Anthony Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Your theorizing about "functionality of shape" has
> more merit than any "squaring the circle"
> argument, but it does not account for the
> transformation from step to smooth-sided
> pyramids.
>
> What is your explanation for that?



Actually, a step-pyramid is a pile of mastaba's. But a mastaba is vulnerable, because it is a beam. In my previous comment, I said a cube is much more vulnerable than a pyramid. A cube actually is a sort of beam, consequently a beam is equally vulnerable. The AE must have discovered that one can make a step-pyramid more solid/less vulnerable/impenetrable/less accessible by filling-up the steps, in the case of the Giza 4th Dynasty pyramids, the courses.


Once, some vandal caliph decided to demolish the Giza-pyramids. It took him tremendous efforts and time to loose just a few blocks (casing stones) from Menkaoere's pyramid, and this is only the smallest one. He gave up. I think this says enough .....


Ronald.




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/27/2007 05:53PM by Ronald.