Egyptian Architecture Part 1

Located in northeast Africa, characterized as a desert land known as the 'Land of Pharaohs'.
The Nile River is referred to as the lifeblood of Egypt.
Distinction between Black Land (fertile soil along the Nile) and Red Land (barren desert).

Construction principle is based on post and lintel techniques.
Domestic buildings primarily use mud bricks; temples and pyramids are primarily constructed from stone.
Additional materials include sun-dried bricks, palm leaves (roofing), acacia (boats), and sycamore (mummy cases).

Axial planning organizes buildings longitudinally, highlighting hierarchical importance.
Trabeated construction utilizes post and lintel frameworks with flat roofs supported by walls and closely spaced columns.
Battered walls feature a backward slope as they rise.
Hieroglyphs and pictorial frescoes adorn walls and columns, serving decorative and historical purposes while depicting the Ancient Egyptians' beliefs and lifestyles.

The dry and hot climate results in simple designs, minimal windows, and massive walls suitable for hieroglyphics.
Buildings often have flat roofs due to lack of rainfall, eliminating the need for drainage systems.

Ancient Egyptians held a strong belief in eternity and the afterlife, influencing their architecture and art.
The Theban Triad consists of Amun-Ra (chief god), Mut (queen of the gods), and Khonsu (god of moon and time).

Pschent represents kingship of Upper (Hedjet) and Lower Egypt (Deshet).
Nemes crown is a striped headdress traditionally worn by the king.
Ankh symbolizes life, health, and strength, often depicted in association with gods.
Feather of Ma'at represents justice and morality; a deceased's heart is weighed against it.
Eye of Horus symbolizes protection and royal power.
Cartouche serves as an enclosure for royal names for protective purposes.
Other symbols such as the Was scepter (power), scarab (resurrection), and uraeus (royal protection) were prominent.

Imhotep, the architect of the Step Pyramid of Djoser, is a pivotal figure in Egyptian architecture.
Mentuhotep II is noted for developing the rock-cut tomb.
Senusret I is credited with erecting the earliest known obelisk at Heliopolis.
Amenemhat I built the Great Temple of Amun at Karnak, hailed as one of the greatest Egyptian temples.