Ancient Egyptian Architecture Fascinating Place

Home , Egyptian pyramids, Karnak, Luxor Temple, Mastaba, Pylon (architecture), Pyramid

About 2,000 years ago, ancient scholars and historians identified the greatest artistic and architectural achievements of human civilization. They called these the Seven Wonders of the World. Today we refer to them as the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, since they were built in ancient times and all but one has since been destroyed. The surviving “wonder” is the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is one of many Stepped pyramids, like this one built for Pharaoh Djoser, are the oldest remaining memorial buildings architectural achievements that in the world. make Egypt a fascinating place.

Studying the architecture of ancient Egypt helps us learn more about the culture of ancient Egyptians, including their religious beliefs, construction techniques, and use of natural resources.

The Old Kingdom and the Great Pyramids (2575–2130 BCE) Ancient Egyptians believed that life on Earth was only temporary and that death passed them into a new, permanent life. It is for this reason that everyday houses and palaces were built of timber and sunbaked bricks—they weren’t expected to last very long. On the other hand, burial tombs were built with stone. During the flooding season, when the Nile’s waters washed over land, massive blocks of stone were floated out to building sites. Many of the stone pyramids survive to this day. They were designed as the resting places for wealthy Egyptians. They contained preserved dead bodies and treasures that could be enjoyed in the afterlife.

The earliest and simplest form of an Egyptian burial tomb was the mastaba, which was used beginning around 3100 BCE. Mastabas were rectangular stone buildings that covered burial pits. They had flat tops and slanted walls. Over time, mastabas became larger to include multiple tombs, storerooms, and chapels.

The mastaba became the basis for the stepped pyramid, such as the one made for Pharaoh Djoser (around 2650–2575 BCE). Djoser’s pyramid (see photo) is made of six steps. The total structure is nearly 200 feet tall. Djoser’s stepped pyramid was designed by the architect Imhotep. He was the earliest architect that we know by name. Following Djoser, pharaohs planned greater tombs to surpass the glory of the “new” stepped pyramid.

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Ancient Egyptian Architecture Fascinating Place

Not all attempts to build new pyramids were successful. For example, a pyramid built during the reign of Pharaoh Snefru (around 2575–2130 BCE), has a lower section that inclines at 54 degrees and a top section that inclines at 43 degrees. It is named the Bent Pyramid because of the resulting off-center appearance. Archaeologists think that the builders had to change their tactics mid- construction in order to make a more stable pyramid. During Snefru’s reign, Egyptians perfected pyramid construction when they built the Red Pyramid. The Red Pyramid is known as the first true pyramid because of its smooth sides, square base, and geometric measurements.

The Great Pyramids of Giza, the most recognizable in the world, are also true pyramids. Each has a square base and an incline of 52 degrees. The three largest were built as tombs for Snefru’s This photo clearly shows two of the three successors. Each pyramid lines up with Great Pyramids. Unlike the earlier the points of a compass (north, south, stepped pyramids, these are shaped as true pyramids. The entire field of east, and west). Their entrances were all pyramids at Giza is noted as a World on their northern faces, and they had Heritage site by UNESCO. temples along their eastern sides.

The largest Egyptian pyramid is known as the Great Pyramid. It was built in honor of Pharaoh Khufu, the son of Snefru. Soaring 481 feet, Khufu’s pyramid is an ancient skyscraper! It is the height of a 30-story modern building. Although this pyramid was meant to be Khufu’s tomb, his body was never found there. The inside of the tomb has passageways and three chambers: an underground chamber, the Queen’s Chamber in the middle, and the Grand Gallery, which leads into the King’s Gallery, at the top. Egyptologists believe this amazing structure was built in less than 30 years.

Among the Pyramids of Giza is a giant statue known as the Great Sphinx. This figure of a lion with a human’s head was carved from solid limestone. Buried up to the shoulders in desert sand for years, the Great Sphinx was not fully excavated until 1925. It is 260 feet long and taller than a six-story building. The Great Sphinx is perhaps the largest statue in the world made from a monolith, or single piece of stone. Scholars believe it was carved to protect the pharaohs in their tombs nearby.

