Time Period 3 - Egyptian Art

Ancient Egypt Egypt - Early Dynastic Period 3000-2780 B.C. - Dynasties I - II

Go to the Glossary for Ancient Egypt....review and take the matching quiz.

Egypt's recorded history begins about 3000 B.C., and is divided into two kingdoms, that of the Delta (Lower Egypt) with its capital at Buto; and Upper Egypt, its capital at Hierakonpolis. The Upper Kingdom, under Menes, conquered the Delta, establishing the 1st Dynasty. The new region became known as "the kingdom of two lands." Toward the end of the Early Dynastic period, influences from Sumer were seen from cuneiform-like writing to the cylinder seal, from artistic motifs and techniques to a new architectural style. These were times of rapid growth, in which most of the basic characteristics of Egypt were established. Writing developed, and the 365-day calendar was introduced. With easier access to the copper of the Sinai, there was a copper boom, which led to an increased ability to shape stone. The first experiments in using stone as building materials were seen. Each dynasty was ruled by a pharaoh, a supreme power, considered to be a descendent from a god.

Take a side trip to ...

• The Stele of Djet, the "Serpent King" - 3100 B.C. This slab with the seal of Djet was his signature.
• Reconstructed Predynastic Burial - Preserving for eternal life was carefully planned.

The belief in an eternal life led to the prolific development of tomb art and architecture dedicated to the afterlife for the royal court. Filled with the necessities of daily life, this comforatble environment was created for the spirit, the ka, on its journey to its second life. Tombs were filled with statues in the likeness of the royal one for the ka to dwell in. The wealth found in the excavated tombs that have not been looted proves the richness of life along the Nile.

Ancient Egypt Egypt - Old Kingdom 2780 - 2254 B.C. - Dynasties III - VI

Monumental building in stone reached its peak during the III and IV dynasties. The Old Kingdom was a time of very rapid economic and cultural progress exemplified by the great pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and the Sphinx at Giza. The V Dynasty saw the triumph of the sun-god, Ra, but also a decline in the size and the quality of pyramids, reflecting a change in ideas, economic stress, and a progressive decline in the power of the pharaoh-king. In the VI Dynasty, military campaigns were conducted in Asia, and trade and exploration in Nubia and Sudan were vigorously supported. Decentralization weakened the power of the king and strengthened the influence of provincial governors. Eventually, this lead to social upheaval and collapse.

Historical & Cultural
Architecture

• Step Pyramid of King Djoser (Zoser) - Saqqara - 2780 - 2680 B.C. - Dynasty III
  
• Great Pyramids of Giza - Giza - 2598 - 2510 B.C. - Dynasty IV
  
• Great Sphinx at Giza - Dynasty IV

Three distinctive architectural elements of the Egyptian culture were developed - the pyramid, the propylaeum or pylon, and the obelisk. (You will see examples of these elements in Middle and New Kingdom architecture.)

The first pyramid-like structures appeared in the Near East in the form of stepped buildings, or ziggurats, as seen in previous travels in Mesopotamia. Smooth-sided pyramids first appeared in the Old Kingdom and were easily vandalized because the treasures of the deceased were placed easily accessible above ground. The burial chambers were soon replaced by underground mastabas. The mastaba, an Arabic word for "bench," was a low rectangular structure built over a long shaft which led down to the burial chamber.

Inside the above-ground mastaba was a chapel for offerings to the ka and a secret cubicle for a statue of the deceased. Royal mastabas grew to prominent size and developed into the largest pyramid designs during the IV Dynasty.

Take a side trip to the sites of The Pyramids of Egypt.

Now, go to Discussion #2...........Let's discuss the building of The Great Pyramids.

The Step Pyramid of King Djoser - III Dynasty

Step Pyramid of King Djoser

The Step Pyramid of King Djoser (Zoser - Saqqara - 2780 - 2680 B.C. - Dynasty III) was designed by the high executive officer or vizier, Imhotep. It is located in Saqqara, the main necropolis (burial place) of Memphis. The Step Pyramid is considered the first monumental structure made of stone. The Step Pyramid of Djoser has six levels decreasing in size as it reaches a height of 200 feet. It was suggestive of a stack of mastabas. These pyramids were not isolated structures, but were linked with huge funerary districts of temples and other buildings which held religious celebrations during and after a pharaoh's life.

Enlarge the image. Click on all of the specific sites of the Precinct of Djoser.

Take a side trip to view how the Step Pyramid was constructed.

The Pyramid of Maidum - IV Dynasty

The Pyramid of Maidum was started by Huni, and completed by his son Sneferu (Snofru). Originally, this pyramid was a seven-stepped design. Eventually, the steps were filled in and a smooth facing was added to make it a true pyramid. However, over the years, the outside facing collapsed. The debris, at the bottom of the structure, is the old facing. Collapse was caused by outward stress resulting from miscalculations of weight. Click here for more information on this structure.

Pyramids at Giza - Dynasty IV
(Giza - 2550 - 2510 B.C.)

The Great Pyramids at Giza

Imhotep is the first artist-architect to have his name recorded in history. Egypt had begun its constructions with mud bricks, wood and other light materials. Imhotep was the first to use stone and was deified for his impressive structures.

