ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS ANCIENT EYGPT © Methods, Nipissing University.

ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONSANCIENT EYGPT

© Methods, Nipissing University

What questions do you have about the building of these pyramids?

• With a partner at your table, ask each other the questions that you have written in your Journals. Try to answer each others questions.

RAMP METHOD

A major problem facing the builders of the Ancient Egyptian Pyramids, was that of getting the large stone blocks to the height they required. The ramps were built on inclined planes of mud brick and rubble. They then dragged the blocks on sledges to the needed height. As the pyramid grew taller, the ramp had to be extended in length, and its base was widened, else it would collapse. It is likely that for the construction of each pyramid, several ramps were probably used

STEP METHOD

• The step pyramid was built before the outer structure, and then the packing blocks were laid on top, the ramps could have run from one step to another rather than approaching the pyramid face at right angles

USING STRUCTURAL WALLS

• Solid walls of stone ran from the center, and shorter cross walls formed a series of chambers filled with stone blocks, ruble or mud bricks. An outer casing was usually added, and although quite effective in the short term, it did not even come close to the earlier construction methods. Pyramids which were built with this structural design are quite dilapidated and worn.

CONSOLIDATE OUR LEARNING

• Cleopatra is coming to visit our class and she wants to find out from you: What were the three methods that the Ancient Egyptians used to construct pyramids?

• Take a minute to Think about the three methods we just talked about.

• Find a Partner.• Share your answer with each other to

prepare for Cleopatra’s visit.

APPLICATION

• Draw the diagrams that are on the board.

(one mark for each diagram)

Label each diagram. (one mark)

Write a brief summary on each of the types of Pyramid Building used. (two marks for each type)

Hand in your work at the end of the class.