MJ Thomas Wrote:
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> Are you basing this primarily on the slope and
> direction of the entrance passage in the pyramids
> at Meidum, Dahshur, and Giza, and the shafts in
> Khufu’s pyramid?
No. The Great Pyramid is different than the others in numerous ways. This is caused by an array of reasons from the method used in its construction to its purpose. This is evidenced by the multitude of differences between this pyramid and all the others (except Khafre's is similar). While there were many reasons it was built I think the builders envisioned it as a send off point for the pharoah.
> Sorry, I can’t see where a “greater availability
> of water” comes into this.
> Please could you elaborate?
> Thanks.
>
> MJ
>
> *I’m thinking that only purposes 2) and 3) applied
> post Khafre.
Water was king to the ancients. Yes, they did farm the valley but they farmed the "desert" as well. When they died they didn't go to the valley but to the "horizon" and to the "west" where they could farm. The "east" was a sinister place from whence came their enemies.
As the Sahara expanded over the centuries it brought sand ever closer to Giza but it was not until the 25th century BC that there was no longer enough water to farm the west side of the Nile. It was at this time that the soil dried up and blew away. Before 3000 BC there was ample water.
This is important for a lot of reasons, obviously, but I believe it also accounts for the means of building these enormous structures; water filled counterweights to lift the stones up the opposite side.
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Man fears the pyramid, time fears man.