Architecture in ancient Egypt reflected the Egyptian culture's values, primarily that of ma'at (harmony/balance) symbolized by the symmetry of the completed works. Exteriors and interiors were carefully planned and executed in accordance with the concept of balance, which reflected the order and stability established by the gods and to be honored by the people.
Homes, palaces, temples, shrines, and tombs all followed this same paradigm, which was also reflected in ancient Egyptian art. The Egyptian obelisk, both art and architecture, epitomizes this as these were always raised in pairs and the earthly works were understood as mirrored in the higher realm of the gods, establishing four points of balance between the heavens and earth. The djed symbol, often appearing on ancient Egyptian buildings, stood for this value of stability, and was often paired with the ankh, symbol of life, equating the two concepts.
This gallery presents a sample of the architectural works of the ancient Egyptians along with four of the gods most closely associated with Egyptian architecture and construction: Ptah, god of architecture, and his sometimes-consort, Bastet, who was also patron goddess of hearth and home, and Seshat – goddess of architecture, measurements, and writing – and her consort Thoth, god of writing and wisdom.
