Image Gallery
Lintel of Amenhotep II
Two symmetrical scenes of the king presenting pots of water or wine to Amun-Ra, "King of the Gods", from Bubastis (Tell Basta), reused in the temple of Bastet, Egypt 18th Dynasty, reign of Amenhotep II, c, 1427-1400 BCE.
During the Amarna Period, King Akhenaten had the figures and name of the god erased. The damage was later repaired on the orders of King Seti I of the 19th Dynasty. The affected areas, if not the entire decoration, were recarved (with changes) on a slightly deeper surface. The restoration is mentioned in the hieroglyphic columns between the deity's seated figures.
The British Museum, London.
Questions & Answers
When did ancient Egyptian architecture begin and end?
- Ancient Egyptian architecture developed during the Early Dynastic Period (c. 3150-2613 BCE) and continued through the Ptolemaic Dynasty (323-30 BCE) and then, sporadically, during the Roman Period of Egypt (30 BCE-646 CE).
What is the first pyramid built in Egypt?
- The first pyramid built in ancient Egypt is Djoser's Step Pyramid at Saqqara c. 2670 BCE.
What inspired ancient Egyptian architecture?
- Ancient Egyptian architecture was inspired and informed by the concept of ma'at (balance, harmony) and stability. Buildings were designed to represent the order established by the gods.
What is the most famous architecture in Egypt?
- The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are the most famous pieces of architecture from ancient Egypt.
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External Links
The Goddess Seshat: Brooklyn Museum
brooklynmuseum.org
Digital Giza | Giza Plateau
fas.harvard.edu
