Why should the height factor of 2 * 3 1/7 be important? Just because they possibly used it does not make it "special". It is implicit in the construction of a pyramid that there it is going to have a dimension of height. 2 * 3 1/7 is no more significant than any other dimensions for other pyramids. The idea that, after hundreds of years of building pyramids, the Egyptians did not begin to see relationships between the sides, base and height and that they could not define such structures by using ratios is ridiculous. The intent is obvious in the structure itself that they wanted to build a structure with 4 sides a square base and an apex at x distance from the base. How and why they came up with the specific dimensions for any specific pyramid is largely speculation. But to suggest that building such structures did not involve a predetermined set of dimensions as part of the intent of the builders is absolutely absurd. Of course they had the intent to build the thing. It is sitting there isn't it? As for what particular dimensions were chosen and whether or not they had any mathematical significance within Egyptian cosmology is one thing. However, the relationships between the sides, base and apex of a pyramid are mathematical relationships not cosmological. The cosmological aspect is something that is assigned based on cultural perception, but does not change the mathematical nature of such relationships. One does not define the other, because they coexist as possibly related concepts does not mean one can rule out the existence of the other. Pyramids had meaning and significance in Egyptian cosmology. Pyramids also have mathematical properties and dimensions. The fact that they may have begun to understand such relationships in more mathematical terms is something that does not have any "special" significance. The only thing that is significantly special is the attempt to deny that they would have developed and understood such mathematical relationships over time as a result of practical usage. It is like trying to diminish the mathematical aspect of an overtly mathematical project or trying to diminish the architectural aspects of an overtly architectural monument because of its overt cosmological significance. If that was the case, then cathedrals could not be considered wonders of architecture because they too are cosmological.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/25/2007 07:36AM by Doug M.