Pyramidsstepheidson.weebly.com/uploads/8/6/0/4/8604061/pyramids.pdf · 2018-09-06 · The Egyptians...
Transcript of Pyramidsstepheidson.weebly.com/uploads/8/6/0/4/8604061/pyramids.pdf · 2018-09-06 · The Egyptians...
Pyramids
Egyptians believed that the burial sites, specially royal tombs, were very important. As a result, they built spectacular monuments in which to
bury their rules. The most spectacular of all were the pyramids, huge stone tombs with four triangle-shaped walls that met in a point on top.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lasCXujNPfs&feature=player_embedded
The Egyptians began to build pyramids during the Old Kingdom. Some of the largest pyramids ever constructed were built during this time. Many of
these huge structures are still standing. The largest is the Great Pyramid of Khufu near the town of
Giza. It covers more than 13 acres at its base and stands 481 feet high. This single pyramid took more than 2 million limestone blocks to build.
http://www.history.com/topics/the-egyptian-pyramids/videos#the-great-pyramids-deconstructed
Historians are still not sure exactly how Egyptians built the pyramids. They are, however amazing feats of engineering, the application of
scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
http://my.hrw.com/ss_2012/ms_whist12/eactivities/Animation/pyramid_anim/wh04_pyramid.html
Burial in a pyramid demonstrated a pharaoh’s importance. The size was symbol of the
pharaoh's greatness. The pyramid’s shape, pointing to the skies, symbolized the pharaoh’s journey to the afterlife. The Egyptians wanted the pyramids to be spectacular because they believed that the pharaoh, as their link to the
gods, controlled everyone’s afterlife. Making the pharaoh’s spirit happy was a way of ensuring a
happy afterlife for every Egyptian.
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/other-shows/videos/out-of-egypt-egyptian-
pyramids.htm
Temples and Tombs
The Egyptians are famous for their architecture and art. The walls of Egypt’s magnificent
temples and tombs are covered with impressive paintings and carvings.
Egypt’s Great Temples
Along with building pyramids, the Egyptians also built massive temples. Those that survive are among the most spectacular in the world.
The Egyptians believed that temples were the homes of the gods. People visits the temples to worship, offer the gods gifts, and ask for favors.
Many Egyptian temples shared similar features. Rows of stone sphinx-imaginary creatures with the bodies of lions and heads of other animals
or humans-lined the path leading to the entrance.
The entrance itself was a huge, thick gate. On either side of the gate might stand an obelisk
(Ah-buh-lisk), a tall four-sided pillar that is pointed on top.
Inside, temples were lavishly decorated. Huge columns supported the temple’s roof. In many
cases, these columns were covered with paintings and hieroglyphics, as were the temple
walls.
Statues of gods and pharaohs often stood along the walls as well. The sanctuary, the most sacred
part of the building, was at the far end of the temple.
Temple of Karnak
Temples built by Ramses the Great
Abu Simbel
http://www.youtube.com/user/onthegotours?v=xFrUZT9wL8w&feature=pyv
What makes the temple of Abu Simbel so impressive is that it is carved out of sandstone cliffs. At the temples entrance, four 66-foot-tall statues show Ramses as pharaoh. Nearby are
some small statues of his family.
Luxor
The entrance of the Luxor temple is decorated with statues of Ramses II displaying his own
bravery at the battle of Kadesh.
Hatshepsut’s Temple
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhxcPEXQfg4