Guimar Pyramids in Tenerife
The pyramids of Guimar, on the Canary Island of Tenerife, are an example of step pyramids. This style of pyramid is common around the world with other notable examples built by Mayan, Inca, and Egyptian cultures. The overall shape and resemblance of Guimar lava stone structures have fueled speculation of a strong influence of Egyptian rule.
Tenerife's location also suggests the possibility of South American culture migration patterns, with either South American civilizations from the East travelling West, or perhaps in the opposite. At some level, the shared design elements and construction implies a transfer of knowledge in much more connected world historically than previously thought. If Egyptians moved giant granite slabs along the Nile on wooden ships, it's reasonable to believe they could construct vessels capable of surviving the trade winds.
Many pyramids throughout the world share a common design element which uses steps to reach pinnacle platforms and an open plateau area. This type of terrace design not only allows builders to strategically construct a formation efficiently, but also creates a functional element for traversing to the top, or perhaps for a defensive standpoint. Guimar pyramids are aligned with winter and summer solstices, and like similar step pyramid designs, have a large plateau area indicative of a ceremonial gathering area. The valley location between mountains, mist and low clouds, seems to hint at Guimar being a deeply sacred place for the builders.
Structures like those found in Tenerife feature various configurations with potential advantages beyond construction for ceremonial purpose. For example, when stone layers are short in height, people can easily climb up by using the ledges as stairs; which might be an obvious observation. If the layers are tall and too challenging to traverse, those on the plateau have a position point over incoming enemies.
Taller steps increase design complexity by needing to include staircases for access, similar to Guimar, or a sloped incline circling around the structure for a gradual pathway. A low incline ramp combined with tall steps forces access to a single way up or down for defensive advantage. Walkways winding around the circumference might potentially be helpful for ritualistic practices as well as moving equipment and supplies to the top. There is also a possibility a step design orientated on an slight angle could help direct the flow of water runoff into collection basins for crop irrigation, consumption, and other utility purposes.
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