Prehistoric and Egyptian Architecture

Prehistoric Architecture

• Prehistoric builders shaped earth and stone into geometric forms, leading to early human-made structures.
• Megaliths, derived from the Greek words lithos (stone) and megas (big), were significant elements in prehistoric architecture.
• Stonehenge is the most renowned prehistoric stone circle, designed for burial purposes.

Types of Megaliths

• Menhir: A large vertical stone, typically found alone or in rows, often situated in fields.
• Dolmens: Structures resembling a “stone table,” consisting of two upright stones supporting a horizontal slab, likely used as graves or altars.
• Chromlech: A circular arrangement of standing stones, with "crom" meaning “bent” or "curved," and "llech" meaning “slab” or “flagstone.”

Egyptian Architecture

• Ancient Egyptians constructed monumental structures like pyramids and temples under powerful rulers, often featuring hieroglyphics and frescoes.
• Common symbols included the scarab, solar disk, vulture, and motifs from nature like palm leaves, lotus flowers, and papyrus.
• Structures were oriented to align with significant astronomical events.

Pyramids of Giza

• Home to the three kings of the 4th dynasty, these pyramids are among the most substantial structures ever built:
  • Khufu (Cheops): The Great Pyramid, attributed to Khufu.
  • Khafre (Chepren): The pyramid located adjacent to the Great Pyramid.
  • Menkaure (Mycerinus): The smallest pyramid among the three.

Greek Architecture

• Classical architecture epitomizes ancient Greek and Roman design, especially exemplified by temples containing central shrines surrounded by columns.
• The Parthenon is a prominent example, showcasing the post and lintel construction method where vertical posts support horizontal beams.

Roman Architecture

• Romans constructed durable stone buildings to showcase their empire’s glory, including public halls, arenas, and baths.
• The Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheater, remains the largest standing amphitheater globally, characterized by its massive arches and barrel vaults.

Byzantine Architecture

• Byzantine architecture shares characteristics with early Christian architecture, emphasizing mosaic decoration and clerestory windows for illumination.
• Hagia Sophia: Means “Holy Wisdom,” originally a church, later a mosque, now a museum. Its dome, one of the largest, is 108 feet in diameter, visible from great distances.

Romanesque Architecture

• Characterized by stocky structures with rounded arches, Romanesque architecture featured grand sculptured portals on church doorways.
• Notable for solid masonry walls, rounded arches, and groin vaults; these styles reflect the architectural solidity of the period.

Gothic Architecture

• Emerging in the 12th century, Gothic architecture introduced innovative building techniques that enabled cathedrals and other structures to achieve greater heights.