Pyramids and temples - Jane Parker

The world's largest structures are revealed in this book on pyramids and temples, which is one of a series on superstructures.;Nearly 5000 years ago the Egyptians built one of the world's first free-standing stone buildings from stone blocks. It was 60m high and became known as the Step Pyramid. How did the Egyptians build such a structure? And why did they do it?;This book unlocks the secrets of these buildings with detailed illustrations and facts about pyramid shapes, the inside of the pyramids, and the methods used for their construction. In Mesopotamia, now Iraq, temples were built on huge platforms one of which still survives today, 4000 years after it was built. Central American pyramids were used as temples for human sacrifice. The author moves on to cave decoration in France, Egypt, India, China and open-air worship in Germany, England and the United States of America. Covering all aspects of the construction of places of worship the book describes early temples in Malta, Greece and Rome and shrines in India as well as churches and Gothic cathedrals. Finally, modern religious buildings are depicted, showing that whatever the style or materials used, the buildings are built for the same reason as the ancient Egyptians - the glory of God.