Temples are set above ground on columns...

I think it's just a stylistic choice. It makes the whole thing seem somewhat "bunker" like. Mayan temples are also know for having low ceilings associated with their entrances. It evokes a sense of "compression" and "dread" as a portal to the underworld. When I see this, I also think of Echo base on Hoth in [i]The Empire Strikes Back[/i] and this: [img]http://defensetech.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/century7.jpg[/img]

Looks like the Terraforming device from Aliens to me- but far older. There was another post about them a few weeks back. Same conclusion.