The Mysterious Pyramids of Egypt The Pyramids of Egypt are a fascinating topic that have created many controversies( 争论 ) over the years, and which continue to do so today. They have not given up all of their secrets even after over four thousand years, and these first of mankind's large, stone buildings will probably intrigue us for many years to come.Pyramids

NEW WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS controversy n. 争论 tomb n. 坟, 墓 mortuary a. 埋葬的 priest n. 牧师

----- A Short Introduction to The Pyramids of Egypt Pyramids in Egypt were only one type of tomb( 墓 ) used mostly to bury kings and sometimes queens during a specific period of time.Pyramids Almost all royal tombs, including pyramids, had a mortuary( 埋葬的 ) temple where priests( 牧师 ) were supposed to take care of the king's soul. During the Pyramid Age, the mortuary temple was located right next to the pyramid itself, though after the Pyramid Age, the mortuary temple was separated from the tomb so that the tomb's location would be less obvious to grave robbers. pyramids

How pyramids were built is also a matter of some controversy. Traditional views, regarding the length of time and the labor force of workers required has changed in recent years. Most Egyptologists no longer believe that many slaves were used, and it is probable that much of the most difficult work of hauling the large blocks up ramps( 斜坡 ) was probably performed using beasts of labor such as oxen. Experiments have also demonstrated that it probably took less time to build them then we originally thought. One reason is that there were probably not as many solid blocks used as we once believed. Rubble and sand were instead used to fill pockets surrounded by solid stone, in many instances. How pyramids were builtEgyptologists

Of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Khufu's Pyramid is the first, and only survivor. It is indeed impressive, originally standing some (481 feet) high and covering about thirteen acres of land, though in the last hundred or so years, modern marvels probably make it seem less impressive to visitors than to those who, for thousands of years, came to visit the pyramid prior to our modern era.Khufu This is one of the major tourist attractions for Egypt, and a monumental heritage site for the world.

Remaining Mysteries There are many remaining mysteries as to how the ancient Egyptians constructed their royal pyramid tombs. For example: how did they get all those tons and tons of large stone blocks up the sides? Two things we know for sure: the methods had to be simple and low-tech, and that they had plenty of time to think up their clever ideas. And nowadays the scientists will continue to find the answer.