Abstract
This paper examines and compares the pyramids of Egypt and those of the ancient Mayan culture, found in Mexico and parts of Central America. In an attempt to explain why these architectural legacies share so many striking similarities in spite of the thousands of years and geographical distances that separated the cultures that produced them, the paper considers what was important to the two civilizations and what it was that they were they trying to accomplish by building these complex and enormous structures.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Egyptians
The Mayans
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Half a world and three thousand years apart, two ancient civilizations built a series of remarkably similar structures shaped like and known as pyramids - or The Pyramids to us latecomers. The Egyptians built theirs in the twenty-sixth century b.c., or earlier, a short distance inland from the west bank of the Nile River; to date, eighty are known to exist. Built between 250 and 800 a.d., the dozen or so Mayan pyramids excavated thus far are located in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Guatemala and elsewhere in Central America. The biggest, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, at Giza in Egypt, was originally built to a height of 481 feet (though the top thirty feet have simply disintegrated over time) and was for more than four thousand years the largest man-made structure ever assembled. The Mayan pyramids are somewhat smaller, but imposing nonetheless."

Tags:sophisticated, superstitious, religious, significance, reach, skyward, heavens, stars, gods, height, shape

Abstract
This paper explains that the Egyptian language is one of the first languages to be put into written form by using hieroglyphics, a system that used symbolic pictures. The author points out that the ancient writing systems of Mesoamerica can be traced back to the cliff paintings by North American Indians in the desert Southwest. These are known as petroglyphs because they are written on stone. The paper relates that the Mayan languages were lost due to the European invasions, and early Egyptian writing was absorbed into Coptic and replaced by Arabic.

Table of Contents
Egyptian Writing
Mesoamerica (MAYA)
Development of scripts. Egyptian
Development of Scripts. Mayan
Why Are Those Two Written Languages Not in Use Anymore?
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Recently, Egyptian writing dating to 3,300 B.C. has been discovered. A German archaeologist has claimed that he has found what could be the earliest known human writing - records of linen and oil deliveries made about 5,300 years ago during the reign of a King named Scorpion in Southern Egypt. The discovery throws open for debate a widely held belief among historians that the first people to write were the Sumerians of the Mesopotamian civilization sometime before 3,000 B.C.."

Tags:hieroglyphics, cliff, petroglyphs, invasion, changes

Abstract
This paper gives an overview of the ancient Mayan culture, with an emphasis on their art, religion and their daily lives. The author first examines the significance of the Mayan pyramids which still stand today. The pyramids are felt to give insights into the Mayan's religion and government. The paper continues by suggesting theories of why the Mayans disappeared. Despite the disappearance of ancient Mayans, the author suggests that cultural influences of the Mayans still exist in Central America today.

Outline:
Introduction-Who Were the Mayans?
The Case Against the Mayans
The Case for Mayan Culture
Conclusion

From the Paper
"As for what architecture tells us about the Mayan people, the creation of pyramids and temples that were as large and time-consuming as those created by the Mayans indicate a race of people who were strong, intelligent, and willing to work together for a common goal. Very likely, Mayans were interested in their collective society, as well as their own families, and they worshiped their King. Religion was extremely important to them, as has been mentioned. They used their pyramids and other structures as places to worship, and reverence to their gods was a vital part of their daily lives."

Tags:Mayans, Maya, pyramids, Central, America

Abstract
This paper discusses the focus of Egyptian culture on preparation for death and the afterlife during the Old Kingdom. It looks at the immortality of pharaoh and the impact of pyramids on Egyptian economy and culture. It also examines the Myth of Orisis.

Tags:Pyramids, Egypt, Egyptian, Afterlife, Kingdom, Pharaoh, Death, Myth, Orisis

Abstract
This paper provides a description and analysis of the architecture wrought by the ancient Mayan civilization. This includes their housing, temples, palaces and urban design. Materials and methods used by the Mayans and what these structures represented to their civilization are also addressed.

From the Paper
"The Maya Civilization represents a group of Indians living in what are now Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. A highly advanced ancient civilization, the Mayas developed the only language of the Pre-Columbian Americas as well as spectacular art, architecture and sophisticated mathematical and astronomical systems. Many of these architectural achievements occurred during the Classic period of Mayan civilization, from approximately ... to ... CE. This analysis will review the architecture of the Ancient Mayan civilization. The Mayan civilization was responsible for great works of architecture that according..."

Tags:Indians, Pre-Columbian, limestone, pyramids, gods, religion, worship, rulers

Abstract
This paper discusses how, long after the Egyptian pyramids were first built, there still remains a fascination with this unique architectural design. It looks at how the Pharaonic builders completed their task with an ability and sophistication that has never seen been surpassed. Their capability of understanding the force of gravity, of weight and the stone cube was remarkable. The paper concludes that no where else, by any other culture, has the stone mound been transformed so accurately and substantially into geometrical form.

