Prehistoric Architecture Overview

Lecture 1: Introduction to Prehistoric Architecture

• Prehistoric architecture refers to the period before written history.
• Early humans prioritized shelter and protection from the elements.
• Early shelters were created using readily available resources like branches, twigs, and mud.
• Architectural typology references building types like caves, huts, and tents.

Lecture 1: Types of Prehistoric Structures

• Monoliths (menhirs): single upright stones. Examples include those at Carnac and Locmariaker in Brittany.
• Dolmens: large flat stones supported by upright stones. Examples located near Maidstone, England, Ireland, etc.
• Cromlechs: Stone circles with upright stones supporting horizontal slabs. Stonehenge is a notable example.
• Tumuli: Burial mounds, possibly early prototypes of Egyptian pyramids.
• Lake Dwellings: Settlements constructed on piers in lakes, offering protection against attackers. Located in Switzerland, Italy, and Ireland.
• These structures typically had limited architectural value.

Lecture 2: Introduction to Egyptian Civilization

• Egyptian civilization developed along the Nile River in Africa.
• The Nile provided fertile land and a vital transportation route.
• The arid desert surrounding the Nile provided natural protection.

Lecture 2: Geographical and Geological Conditions

• Egypt is characterized by a combination of fertile land along the Nile and vast desert regions.
• The Nile River acted as the primary source of water and fertile silt, crucial for agriculture.

Lecture 2: Egyptian Society and Culture

• Egyptian society was hierarchical, with a pharaoh at the top.
• Key social classes included government officials, priests, soldiers, scribes, merchants, craftsmen, farmers, and slaves.
• Religion played a significant role in Egyptian life.
• Ra was the most important god, depicted as a bird.

Lecture 2: Egyptian Activities and Daily Life

• Brick making was a crucial activity, evident in wall paintings.
• Harvesting papyrus was important for various materials.
• Transporting stone slabs involved numerous people and labor.

Lecture 2: Periods of Egyptian History

• Egyptian history is divided into various periods (e.g., Prehistoric, Ancient Empire, etc.).
• Key periods of interest include: Prehistoric Period (23000 BCE–4777 BCE), Ancient Empire (4777 BCE–2821 BCE), Middle Empire (2821 BCE–1738 BCE ), New Empire (1738 BCE–950 BCE), and periods of foreign domination.
• These periods show a progression in construction techniques and architectural practices.

Lecture 3: Mastaba Tombs

• Mastabas were the earliest tombs of the ancient Egyptians.
• They were rectangular structures with sloping sides and flat roofs.
• Three types of mastabas existed: mastaba, pyramid, and rock-cut caves.
• The King's chamber, containing the sarcophagus, is located towards the interior.
• They were decorated with scenes of daily life, and offering tables.

Lecture 3: Examples of Mastaba Tombs

• Mastaba of Aha (I Dynasty) in Saqqara
• Mastaba of Thy (V Dynasty) in Sakkara

Lecture 4: Architectural Construction Systems

• Trabeate: This system uses horizontal beams (lintels) supported by columns or posts.
• Arcuate: This system employs arches; wedge-shaped blocks pressing inwards on a keystone.

Lecture 4: Architectural Elements

• Clerestory Windows: Tall windows located high on the walls of a building, often illuminating an interior.
• Hypostyle Hall: Large hall with rows of supporting columns.

Lecture 4: Pylons

• Pylons are monumental gateways to temples, typically composed of two massive sloping towers.
• The towers were often decorated with reliefs and statues of pharaohs and deities.
• Obelisks, statues, and reliefs were common architectural elements.

Lecture 5: The Temple of Abu Simbel

• Abu Simbel is a complex of two temples, dedicated to Ramses II and his wife Nefertari.
• The temples were carved out of a solid rock face.
• They were designed to align with sunrise and sunset on specific dates to highlight important features.

Lecture 6: Obelisks

• Obelisks are tall, four-sided, tapering monuments.
• They were placed in pairs at temple entrances.
• Often inscribed with hieroglyphics.

Lecture 6: Dwellings

• Ancient Egyptian houses were typically one to three stories tall.
• They were built using mud-bricks.
• The designs are based on surviving paintings.

Other Notable Structures and Topics

• The Sphinx: A colossal statue carved from a single rock.
• Pyramids: Large, triangular structures serving as royal tombs.
• Different types of columns: Hathor-headed, Lotus, Palm, Composite, and Papyrus—each with distinctive features.