Pyramids

By Fernando Duron

Where the word pyramid comes from

• I learned that the word “pyramis” actually comes from the Greek word “pyramid” which means “wheat cake”.

• In earlier dynastic period of Egyptian history, those with sufficient means were buried in mastabas.

• Mastabas, a bench-like structure, comes from the Arabic word meaning 'bench'.

Tombs of the pyramid shape

• Egyptologists have developed many theories about why the tombs of the early pharaohs were built in the pyramid shape. The ancient Egyptians believed that it was important to be buried properly. The ancient Egyptians made these tombs for the pharaohs and their queens. I learned that a pyramid is a massive structure built as a tomb or grave to house the mortal remains of a ruler and his kin.

Ancient Civilizations

• I learned that around 2509 B.C. ancient civilizations were creating history. The great pyramids have always been considered as one of the most enduring symbols representing the architectural excellence of ancient Egyptian civilization.

A major problem facing the builders

• The earliest royal burials in ancient Egypt were pits dug in the ground with mounds built over them. 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 incline planes of mud, brick, and rubble.

The Earliest Form of Pyramid

• The earliest form of pyramids are step pyramids dating back to the 3rd dynasty. The true pyramid is an improvement on the step pyramid. I learned that there no more famous ancient sites within Egypt than those of the great pyramids. In the new kingdom pharaohs were buried in rock cut tombs in the valley of the kings.

The Step Pyramid

I know that the step pyramid has several steps on every side. These steps look like “mastabas” (an Egyptian word for bench) stacked on each other. I also know that the step pyramid is from the 3rd Dynasty.

The True Pyramid

I know that the true pyramid is a natural development on the step pyramid. It is also from the 3rd dynasty. And it was made the year after the Step pyramid was made.

The Bent Pyramid

• The bent pyramid at Dahshur is known for us to remember the Egyptians. It was made in the 4th dynasty. It was also one of the best pyramids.

The Great Sphinx

• The Great Sphinx is a human headed lion that was carved from a mound of natural rock. It is located in Giza where it guards the front of Khafra`s pyramid. The beard of the Great Sphinx was added during the New Kingdom.

The Great Pyramids of Giza

• There are three Great Pyramids of Giza. The biggest is the greatest pyramid of Giza. Of the Giza pyramids the main ones are that of Khufu and 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 enough water

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 butter until plumped and removed. In same skillet brown beef drain and crumble. Add spices and continue to brown for a few more minutes. When rice is done add all the ingredients to the beef blend well. Taste to correct seasoning. Serve with baldi bread (an Egyptian bread) or as I do in pita pockets.