From the Paper
"As communities grew larger, it was more possible for leaders to emerge and for power to be solidified within, without fear of external invasion. This internal security accounts for the amazing continuity of the Egyptian civilization2 . Certainly, in no other country after the Paleolithic age, can so many constant elements be found over so long a period as in Egypt. The sense of permanence was made possible by this exceptional locale. Although the exact number of people who lived in the country is not possible to know, estimates vary from between one-and-a-half million to over five million3. Most of this population consisted of peasants and civil servants."

Tags:pyramids, stone, structure

Abstract
This paper examines in depth the funerary rites in ancient Egypt and how these complex rituals were reflected in the art of the times. First, the paper describes the process of mummifying the deceased. Then, it goes on to discuss several works of art in detail and how they served a vital function in the afterlife. In particular, it addresses stylistic representations of self-portraits in Old Kingdom and New Kingdom painting and sculpture. The paper concludes by stating that ancient Egyptian art was consumed with death, viewing this life as a means of celebrating and representing the next.

From the Paper
"Our modern Western world has been first Christianized and then, to a large degree, secularized, with deaths and funerals being one of the few life events still "celebrated" in a semi-religious manner. Many people agree that modern funerals are more for the living members of a community than they are for the deceased person who is honored during the ceremony. In a large way, this illustrates the way in which science--especially modern psychology--has come to replace religion in our modern society. Though the concept of an afterlife and the importance of funerary rites in achieving this afterlife used to be important, these concepts tend to be disregarded now by many Westerners as mythological explanations of the world."

Tags:sarcophagi, Egyptian Book of Life, pyramids, New Kingdom, Old Kingdom

Abstract
The paper is a basic outline of the construction of the pyramids. It describes Ancient Egypt and the various tools they used during its construction. The main discussion is on theories scientists and architects have proposed regarding how they were built.

Outline:
Introduction
Construction of the pyramids
Various Ramp style theories
Alternate theory- built with no ramps
The broken Vase Theory
Construction Utilizing Large Labor Force was Plausible
Architecture of the Pyramids

From the Paper
"Ancient Egyptians had the wheel technology and may have used them in building the pyramids by moving heavy stones. They also used pulleys to raise their boats' sails and could have used them in lifting stones to higher levels.
"The true pyramid is a natural development and improvement on the earliest form of pyramids, the step pyramid, consisting of several steps. The first true pyramids were introduced in at the beginning of the 4th dynasty. The structure of these pyramids is virtually the same as a step pyramid. Packing blocks are stacked until the dimensions were right, and then finishing blocks (usually limestone) were the last touch (Winston )."

Tags:ancient egypt, history, pyramids

Abstract
In this paper, the writer maintains that to read "Sinuhe the Egyptian" as solely a piece of political propaganda would significantly underestimate the narrative qualities of the tale and the maturity of ancient Egyptian literature. The writer notes that Miroslav Barta, an Egyptologist, claims that the text serves primarily as political propaganda, idealizing Egyptian society and especially its monarchy. The writer maintains that the lengthy poetic interlude at the point in the story at which Sinuhe meets the Syrian King for the first time does suggest an idealistic attitude toward the Egyptian theocracy. However, the writer notes that other scholars point out that Sinuhe demonstrates literary prowess; its ending comes as a surprise but only when read within a modern framework and corresponding biases. The writer concludes that rather than being propaganda, "Sinuhe the Egyptian" is more clearly an epic literary journey.

From the Paper
"In the first case, Sinuhe naturally waxes poetic about the ruler from whom he fled; he never once suggests that he doubts the divinity of the pharaoh's office. His fear of civil strife stems not from a disregard for the court but from personal cowardice (Lorton). Furthermore, he praises the new king so as to not appear weak and pitiable in the eyes of the Syrian King who discovered him. His positive attitude engenders favor, causing the Syrian King to trust him immediately and give him his daughter's hand in marriage as well as scores of wealth and land. If the Syrian King suspected that Sinuhe were a disloyal subject it is unlikely he would have offered such kind service."

Tags:tale, narrative, Egyptian, political, propaganda

Abstract
This paper provides a discussion of the long tradition of the influence of ancient Egyptian art on ancient Greek artists. The paper looks at how the art of both are affected by their societies' world views. The paper discusses the primary functions of Egyptian art and the different style of Greek art, particularly in relation to depiction of figures.

From the Paper
"This paper compares ancient Egyptian art with ancient Greek art and considers the ways in which the Greeks were influenced by Egyptian art. Egypt established a long and enduring artistic tradition. Greek art drew heavily on that background, using many of the same kinds of subjects and incorporating many similar symbols but then reinterpreted them through very different eyes and a strikingly different cultural perception. Both visions continue to have a profound impact on artists in modern cultures from their representation of everyday life to the varied..."

Tags:Egyptian, Greek, Bullock, Carpenter