Pyramids
By Fernando Duron
Where the word pyramid comesfrom
•I learned that the word “pyramis” actuallycomes from the Greek word “pyramid”which means “wheat cake”.
•In earlier dynastic period of Egyptianhistory, those with sufficient means wereburied in mastabas.
•Mastabas, a bench-like structure, comesfrom the Arabic word meaning 'bench'.
Tombs of the pyramid shape
•Egyptologists have developed manytheories about why the tombs of the earlypharaohs were built in the pyramid shape.The ancient Egyptians believed that it wasimportant to be buried properly. Theancient Egyptians made these tombs forthe pharaohs and their queens. I learnedthat a pyramid is a massive structure builtas a tomb or grave to house the mortalremains of a ruler and his kin.
Ancient Civilizations
•I learned that around 2509 B.C. ancientcivilizations were creating history. Thegreat pyramids have always beenconsidered as one of the most enduringsymbols representing the architecturalexcellence of ancient Egyptian civilization.
A major problem facing the builders
•The earliest royal burials in ancient Egyptwere pits dug in the ground with moundsbuilt over them. A major problem facingthe builders of the ancient Egyptianpyramids was that of getting the largestone blocks to the height they required.The ramps were built on incline planes ofmud, brick, and rubble.
The Earliest Form of Pyramid
•The earliest form of pyramids are steppyramids dating back to the 3rd dynasty.The true pyramid is an improvement onthe step pyramid. I learned that there nomore famous ancient sites within Egyptthan those of the great pyramids. In thenew kingdom pharaohs were buried inrock cut tombs in the valley of the kings.
The Step Pyramid
I know that the steppyramid has severalsteps on every side.These steps look like“mastabas” (anEgyptian word forbench) stacked oneach other. I alsoknow that the steppyramid is from the3rd Dynasty.
The True Pyramid
I know that the truepyramid is a naturaldevelopment on thestep pyramid. It is alsofrom the 3rd dynasty.And it was made theyear after the Steppyramid was made.
The Bent Pyramid
•The bent pyramid atDahshur is known forus to remember theEgyptians. It wasmade in the 4thdynasty. It was alsoone of the bestpyramids.
The Great Sphinx
•The Great Sphinx is ahuman headed lionthat was carved froma mound of naturalrock. It is located inGiza where it guardsthe front of Khafra`spyramid. The beard ofthe Great Sphinx wasadded during the NewKingdom.
The Great Pyramids of Giza
•There are three GreatPyramids of Giza.The biggest is thegreatest pyramid ofGiza. Of the Gizapyramids the mainones are that of Khufuand Khafre.
Recipe: Egyptian Beef And Rice
•1lb.ground beef
•1lg.onion
•11/2 c. uncooked rice
•1c.slivered almonds
•1c.golden raisins
•1tsp.ground cardamon
•1tsp.ground cinnamon
•5tbsp.butter for frying, divided
•2 chicken bouillon cubes Salt and Pepper to taste
•Grate onion but do not lose the juice. Measure onion and the juice plus enoughwater to equal the total of 3c. 3tbsp. Place in saucepan and begin to heat.Meanwhile, fry rice in 2tbsp of butter in a lg. skillet, stirring constantly until browned.Add to the saucepan of onion liquid and place the 2 bouillon cubes bring to a boil,reduce heat cover and cook for 20 min. In same skillet, fry almonds in 2tbsp butter,stirring constantly until golden brown and remove. Fry the raisins in 1tbsp of butteruntil plumped and removed. In same skillet brown beef drain and crumble. Add spicesand continue to brown for a few more minutes. When rice is done add all theingredients to the beef blend well. Taste to correct seasoning. Serve with baldi bread(an Egyptian bread) or as I do in pita pockets.