Egyptian Art and Architecture
Architecture
The great architectural achievements of the past are built of stone. Stone quarries supplied the large blocks of granite, limestone, and sandstone that were used for building temples and tombs. As soon as a pharaoh was named, construction on his tomb was begun. Tomb building continued throughout his life and stopped only on the day on which he died. As a result, some tombs are very large and finely decorated, while other tombs, like that of King Tutankhamen, are small because he ruled as a pharaoh for such a short time.
The Pyramids
One of the most notable and lasting achievements of the Ancient Egyptians are their pyramids. The size, design, and structure of the pyramids reveal the skill of these ancient builders. The pyramids were great monuments and tombs for the kings. They built the pyramids to protect the pharaoh's body; the pyramid was a symbol of hope, because it would ensure the pharaoh's union with the gods. The beginning of the Old Kingdom is believed to be the construction of Djoser's monument. The construction project of Pharaoh Djoser's Step Pyramid started around 2620 B.C. It was created to amaze the ancient Egyptians, and amaze them is exactly what it did. However, Djoser's pyramid was not exactly a pyramid. It was made more like steps, and not smooth on all sides like other pyramids. The first smooth sided, true pyramid was built at Meidum. When Snefru took the throne sometime near 2575 BC, Djoser's Step Pyramid was the only large royal pyramid that was completed. Snefru then became the greatest pyramid builder in Egyptian history by completing not one pyramid, but three beginning with the Meidum, then the Step Pyramid and Red Pyramid at Dashure. Two generations after Djoser's reign, the center of the Old Kingdom moved to the barren plateau of Giza. Three 4th dynasty pyramids were erected here; they are included among the Seven Wonders of the World. The largest pyramid in existence is the Great Pyramid built by King Cheops (Khufu) at Giza. The Great Pyramid measures 481 feet high, by 775 feet long at each of its four bases. Other notable pyramids include the Step Pyramid built for King Djoser, and the pyramid built for King Huni, that was a transition between the step pyramid and the smooth sided pyramid we know today.
Sculptures and Paintings
Inside the underground corridors and rooms there were art of the Egyptians reflects every aspect of their lives. Depicted in tomb and temple drawings are scenes of everyday living, models of people and animals, glass figures and containers, and jewelry made from gold and semi-precious stones. Some drawings were also used to help the deceased to live forever by giving them all of the instructions they would need as they met the gods on their way to eternal life. A variety of perspectives are often combined in Egyptian art; however, the side view is the most often seen. The artists used bright colors of blue and red, orange and white to develop pictures that tell of the life of the deceased individual.
Sculptors were important artists in Egypt. Statues were made of kings, queens, scribes, animals, and gods and goddesses. Frequently, human and godlike attributes and symbols were combined.
To this very day, we continue to look at the amazing marvels. For many years onward, they will remain important to the world to see
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