197 questions and answers in this section

History and Culture » Ancient Civilizations

Explain why the pyramids of Egypt are aligned with such precision?

Explain why the pyramids of Egypt are aligned with such precision?

The ancient Egyptians mastered the art of fitting enormous stone blocks together without mortar. Their secret: perfectly leveled foundations and an ultra-precise arrangement of the...

Read full answer

Explain why the inhabitants of Easter Island built the monumental statues.

Explain why the inhabitants of Easter Island built the monumental statues.

The inhabitants of Easter Island deeply believed in protective spirits linked to their ancestors. For them, erecting giant statues, called moai, allowed them to channel...

Read full answer

Explain why the Romans used aqueducts to transport water.

Explain why the Romans used aqueducts to transport water.

For the Romans, access to water was often synonymous with power and comfort. They understood early on that clean water was not only useful for...

Read full answer

Explain why the Vikings sailed such long distances?

Explain why the Vikings sailed such long distances?

The Vikings were intrepid navigators who constantly sought to find new regions to explore beyond their homelands. Thanks to their sturdy, fast, and easy-to-maneuver boats, the famous...

Read full answer

Explain why the Egyptian pyramids were built and how the ancient Egyptians constructed them.

Explain why the Egyptian pyramids were built and how the ancient Egyptians constructed them.

The pyramids of Egypt were not just giant tombs to impress onlookers: they primarily embodied the divine power of the pharaohs. These great monuments symbolized, above all,...

Read full answer

Explain why the Mayans used such a precise calendar?

Explain why the Mayans used such a precise calendar?

For the Mayans, time was sacred, organized, and governed by a set of deities. Each of these gods had their own day, their own number, and period....

Read full answer

Explain why the Aztecs sacrificed captives during religious ceremonies?

Explain why the Aztecs sacrificed captives during religious ceremonies?

Among the Aztecs, human sacrifice was not just a bizarre or cruel trend; it played a downright vital role in their worldview. They believed that...

Read full answer

Explain why some Native American peoples practiced the construction of nomadic tipis?

Explain why some Native American peoples practiced the construction of nomadic tipis?

The Native American tribes of the plains primarily lived off bison hunting. Since these animals moved constantly, it was necessary to follow their movements throughout...

Read full answer

Explain why ancient civilizations like the Egyptians used hieroglyphs to write their sacred texts?

Explain why ancient civilizations like the Egyptians used hieroglyphs to write their sacred texts?

For the Egyptians, hieroglyphs were not just a writing system; they were sacred symbols directly linked to the gods and magic. Each sign had a...

Read full answer

Explain why the construction of the Great Wall of China was undertaken and how it evolved over time?

Explain why the construction of the Great Wall of China was undertaken and how it evolved over time?

Originally, the Great Wall was not the massive monument we imagine today, but rather a series of small, separate walls built as early as the...

Read full answer