The Challenge of the Pyramids

The Great Pyramid still seems unexplainable to people today. Many theories have been advanced to account for the actual construction process. Erich von Daniken has suggested that the earth was visited by astronauts from outer space that birthed the human race as it is known today before leaving for the stars with a promise to return at a later, unspecified date. Primitive people remembered them as “gods” who possessed exceptional knowledge and skills that were left with the ancients here on earth. These abilities accounted for the breathtaking achievements of many early societies from Mexico, South America to ancient Egypt.

More recently, Joseph Davidovits proposed the idea that an advanced knowledge of chemistry, using little technology, would have allowed the Egyptians to cast large blocks of stone from moulds on the building site. This would have eliminated the apparent difficulty of transporting huge blocks over long distances. Is there any substance to either of these radical views or it the more traditional, heave-ho explanation a better solution to the problem?

Alternative 1 Questions: Chariots of the Gods
1. What is the picture of ancient Egypt described by Egyptologist, according to
Daniken?

  1. What problem does con Daniken see with the use of wooden rollers in the construction of the pyramids? What problems does he argue with the realities of Egyptian agriculture?
  2. How do you respond to Daniken’s mentioning the series of coincidences about the Great Pyramid? What do you think?
  3. What is the traditional explanation of how the Great Pyramid was built? What objection does von-Daniken have about this explanation?

Alternative 2 Questions: Building the Great Pyramid

  1. In what ways 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 the Egyptians acquire the limestone and granite to build the pyramid?
  4. Explain how Wilson counters von Daniken’s argument that wood was not available for wooden rollers in constructing the pyramid.
  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 this explanation convincing? Justify your answer.

Alternative 3 Questions: Pouring a Pyramid?

  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.
  4. If Davidovits is correct, what problems does the ability to pour rock into moulds solve when examining the process of construction for the Great Pyramid?
  5. If there is 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.

Argumentative Paper Rubric: The Challenge of the Pyramids

Criteria: one page typed, doubled spaced, 12 font, Times New Roman font
Assignment Question: In what ways are the arguments put forward by von Daniken toexplain the construction of the Great Pyramid more or less convincing than the views expressed by Wilson and Davidovits?

Criteria / Level 1
(50-59) / Level 2
(60-69) / Level 3
(70-79) / Level 4
(80-100)
Structure-Introduction
- states thesis/main idea
- introduces main points / - simple opening statement
- limited identification of main points / - thesis stated but unclear
- main points unclear / - thesis is stated but somewhat unclear
- main points introduced with moderate clarity / - thesis is precisely stated
- main points clearly introduced
Structure-Conclusion
- summarizes thesis/main idea
- summarizes main points / - abrupt ending; limited summarizing of main points / - thesis summarized but unclear
- main point summarized but unclear / - thesis summarized but somewhat unclear
- main points summarized but unclear / - thesis clearly summarized
- main points clearly summarized
Supporting Reasons or Arguments
- arguments are related to the main idea logically / - arguments are unrelated / - arguments are unclear and not logically related to the main idea / - arguments are usually clear and logically related to the main idea / - arguments are quite clear and logically related to the main idea
Evidence and Examples
- relevant supporting evidence-sufficient quantity of facts used / - limited support of points, evidence mostly irrelevant
- limited or unrelated facts used / - some points have been supported, some evidence not relevant
- insufficient or missing some facts / - most points have been supported with relevant evidence
- sufficient use of facts / - each point has been supported with relevant evidence
- substantial facts used
Mechanics of Writing
- correct grammar and spelling used
- use of correct citation method / - grammar and spelling used with limited accuracy and effectiveness
- citation method not followed or absent / - grammar and spelling used with some accuracy and effectiveness
- citation method used but with significant errors / - grammar and spelling used with considerable accuracy and effectiveness
- minor errors in citation method / - correct grammar and spelling used with accuracy and effectiveness almost all of the time
- precise use of citation method