TextEarthquake-proof and massive pyramid El Castillo, Chichen Itza.

TextAfter the great catastrophes of the earlier ages the kings of Egypt, conscious of the possibility of their repetition, erected the pyramids as huge shelters for themselves and the most important persons of their household. The pyramids as shelters have large bases and enourmously thick walls to protect the chambers inside from hurricanes, avalanches of meteorites or brimstone, poisonous gases,(24) and inundation. The pyramidal form is statically the strongest possible structure for opposing a vertically directed impact from above (meteorites), as well as lateral pressure (of floods and hurricanes). The entrance is situated not on the level of the ground but high above it; the water of a flood forty feet high would not penetrate the pyramid of Cheops. But if the water were to rise as high as the entrance and force the door, it would not reach the chambers, which were situated at a higher level. The outer surface of the pyramid was covered with smooth stones, and was not in steps as it has been since the stone facade was removed and used for other purposes during the later ages. This smooth surface was the best protection against a shower of bolides and served also to protect against the penetration of water. The entrance door was a swivel construction.(25)