During the 4th Dynasty, pyramid-building reached its climax in the three great Pyramids at Giza - Khufu, Khafre, and Menukaure. They were built on the Giza Plateau, part of the necropolis of ancient Memphis. Originally, all had an outer casing of carefully polished limestone; only part remains on the pyramid of Khafre (Chefren).

It took thousands of men to place huge stone blocks, some weighing over 40 tons, to create these pyramids. They were floated on the Nile during flood stage, then hauled to the edge of the desert. There, with careful precision that seems awesome even today, they were lifted by rollers, levers, and large earthen ramps to their final placement. Great organization, precision, and planning were evident in such a tremendous undertaking.

The largest was built for Khufu (right), Greek name Cheops, who was the second king of the IV Dynasty - 2598-2568 B.C.

It covers thirteen acres, is 276 meters on each side at the base, and is 450 feet high. The Pyramid of Khufu contains over two million blocks of limestone, over two and a half tons each. Click here to explore this structure.

Imhotep worked the alabaster quarries of Sinai and the diorite quarries in Nubia. Originally, the sides were also polished to reflect the sun, dazzling for miles to all who saw it. The blocks were cut and fitted so precisely that it is still difficult to get even a thin knife blade between two block edges. Its size and the massive stone blocks used in construction illustrate the power and technical competence of the Dynasty. The mummy of Cheops was located in the heart of the pyramid, and on the south side there is a building that holds one of the boats buried with the king.

Visit the The Giza Plateau, and then .......

Go to Discussion #3........I have a question for you about The Giza Plateau.........

Pyramid of Khafre - IV Dynasty

Khafre, Greek name of Chephren, was the fourth king of the IV Dynasty - 2556 - 2526 B.C. The Pyramid of Khafre is 448 feet high and still retains some of its polished limestone at the top. He was either the brother or the son of Khufu, and his reign marked the peak of the materialism and the royal absolutism of the Old Kingdom. It is speculated that the Sphinx of Giza is a giant portrait of him.

Pyramid of Menkaure - IV Dynasty

Menkaure, Greek name of Mycerinus, was a late king of the IV Dynasty - 2525 - 2508 B.C. He was the son of Khafre. The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three largest pyramids and was largely constructed of granite.

Take a side trip....
Descend into the tomb. Find out what happened to the sarcophagus of Menkaure.

You are the architect of the Pyramids....... Describe the Differences between Three Pyramids.

Great Sphinx at Giza - 2650 - 2500 B.C. - Dynasty IV

The sphinx has been a trademark for Egypt for centuries. It was the symbol for protection, and was a composite of a human head and a lion's body. The most famous, the Great Sphinx, is carved from bedrock east of the pyramids on the Giza plateau.

It symbolizes strength and wisdom, and is thought to be the likeness of Khafre, the builder of the second pyramid. It was originally painted in bright colors. During the first century A.D., the nose was destroyed and the beard broke off.

During the New Kingdom, it was worshipped as the god Horus, and several small temples, votive figures, and steles honoring him were found around the Great Sphinx.

Visit The Great Sphinx and then complete.......

Exploring the Great Sphinx Exam

Extensions: Have you caught the "Egyptology" bug? Check these out for Extra Credit: Egyptian Quiz :

Ancient Gallery Directory - Visit the Gallery and view the following sites.

The Pyramids of Giza - What modern city is on the edge of the Giza Plateau?
The Great Pyramids - What did the photographer feel when he first viewed The Great Pyramids?
The Step Pyramid Complex - What was the Mound of Creation?

Historical & Cultural
Sculpture

The statues unearthed near the Great Pyramids are of three types: standing, seated, and sitting on the floor. The sculptor drew the side view on a block of stone or slate, then a front view, and started to carve in, towards the center. The figures are stylized, having a formalized appearance - arms rigid, faces looking straight ahead. These are called frontal poses. Some figures were painted, and sculptures of the pharaoahs were inlaid with stones or quartz.

Menkaure and His Queen- 2470 B.C. - Dynasty IV

Read the story of the Menkaure and His Queen sculpture at <http://witcombe.sbc.edu/menkaure/menkaurediscovery.html>.

Click on Egyptian: The Best in Royal Tomb Sculpture Exam to answer questions.

The Narmer Palette

Besides sculptures in the round, walls of the tombs were covered with painted relief showing the various activities of the royalty that were buried there. Every possible space was decorated with stories of the activities of the one who passed to the afterlife.

Narmer was the first king of the Ist Dynasty. The Narmer Palette, at left, was found at Hierakonpolis, the ancient pre-dynastic capital located in southern Egypt. It is made of slate. It shows a king ready to strike an enemy. The pose is stylized and typical of the Egyptian style. He wears a short skirt, an animal's tail and the White Crown of Upper Egypt. To view the entire palette.......

Take a side trip to see the entire Narmer Palette and visit the king.

Continue on to Dynasties VII - XVII (2254 - 1573 B.C.) - First Intermediate Period, Middle Kingdom, and Second Intermediate Period.