THEORIES ON HOW THE PYRAMIDS WERE BUILT
TASK A: Read the following three theories on the construction of the pyramid, and respond in point from, unless stated otherwise. TWO MARKS PER QUESTION = 34
MARKS (KNOWLEDGE, APPLICATION)
THEORY #1: ERICH von DANIKEN
1.
What is the picture of ancient Egypt described by Egyptologists, according to von Daniken?
2.
Why does von Daniken ask the question, “Could they all have lived on the scanty yields of agriculture in the Nile Delta?”
3.
What problem does von Daniken see with the possibility that wooden rollers were used in constructing buildings and pyramids in Europe?
4.
What technique does von Daniken use when he mentions a series of so-called coincidences about the Great Pyramid of Cheops?
5.
Who, according to von Daniken, chose the building site of the Great Pyramid?
6.
Is von Daniken's writing technique convincing? Explain your answer.
7.
What is the traditional explanation of how the Great Pyramid was built?
8.
What objections does von Daniken have about the explanation?
9.
Who, according to von Daniken, gave the Egyptians the knowledge and technology to build the pyramids?
THEORY #2: CLIFFORD WILSON
1.
In what way does Wilson agree with von Daniken about the number and construction of the blocks used to build the pyramid of Cheops?
2.
In what way does Wilson differ with the claim that all blocks of the pyramid were fitted very precisely?
3.
Where did Egyptians acquire the limestone and granite to build the pyramid?
4.
Explain how Wilson counters von Daniken's argument that wood was not available to be used as wooden rollers in constructing the pyramid of Cheops?
5.
Why does Wilson claim that the Great Pyramid was constructed in much less than 664 years?

6.
Why does Wilson support the heave-ho method? Is his explanation convincing?
Explain your answer.
THEORY #3 JOSEPH DAVIDOVITS
1.
What problems exist with the traditional explanation of how the Great Pyramid was built?
2.
How does Davidovits believe the construction of the Great Pyramid was accomplished?
3.
Does Davidovits produce enough evidence to prove that the stone in the pyramid was manufactured? Explain your answer.
4.
If Davidovits was correct, what problem does the ability to put rock into moulds solve when examining the process of construction for the Great
Pyramids?
5.
Is there more evidence to support the heave-ho method of pyramid building as outlined by Wilson or more evidence to support the new ideas advanced by
Davidovits? Explain your answer.
PART B: YOUR THEORY 26 marks (application/thinking and inquiry)
1.
Of the three theories put forth, which one or ones is more convincing in its believability? Write your response in a one page typed response.
TOTAL MARKS = 60 (KNOWLEDGE, APPLICATION, THINKING AND INQUIRY
DUE: __________________________________--