1. 1. The article shows how different types of trebuchets and mangonels were used to accomplish various tasks. These ancient designs and structures show how civil engineers in today’s society design certain structures that fit a specific need.
2. 2. The ancient Middle East structures that I am familiar with are:
- The pyramids of Egypt: the pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs of Egypt and they have probably survived for so long due to the materials it is made out of and its shape.
- The Dome of the Rock – this structure was made in the 7th century and is located at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It is a sacred structure to both Muslims and Jews because the Muslims believed it is the place where Muhammad ascended into heaven, while Jews believe it the location where Abraham was going to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. I am not sure how it has survived for so long, but I know that it has been refurbished several times.
3. 3. Grand structures in ancient cultures were often built in order to honor someone or something. The structures were built with so much passion and precision because the cultures building the structure believed that they were building the structure for a very important person or event. Buildings also developed into defense structures from war and extreme weather.
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ReplyDeleteThe abilities of the people in ancient times in the Middle east are astounding. The things they would put their time into all to honor some special figure of their time amazes me. Modern engineers have accomplished some pretty astonishing feats, but we have so much technology that the wow factor is diminished by the fact that ancient cultures had none of the heavy lifting machinery we have. They did not have any of the instruments we use or some of the knowledge we have. Yet they were still able to create these amazing structures. With the accuracy and magnitude of some of the ancient structures, it is hard to imagine what those people might have been capable of with our equipment. These structures and the dedication of the workers should inspire us to do something great, even if its only a fraction of the greatness executed by these people.
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