Research Article
Apr 1981
There Were Giants on the Earth in Those Days
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VIEW THE REPLYPublication: Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division
Volume 107, Issue 4
Abstract
There are numerous examples of noteworthy pre-Columbian geotechnology in the Americas. These include earth mounds, stone temple pyramids, pile foundations, roads, retaining walls, terraces, irrigation structures, and small dams. They exhibit well-conceived designs and organized construction. Some investigators speculate that these sophisticated works reflect unrecorded technology from the Old World or possibly extra-terrestial intervention. However, the responsibility can be found in both indigeneous, ingeneous responses to local social and economic problems as well as well-organized community efforts. The lack of a formal system of logic, mathematical computation, and written communication inhibited the development and interaction of the embryonic technologies. Their decay was completed by the European conquest.
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Published In
Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division
Volume 107 • Issue 4 • April 1981
Pages: 383 - 419
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© 1981 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Published in print: Apr 1981
Published online: Feb 11, 2021
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George F. Sowers
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Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.