Prehistoric Monuments and Spaces

A prehistoric period marked by the emergence of cave paintings, dating from 15,000 to 7000 BCE.

A cave in Southern France that houses prehistoric paintings, showcasing the early human need to imbue space with meaning.

The expansive central space within the Grotte de Niaux, filled with prehistoric paintings.

The New Stone Age, starting around 9000 BCE, characterized by the transition to agriculture and the emergence of megalithic structures.

A Neolithic monument in Ireland, featuring a mound, a long passageway, and a chamber, utilized for burial.

A large megalithic tomb in Ireland, constructed from smaller cairns, reflecting a hierarchical social structure.

A structural technique where stones are stacked with each layer projecting slightly inward, creating a dome-like structure.

The final stone placed on top of a corbeled structure, completing the dome-like form.

Twice a year when day and night are of equal length, marking the transition from spring to summer and fall to winter.

The decorative patterns and designs applied to surfaces, such as the carved circles, radial lines, and flower shapes found on the stones of a tomb.

A series of construction phases, spanning 1500 years, that gradually transformed Stonehenge from a simple circular ditch to a complex monument with a "U"-shaped structure.

A single standing stone located outside the main circle of Stonehenge, positioned on the axis leading into the monument. It plays a key role in the monument's alignment with the sun.

56 evenly spaced holes dug within the initial circular ditch of Stonehenge, filled with chalk. Their purpose remains a mystery.

Stones weighing approximately 2 tons, transported from a quarry in southwest Wales to Stonehenge, reflecting the importance of the site.

A structure made of two upright stones (posts) supporting a horizontal stone (lintel) on top.

A jointing technique where a knob-like projection (tenon) fits into a corresponding hole (mortise), creating a secure connection between stones.

A building design that revolves around a central point, creating a symmetrical and balanced arrangement of elements around a core.

A building design that emphasizes a strong axis running from one end to the other, creating a sense of direction and movement.

Aligned with the sunrise and summer solstice, specifically shining along the Avenue, across the Heel Stone, and illuminating the altar stone.

The sponsorship of a project by a ruler, queen, or king, often reflecting their power and influence.

A belief in the continuation of existence after death, leading to the creation of elaborate tombs and monuments.

A rectangular, flat-roofed tomb, typically made from mudbricks or stone, with an underground chamber to house the deceased and their belongings.

The first true pyramid, built for the Pharaoh Djoser, with its unique step-like structure symbolizing a staircase leading to the sky.

The first recorded architect in history, responsible for the design of the Step Pyramid of Djoser, a revolutionary achievement.

The use of architectural forms and elements to represent abstract concepts, beliefs, and ideas.

A rectangular, flat-roofed tomb with an underground chamber for the deceased and their belongings, often built with mudbricks or stone.

It was built for the Pharaoh Khufu, stands as one of the largest and most impressive pyramids in Egypt, constructed over 2 million limestone blocks, and exemplifies the power of the pharaohs.

They are a natural source of inspiration for the shape of columns and capitals in Egyptian architecture.

It utilizes a triangular block and massive stone lentils to distribute the weight of the pyramid above the chamber, preventing its collapse.

It serves as a monument commemorating the great queen Hatshepsut, connecting her to the sun God Amun, and showcasing her power and accomplishments.

Its base is perfectly square and aligned to the cardinal points (north, south, east, west), showcasing precision and a deep connection to the cosmos.

Covered with a skin of polished limestone that created a smooth white surface, reflecting the sunlight.

Both emphasize orientation, movement, power, and a connection to the afterlife, demonstrating the shared themes of ancient Egyptian architecture.

It refers to the transition from physical structures to spiritual and symbolic meaning, where the architecture serves as a bridge between the earthly realm and the afterlife.

Structures like the long processional avenue leading to Hatshepsut's temple or the ramps within the pyramids encourage a guided journey towards a specific destination.