Related Subjects
Sphinx water erosion hypothesis
The Sphinx water erosion hypothesis is a fringe claim, contending that the Great Sphinx of Giza and its enclosing walls show erosion consistent with precipitation. Its proponents believe this dates the construction of the Sphinx to Predynastic Egypt or earlier. The hypothesis is inspired by the myth of Atlantis and it contradicts the mainstream view that the Sphinx was constructed contemporaneously with the Giza pyramid complex. Major proponents of the hypothesis include alternative Egyptologist John Anthony West, and geologist Robert Schoch.Most archeologists and egyptologists have rejected the idea of an earlier construction of the Sphinx, instead attributing it to pharaoh Khafre. Those critical of the hypothesis draw attention to problems with Schoch and West's methodology, point out that the Sphinx enclosure fits into the overall layout of the Giza complex, and cite geological evidence that limestone from the Sphinx enclosure was used in the construction of nearby buildings. The hypothesis has also faced scrutiny from geologists who attribute the erosion to Nile flooding and occasional heavy rains that persisted into the Dynastic period. Provided by Wikipedia
The Meidum Pyramid /
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Located more than 70 km south of Cairo, the Meidum pyramid is noteworthy because of its square, tower-like shape and the difficulties associated with its attribution. Drawing from previously published material together with the author’s own observations from the site, the following paper will explore these two issues in order to reexamine the origins of this structure.
A gift of geology : ancient Egyptian landscapes and monuments /
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""While much is known about Egypt's towering pyramids, mighty obelisks, and extraordinary works of art, less is known about the role played by Egypt's geological history in the formation of pharaonic culture's artistic and architectural legacy. The fertile soils that lined the Nile Valley meant that the people of Egypt were able to live well off the land. Yet what allowed ancient Egypt to stand apart from other early civilizations was its access to the vast range of natural resources that lay beyond the Nile floodplain. In this engagingly written book, Colin Reader invites readers to explore the influence of geology and landscape on the development of the cultures of ancient Egypt. After describing today's Egyptian landscape and introducing key elements of the ancient Egyptian worldview, he provides a basic geological toolkit to address issues such as geological time and major earth-forming processes. The developments that gave the geology of Egypt its distinct character are explored, including the uplifting of mountains along the Red Sea coast, the evolution of the Nile river, and the formation of the vast desert areas beyond the Nile Valley. As the story unfolds, elements of Egypt's archaeology are introduced, together with discussions of mining and quarrying, construction in stone, and the ways in which the country's rich geological heritage allowed the culture of ancient Egypt to evolve. Ideal for non-specialists and specialists alike, and supported with over one hundred illustrations, A Gift of Geology takes the reader on a fascinating journey into Egypt's geological landscape and its relationship to the marvels of pharaonic culture.""--
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xi, 210 pages : illustrations (some color), maps (some color) ; 22 cm. :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9781649032188
1649032188