CLIP 4003

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Measuring the Plot for the Great Pyramid

Measuring the Plot for the Great Pyramid
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Key Info
  • Measuring the Plot for the Great Pyramid
  • Duration: 02:58
  • The Great Pyramid is 147m from the ground to the top and each side of the base is 230m long. The Egyptians positioned the sides of the pyramid facing north, south, east and west. They did not have compasses so archaeologists believe that they used the stars as a guide. They used the circumpolar stars that circle the North Pole of the Earth. The Ancient Egyptians also used a cubit rod to measure out the sides of the pyramid. With thanks to "WGBH TV". This clip has subtitles available in Flash.
  • Subject:

    History

       Topic:

    Egyptians

  • Keywords: Egypt, Egyptians, Egyptian life, pyramid, pyramids, measuring, circumpolar star, perimeter, area, square, right angles, cubit rod, subtitled
Ideas for use in class
  • Can the children work out the perimeter of the great pyramid using the measurements given? Is it possible to fit it on to the school playing field?
Background details
  • Clip language : English
  • Aspect ratio : 16x9
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  • Location of Windows Media clip:
  • Location of Flash Video clip:

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