Geometry in historical monuments around the World
Hello my fellow readers, today we are going to be talking about the different monuments around the World in which we can perfectly see how geometry has been put to practise. Let's not stall and get right into it!
The very first monument I want to talk to you about is La Alhambra, situated in Granada, Spain. The Alhambra is the only ancient monument that brings together the 17 flat crystallographic groups that exist in geometry. Because of things like this, we can say that mathematics can be seen anywhere in the world.
It would be an interesting activity to take our students on an excursion to this place, so that we would do an immersion activity not only in the geometry of the place but also in the history and architecture, which can be fun to work on more than one subject at the same time.
But let's continue with the Alhambra. This monument is defined as the "paradise of geometry" as it is built from geometric figures, ranging from the simplest to the most complex compositions. Here are some of the mosaics that can be found decorating this monument.
Other fascinating features of this site are the rectangle (the one of √2) used as a proportion in places such as la Puerta del Vino, the orientation to the Mexuar oratories which was made using trigonometric methods, and the use of the seven types of friezes that exist in geometry according to the Rose-Stafford algorithm.
Let's move into the next place: Stonehenge!
The creators of Stonehenge were very knowledgeable about the proportions and orientation for building this great megalithic work in Britain, which dates from between the Stone Age and the Bronze Age (between 2,4000 and 1,700 BC).
Its construction follows the golden ratio, which can be found in nature and represents harmony. In this case the golden ratio is given between the width of the horseshoe-shaped stone construction (the third circumference) and the diameter of the Pagan or Druid Circle.
As a curiosity, every year during the summer solstice the sun crosses its axis in a precise manner, which is presumed to be related to astronomy.
Let's move on!
Without a doubt, the Egyptians are the kings of the pyramids. The pyramid is the fundamental part of the architectural ensemble destined for the cult of the pharaoh. It is the highest expression of the architecture of the Old Kingdom. Although the main function for which they were built was as funerary monuments, many were never used as tombs.
Let's define what a pyramid is. A pyramid is a polyhedron limited by a polygonal base and side faces that are isosceles triangles coinciding at a point called the apex. The apex is the main vertex of the pyramid, although a pyramid has more vertices, as many as the number of polygons that limit it.
The Egyptians left us what is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, as well as being the only one that has been preserved, the three great pyramids of Giza.
In them, we can appreciate geometry and the fact that it has been in this world for a long time. It is important to mention the step pyramids. These pyramids can be seen in the lower left part of the image. They are formed by the superposition of several decreasing steps and are the oldest ones.
It is also interesting to note that it is the Egyptians who have created some of the greatest engineering works of all time, such as the wall of the city of Memphis or the pyramid of Cheops.
Lastly, I would like to offer you the opportunity to learn about the Sydney Opera House with the following video I just found that talks about its geometry. Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-U_MeBekJw&ab_channel=SydneyOperaHouse
And this would be all for today. I hope you enjoyed it! Keep all this information in mind in case you visit any of these places. Do not hesitat to comment what you thought about what I shared with you.
See you next time! :)
Comentarios
Publicar un comentario