Ancient Egyptian Architecture: Pre-Dynastic to Early Dynastic

Pre-Dynastic Period

• Earliest Egyptian architecture found in houses and tombs.
• Dated to the late 6th millennium BCE.
• The most significant site is Beni Salama, 30 km north-west of Cairo.
• Early houses were built of mudbricks mixed with fig tree reeds for structure.
• This type of architecture is known as mudbrick architecture.
• Tombs were oval-shaped pits with the deceased's body.
• Surrounding objects included pottery and stone tools.
• This reflects the belief in the afterlife.

Early Dynastic Period

• Architecture evolved from oval to square shapes.
• Mudbrick was replaced with sun-dried bricks (adobe).
• An important aspect of pre-dynastic tombs was the use of reed mats or tree branches covered with mud for roofing.
• Mudbrick is able to harden in the sun, so this is how the reed and wood were secured.
• Tombs evolved into rectangular shapes with straight walls and reed coverings.
• Some were divided into sections by wooden partitions, one for funerary furniture.
• This demonstrates early Egyptian architecture reflecting their environment and materials.
• King Menes (Narmer) was the founder of the first dynasty, uniting upper and lower Egypt.
• His reign lasted around 62 years.
• The capital was established in a new city called "Inb.Hcj" (The White Wall) which is now south of Cairo.
• Evidence of Narmer's reign is found in the royal tombs at Abydos, featuring lists of first dynasty kings.

Old Kingdom

• The Old Kingdom is also known as the age of pyramid builders.

• Pyramids are widely found in Giza, Abu Sir, Saqqara, Dahshur, and Medum.

• The period reflects a strong belief in divine kingship and the concept of eternity.

• Egyptian society valued the continuity of life and the afterlife for the pharaoh and the people.

• The shift from mudbrick to stone construction highlights these values.

• The Third Dynasty marks the beginning of significant architectural developments.

• The Pyramid of Djoser (Zoser) was the first pyramid built of stone.

• It was a step pyramid, with six stages, and measured 130 x 110 meters and 60 meters in height.

• The inside of the pyramid had a burial chamber reached through a subterranean corridor in the rock.

• Key figures during the Old Kingdom include Imhotep, the vizier.

• Imhotep was recognized not only for his administrative skills but was an acclaimed physician.

• King Khufu's reign had significant architectural accomplishments.

• The Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed.

• The pyramid measured approximately 146 meters in height and 230 meters on each side of the base, and is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

• It took about 20 years to build and employed around 100,000 workers.

Ptolemaic and Roman Period

• Significant tombs from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods are found in Alexandria.
• These include the Necropolis, or City of the Dead, with tombs like Kom el Shoqafa, which demonstrates a blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman styles from the 2nd century CE.
• It consists of multiple levels carved into rock, and displays characteristics of early Christian catacombs.
• Other notable tombs include those of El Shatbi, Sidi Gaber, Antoniades, and Mustafá Kamel, each exhibiting unique architectural and decorative elements reflecting the period's characteristics.
• The Pharos lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stood on the island of Pharos.
• It was famous for its light and provided guidance for ships sailing into Alexandria's harbor.
• Additionally, the Greco-Roman era saw the construction of public structures, including baths and residential housing.
• These structures demonstrate the unique architectural elements of the period.

Explore the evolution of ancient Egyptian architecture from the Pre-Dynastic to the Early Dynastic period. Learn about the significance of mudbrick construction, tomb design, and the cultural beliefs surrounding the afterlife. This quiz covers key architectural changes and notable sites in Egypt.