Contemporary Icon—Pyramid

 

The pyramid is the most defining feature in geometry as well as the contemporary world.
Notably, whenever someone thinks about a pyramid-like structure, the first image that comes
into mind is the Egyptian pyramids. The most impressive thing about the pyramid is its iconic
and outstanding construction style that hasn't been matched by any structure to date. People have
traveled from various parts of the world to Egypt to get a view and feel of the timeless structures.
Further, engineers and archaeologists have gotten impressed by the construction and the design
of the pyramids since it defies all known construction styles to date (Hays, 2012). In essence, the
pyramids have been in existence since time immemorial, yet they continue to impress and awe
people. It would be an understatement to call the pyramids a wonder of the world because they
are simply timeless and unmatched. In the period I have studied and observed iconic structures
globally, I have not learned anything as impressive as the pyramids.
The idea behind the construction of a pyramid is not very complicated; it sounds straightforward
in theory. A typical pyramid has a square base and four triangular sides rising to join at a single
point on the apex. Mathematically, there are very many types of pyramids that can get
constructed, achieving different shapes. However, it still beats the greatest mathematicians and
engineers how the Egyptian pyramids got erected. Notably, the pyramid got
constructed with a seemingly impossible mathematical perfection that appears too perfect,
bearing in mind the technological advancement thousands of years ago when the structures were
put in place.
Notably, many questions regarding the pyramid's construction remain unanswered thousands of
years since the iconic structures took shape. The most pressing questions regard how the actual
methods involved in their construction and the workforce needed to move the gigantic blocks

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weighing two and a half tons each. Unfortunately, no written records detail the pyramid
construction process; therefore, people have relied on different theories proposed over the years.
Some researchers have suggested that the constructors dampened the sand to reduce friction so
that the massive blocks could move quickly. However, that remains just a theory in the absence
of proper evidence.
Additionally, the structure is perfectly aligned to the north-south direction with fantastic
precision. The measurements are exceptionally accurate, with a margin of error of 0.05 degrees
(Procter et al., 2019). The pyramid was also designed to act as a sundial, and people could tell
time through the shadow falling on the marks made on the stone. Further, the ancient Egyptians
would tell solstices and equinoxes with the pyramid's aid, which helps in defining the solar year.
The pyramids might be ancient structures, but they continue to define our modern world. They
still amaze individuals with no architectural background and engineers and archeologists seeking
to understand the mysteries surrounding the existence of the structures. Today, millions of
tourists continue to visit the pyramids to have a lifetime experience of the gigantic pieces of
ancient architecture. Therefore, the pyramids will continue to impact the course of humanity for
many years from now. The pyramids are undoubtedly iconic, and they will get studied for
several generations to come.

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References
Hays, H. M. (2012). The Organization of the Pyramid Texts (2 vol. set): Typology and
Disposition (pp. Vol-1). Brill.
Procter, C., & Kozak-Holland, M. (2019). The Giza pyramid: learning from this
megaproject. Journal of Management History.