Mayan and Egyptian Pyramids Essay Example

What are some of the differences of Mayan and Egyptian pyramids? The Egyptian and the Mayan pyramids have many different sides on behalf of their pyramids. Mayan pyramids had located its entrance at the top while the Egyptian pyramids had its entrance at the bottom. Both these pyramids have similarities in their differences in many ways.

To begin with, both the Mayan and Egyptian pyramids have its own way of playing a role in the life of the people. A common difference many people tend to see would be on how basic or simplex they are. As stated in the Travel Guide, “Compared to the Egyptian pyramids at Giza, Mayan pyramids are mostly smaller, but steeper and more ornate” (Source 3). This is giving off a sentence with the basic characteristics of this pyramid. Additionally, stated in that same piece of evidence, it states that the Mayan pyramids tend to be smaller which would make the Egyptian pyramids bigger. To continue, another common difference between these would be where its entrance would be located. Stated in a picture caption of the Travel Guide, “The entrance to the pyramid is at the very top, not the bottom (Source 3). Also, in Source 4 there are two pictures presented on both pyramids of its unique structure and lines indicating where the location is on the pyramid. However, there is more to say about these pyramids and their differences.

Furthermore, there are a lot of interesting facts on these pyramids such as on how the Egyptian pyramids were designed to be permanently sealed after the bodies of the pharaohs were placed inside. And the Mayan pyramids only allowed priests to climb the stairs to the top. Apart from that, stated in the Travel Guide, “the sides are not smooth but instead rise in stages, like giant stairs” (Source 3). This shows on how the Mayan pyramids rose in giant stairs while the Egyptian were smoother. In addition, stated in the Travel Guide, “They built most of their pyramids between the 3rd and 9th century AD, all across the eastern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador” (Source 3). And stated in the Magazine Guide, “King Khufu built the Great Pyramid (the biggest) first, around 2550 BC (Source 1). Both pieces of evidence prove that the Egyptian pyramids tend to be older(ancient) than the Mayan pyramids because most of them were built in the AD's. Finally, stated in the Magazine Guide, “Originally, the four faces of each pyramid were covered with a smooth layer of bright white limestone blocks that would have gleamed and glittered in the sunlight” (Source 1). And stated in the Travel Guide, they were built of stone blocks held together with lime mortar” (Source 3). That shows the different blocks they used to build these pyramids; Egyptians used limestone blocks while the Mayan used stone blocks. Apart from, after talking about differences it is time to share some similarities between these two pyramids.

Significantly, not only do these pyramids share differences but as well similarities to themselves. Thus, stated in the Magazine Guide, “The three pyramids at Giza were designed as monumental tombs for pharaohs(kings) of Egypt, to house their bodies after death and to help them achieve eternal life in the afterworld” (Source 1). Additionally, stated in the Travel Guide, ‘Mayan pyramids functioned as temples, whether they were also tombs of high-ranking officials” (Source 3). However, this expands on the conclusion that these pyramids were ruled by high-ranking officials and had a future for them in their afterlife. Although these pyramids were not regular ones, they were centers for people's cultures and communities. Moreover, stated in the Magazine Guide, “The pyramids at Giza have been astonishing humanity for more than 4,500 years” (Source 1). Adding on to that, stated in the Travel Guide, “The pyramids were often part of large complexes that included palaces, ball courts, plazas, and courtyards” (Source 3). These both played a significant role in people's community and created society to go out and visit these pyramids to explore the distinct types of cultures there. Not did these pyramids play a role in the culture of the people but also their religious life. Once again, stated in the Magazine Guide, “and explores have come across them and marveled: Ancient Greeks, Arab conquerors, even Napoleon” (Source 1). Furthermore, stated in the Travel Guide, “There they performed religious rituals including sacrifices” (Source 3). These pyramids have set together an especially key role for people by sharing their religions throughout these pyramids to make one feel like they are not an outcast among their religions in these pyramids. Finally, among these differences and similarities both pyramids have played an important part in the religious and community life of the people. 

To conclude, both the Mayan and Egyptian pyramids have shared their differences and similarities. Both pyramids were used for high rankings and are centers for cultures. As well as being used differently in their creation and appearance. What did you spot different about these pyramids?