In Guatemala, "the find of a lifetime"

[Thor Henning]

Here is more about the finding in Guatemala.

[Anna]

It's funny with pyramids, ceramics, clothing patterns etc, that very often they a similar in different parts of the world, which makes people come up with theories about inter continental trade or even inter galatic interaction. Now, I'm not saying there's never been Atlantic crossings in ancient time (Thor Heyerdahl did prove that it is feasible), but I kind of doubt that the Atlantic was heavily trafficed. I think it's pretty obvious - just think about it; how many ways are there to build a tall building and how many geometric figures are there to choose from; you can make it square, round, triangular etc but there's a limited number to choose between. On my many tours of ruins in this area alone, I've heard some fantastic theories by the guides. One, for example, was about a stucco on the Nunnery at Chichen Itza, where there's a guy sitting crosslegged and the guide said it was proof of interaction with India because he was sitting in a lotus position, which he wasn't, he was just sitting crosslegged.

People come up with the same ideas in different areas in the world partly because of interaction, but mostly because humans are intelligent and, when given a chance (time on your hands because of having an agricultural society in stead of just a hunter/gather society) are striving towards improvement and development.

Another thought in the same spirit is that most religions around the world have a lot of similarities. Most are built on the notion of a higher power that helps us deal with each other, distinguish right from wrong. Even creation myths are very similar around the world; in Mayan religion the gods created man from corn dough and in Christian mytology a rib was used. And of course people all over the world have been smart enough to acknowledge the vast use of religion to control the people, which also ties into the monumental buildings (pyramids, cathedrals etc) that were very useful in instilling awe in the masses.

[Thor Henning]

Originally Posted by Anna

It's funny with pyramids, ceramics, clothing patterns etc, that very often they a similar in different parts of the world, which makes people come up with theories about inter continental trade or even inter galatic interaction. Now, I'm not saying there's never been Atlantic crossings in ancient time (Thor Heyerdahl did prove that it is feasible), but I kind of doubt that the Atlantic was heavily trafficed.

As you mention Thor Heyerdahl, who is Norwegian, it came to my mind the story about Leif Erikson, a Norwegian who lived with some Norwegian families on Island and took trips to a land they called Wine Land. They have found traces in the US/Canada of what some believe are houses buildt by the Vikings at that time.

Originally Posted by Anna

Another thought in the same spirit is that most religions around the world have a lot of similarities. Most are built on the notion of a higher power that helps us deal with each other, distinguish right from wrong. Even creation myths are very similar around the world; in Mayan religion the gods created man from corn dough and in Christian mytology a rib was used. And of course people all over the world have been smart enough to acknowledge the vast use of religion to control the people, which also ties into the monumental buildings (pyramids, cathedrals etc) that were very useful in instilling awe in the masses.

The idea of religion as a way of controling the masses is very interesting. And it has for sure been used that way.

[denisea]

Here is more about the finding in Guatemala from National Geographic News.

[MikeW]

Originally Posted by Anna

It's funny with pyramids, ceramics, clothing patterns etc, that very often they a similar in different parts of the world, which makes people come up with theories about inter continental trade or even inter galatic interaction. . . . .I think it's pretty obvious - just think about it; how many ways are there to build a tall building and how many geometric figures are there to choose from; you can make it square, round, triangular etc but there's a limited number to choose between.

I was talking with Bonny yesterday, and said basically the same thing about the pyramids. You want to make something tall? You need a way to keep climbing up it while you build it. Probably the most stable tall building that is easy to climb as you build it has the slope about the same as a pyramid. Let's give it a decent shape base, how about a square.

Originally Posted by Anna

. . .And of course people all over the world have been smart enough to acknowledge the vast use of religion to control the people, which also ties into the monumental buildings (pyramids, cathedrals etc) that were very useful in instilling awe in the masses.

I've always thought this.

[Daddy B]

In relation to the architecture of religious buildings there are two other aspects I consider worth of mention.

Their great height was meant to put priests closer to the gods, and their inaccessibility from the commoner's prying eye made it impossible being a party to the cerimonies of the closed circle of initiated. The latter, in its turn, added to the mysticism and increased the secrecy, something so vital for a religion's survival.

What has been said about the shape of pyramids matches the technologies available (no large-scale scaffolding, etc.,..) while ensuring that the need for tall buildings were met. Also, pyramids usually consist of pyramids within pyramids supporting the one above, thus eliminating the need for the more advanced skills required to built self-sustaining ceilings, for instance.


Where's that Goat?

[Thor Henning]

When reading about pyramids I found this site. It's really amazing.

Here is more about the underwater site in Japan.