I don't know why I am still so fascinated by the Great Pyramids. They appear in my poems, I read a lot about differing construction theories, and I would say that I am asked about them on a monthly basis simply because I have travelled (and lived) in Egypt. Not to mention my favourite research project I did in Grade 6. Or was it 8? One of those years.
The point of that presage was not to prove that I am some sort of expert. In fact, I have a lot of issues with the idea of calling people "experts" (note to self: write that entry soon). The point is, I want you to know that although nature is most often described as breathtaking, I am fascinated by architecture. Why is it that we build the way we build?
Look around your city. If you live in a metropolitan setting, chances are that most buildings are designed for practicality. Slanted roofs for water resistance, squared roofs to maximize space for urban sprawl, concrete and steel to stand the effects of weather, gravity, and time.
Shift your focus back to the pyramids. It is believed that the Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed over a 15-20 year period to honour fourth dynasty Pharaoh Khufu. It is approximately 460 ft tall, 5.9 million tonnes, and has a volume of approximately 2,500,000 cubic meters.
Pharoah Khufu ordered the construction of this monument to carry him into eternity. It was his glorified tomb, meant to bring him safely into the afterlife that ancient Egyptians subscribed to.
Khufu built it to last forever, yet as the tallest structure for over 3,800 years, The Great Pyramid of Giza was begging to be destroyed by time. Jutting out from the yellow sands, till this day the triangular prism stands. Stark. Severe. Solitary.
Withered, but still valiant, the pyramid refuses to be forgotten, unlike the kings and treasures that were once inside.
I think that this is the oldest, most powerful fuck you to non-believers ever created. They said it wouldn't last, but it's still standing. It's still beautiful. Meant to last forever, but built in the moment. Khufu would rather be certain that his monument was great, rather than unfailing. Even if it crumbles tomorrow, it will still have stood as the greatest man-made structure for thousands of years.
Isn't that better than a reliable square roof?
