufu, exemplifies precise engineering that allowed it to stand for millennia. Similarly, the Ziggurats, dating back to approximately 2100 BC in Mesopotamia, were constructed using mud bricks and bitumen. Their step-like design signifies a remarkable understanding of both architectural and engineering principles (Pollock, 1999).
Purpose or Function
The purposes of these structures, while distinct, also reveal considerable intersections. Stonehenge has long been theorized to function as a ceremonial site, possibly related to astronomical events, such as solstices and equinoxes (Burl, 2007). Its circular formation is aligned with the movements of the sun, indicating its potential use for religious or calendrical purposes.
In contrast, the Pyramids at Giza served primarily as monumental tombs for Pharaohs, reflecting the Egyptian belief in the afterlife. They were designed to facilitate the deceased's transition to the afterlife, providing a lasting legacy and serving as a powerful representation of royal authority (Lehner, 1997). The Ziggurats, often mistaken for temples, primarily had a sacred purpose, facilitating rituals and serving as a connection between the heavens and the earth (Watanabe, 2001). Thus, despite their varying roles, all three structures demonstrate how civilizations utilized monumental architecture to create and express cultural identity.
Relationship to Religious Beliefs and Astronomical Phenomena
The connection of these monuments to religious beliefs and astronomical phenomena is a crucial similarity. Stonehenge stands as a testament to prehistoric people's curiosity regarding celestial movements. Its alignments with solar and lunar cycles underscore ancient peoples' affiliations with natural phenomena, possibly serving as sites for rituals or observances (Cunliffe, 2002).
Similarly, the Pyramids at Giza reflect a deep-seated connection to the divine, with their orientation in relation to the stars thought to have been intentional. The Egyptians believed that the stars served as pathways to the afterlife. The pyramids' alignment with the constellation Orion illustrates this connection, as Orion was associated with Osiris, the god of the afterlife (Hawass, 2010). Ziggurats stood as a symbol of faith, often dedicated to a specific god or goddess, bridging the terrestrial and the divine. Notably, the ziggurat of Ur was dedicated to the moon god Nanna, reflecting Mesopotamian religious beliefs (Pollock, 1999).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the examination of Stonehenge, the Pyramids at Giza, and the Ziggurats reveals undeniable similarities despite their unique cultural backgrounds. Their construction techniques and materials demonstrate advanced engineering skills, while their purposes reflect the beliefs and values of the societies that built them. Additionally, their alignment with astronomical phenomena serves as a reminder of the human desire to connect with the cosmos. These monumental structures offer invaluable insights into the complex interplay between culture, religion, and architecture in ancient civilizations.
References
- Burl, A. (2007). Stonehenge: The Story So Far. Tempus.
- Cunliffe, B. (2002). Stonehenge: A Biography. Princeton University Press.
- Hawass, Z. (2010). The Secrets of the Sphinx: How Ancient Cultures Built the Pyramids. National Geographic.
- Lehner, M. (1997). The Complete Pyramids: Solving the Ancient Mysteries. Thames & Hudson.
- Parker Pearson, M. (2012). Stonehenge: Exploring the Greatest Stone Age Mystery. Simon & Schuster.
- Pollock, S. (1999). Ancient Mesopotamia: The Eden That Never Was. Cambridge University Press.
- Watanabe, K. (2001). The Ziggurat: A New Perspective. The Near East in History.