All articles tagged with #pyramids
Originally Published 6 months ago — by The Washington Post
Scientists have successfully sequenced the oldest complete DNA from an ancient Egyptian man dating to the time of the pyramids, revealing insights into his life and ancestry, including connections to West Asia.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by UNILAD
Physicists believe they have solved the mystery of how the Ancient Egyptians built the pyramids by conducting experiments based on a wall painting in an ancient tomb. The painting depicted men moving a statue with ropes attached to a sledge, while water was poured over the sand in front of the sledge. The physicists found that adding the right amount of water to the sand reduced sliding friction, making it easier to move objects. This discovery challenges previous beliefs that the pouring of water was purely ceremonial, and suggests that wet sand is about twice as stiff as dry sand, making it easier for the Egyptians to move heavy objects during pyramid construction.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by IFLScience
Retired NASA astronaut Terry Virts used his last day on the International Space Station to capture a stunning shot of the pyramids from above, expressing his desire to savor every moment in space. Virts, known for his space photography, extended his stay on the ISS to fulfill his passion for capturing incredible images of Earth from space before retiring as an astronaut.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Fox News
Egyptian officials canceled plans to renovate the pyramid of Menkaure due to concerns over preservation. The project involved installing ancient granite cladding, but the Menkaure Pyramid Review Committee objected, fearing it could damage the ancient structure. Zahi Hawass assured the public that the pyramids of Giza are safe and emphasized the importance of careful planning in archaeological projects.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Daily Mail
Travis Scott's planned concert at Egypt's Giza pyramids has been cancelled by Live Nation due to "complex production issues" just two days before the scheduled show. This comes after the Egyptian Syndicate of Musical Professions initially opposed the concert, citing offense to traditions and safety concerns following the Astroworld festival tragedy. Live Nation apologized for the cancellation and stated that refunds will be issued to ticket holders. The syndicate has been increasingly fighting against musical genres deemed improper in Egypt, with rap often being targeted. Egypt has also opposed cultural affiliations to the ancient pharaohs by African-American movements.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Ancient Origins
Mexican archaeologists have discovered a lost Maya city in the Balamku Ecological Reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula using LiDAR drones. The city, named Ocomtun, includes pyramids, stone columns, three plazas, and other sacred stone structures arranged in concentric circles. It was likely an important Maya center between 250 and 1000 AD. The city was equipped with 15-meter high pyramidal structures and a ball court for playing Pre-Hispanic ball games. The city appears to have been significantly rebuilt between 800 and 1000 AD and entered a period of decline around that time.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Ancient Origins
Many ancient civilizations have left their mark on the world through impressive architectural feats, artistic creations, and innovative technologies. From the machinery used to build the pyramids to the advanced weaponry of ancient China and the invention of the Egyptian war chariot, there are countless examples of ancient technologies that were far ahead of their time.