2. Early Burial Structures (Old Kingdom) 2150 BCE
■ The Pharaoh Djoser instructed his royal vizier Imhotep to construct a tomb “worthy of a god.” The first monumental stone building was built
at Saqqara in the form of several stones set atop each other in a step pattern forming a layered pyramid later called a “Mastaba.” This early
pyramid became his tomb and final resting place.
3. The Great Pyramids (Middle Kingdom) 2506 BCE
The Pharaoh Khufu had the Great Pyramid at Giza built as a burial tomb and shrine in an effort that took twenty years to complete. When it was
finished, it stood 480 feet tall and was the tallest man made structure for the next 4,000 years. It incorporated the smooth stone construction and
style his father Snefu first introduced during his reign as Pharaoh.
4. Temples ( New Kingdom) 1550 BCE
There were two types of temples that were built during the new Kingdom era of ancient Egyptian architecture. The first was “Cultus” or Religious temples; built
to celebrate and shelter the many gods worshipped during that era. The second was a Mortuary for royalty and their respective family members. Both designs
included elaborate arch-ways, smooth and precise stone cuts, and statues of the deities or the royal family.
5. The Sphinx 2500
BCE
■ The Great Sphinx of Giza was constructed out of one
large limestone ridge, measuring 241 feet long and 66
feet tall. While 3 tunnels were discovered to lead to
the Sphinx, there were no burial chambers, leading
experts to concluded the Sphinx was one of the first
large statues constructed to be a work of art and not a
tomb. It symbolizes the body of a lion with the face of
a man and has no Hieroglyphics or inscriptions
pertaining to its purpose or design.
6. Islamic Architectural Influence
The introduction of the Ottoman Empire and the culture and religion of Islam led the country of Egypt to adapt the architectural
style associated with the Muslim Mosques of other Islamic societies. The trademarked domed roof of the mosques and tower
minarets are the signature constructions associated with these religious buildings and their associated meeting centers.
7. Modern Egyptian Architecture
The modern architecture design of the Egyptian landscape and
urban areas coincides with other neighboring nations adapting
to growing populations concerns with simple and spacious
building designs. The artistic and creative spirit is still present in
the temple-style government buildings and a great deal of effort
has gone into preserving the architectural feats of the ancient
Egyptian designers and engineers.
8. References Used:
■ Somers, C and Engelbach, R. (1990). Ancient Egyptian Construction and Architecture.
Mineola, NY: Dover Publications.
■ Dieter, A and Strudwick, N. (2009) .The Monuments of Egypt: An A-Z Companion to
Ancient Egyptian Architecture. London: I. B. Tauris.
■ Tiradritti, F. (2002). Ancient Egypt: Art, Architecture, and History. London: British
Museum Publications.
■ MiNDTV35. Modern Cairo. Retrieved from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKNMILuZ_Bg