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Ancient Egyptian Architecture Fascinating Place

The Middle Kingdom and Rock-Cut Tombs (1938–1630 BCE) Apparently, the Sphinx did not do a great job protecting the tombs! The tombs were constantly looted by grave robbers who wanted the gold and riches buried with the pharaohs. During the Middle Kingdom, the architecture of ancient Egypt reflected the need to keep tombs safe from thieves. During this period, Egyptian Pharaohs tried to outsmart the thieves by building tombs in the limestone cliffs overlooking the Nile. Among columns, rooms, and chapels, organized in a maze-like layout, the archaeological site Beni Hasan hid 39 tombs that were cut out of the rock. No one knows for sure who ordered the Great Rock-cut tombs were both difficult to Sphinx to be built. Over time, the Great Sphinx access from the outside and easy to get lost its nose and pharaoh’s beard. A detailed fragment of the beard is on display at the British lost and trapped in once inside. Museum. Visitors can still visit Beni Hasan today and imagine what life—and the afterlife—was like during the Middle Kingdom.

The New Kingdom and the Valley of the Kings (1539–1075 BCE) During the New Kingdom, pharaohs developed a new strategy to prevent tomb thefts. They selected a distant and isolated spot among desert mountains for their burial tombs. They hid their tombs in the bases of mountains and hills, often building right into the mountain. These tombs were not pyramids but temples. The most famous belonged to the Boy King, King Tutankhamen.

The Valley of the Kings is also home to several ancient temples, including the temples at Luxor and Karnak. Both temples were built to honor Amon-Re, the king of the Egyptian gods. A temple was considered the home of a god. To honor the gods and their own accomplishments, many Pharaohs added new construction to the temples over time.

At Luxor, an obelisk—a type of pointed monument—stands in front of the pylon, which is a tall outside wall. Most ancient Egyptian people never saw past the pylon and obelisk; the general public was not allowed inside. King Ramses II added carvings to the entrance pylon telling of his great battles. Lining the road to the Luxor Temple are rows of small sphinx statues. This is called the Avenue of Sphinxes, and it connected Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, two miles away.

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Ancient Egyptian Architecture Fascinating Place

It is clear that ancient Egyptian architecture evolved over time. Egyptian pyramids were perfected through trial and error. Tombs, once visible to all, were tucked away in rocky cliffs and the desert for security. New Kingdom pharaohs constructed temples using new building features. Despite all these changes, one thing remained constant: ancient Egyptian structures consistently reflected Celebrating god Amon-Re, Luxor Temple hosted the deeply held religious beliefs the Festival of Opet. The festival lasted 14–23 of the people. The architecture days. left behind by the ancient Egyptians were truly wonders of the ancient world, and they remain wonders today— inspiring modern people to learn more about the culture and beliefs of ancient Egypt.

Ancient Egyptian Architecture Fascinating Place

After reading the passage, answer the following questions:

1. Which type of Egyptian structure did Imhotep design? A. mastaba B. stepped pyramid C. true pyramid D. temple

2. What makes a pyramid, like the Pyramids of Gaza, a “true” pyramid? A. It has smooth sides and a square base. B. It has a rectangular base and a flat top. C. Its entrance is on the east side. D. Its incline is precisely 43 degrees.

3. Based on the reading, which of the following statements is true? A. Egyptian pharaohs were required to study architecture to help with pyramid design. B. Egyptian pharaohs did not believe in a god or group or gods. C. Egyptian pharaohs were not willing to spend money on architecture. D. Egyptian pharaohs were very concerned with their afterlife.

4. It is clear that Egyptian pharaohs went to great lengths to protect their tombs. Describe some of these strategies. Which strategy do you think was the most effective? Provide details from the passage to support your answer.