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Palm-Leaf Column of Ramesses II, Pi-Ramesses
Palm-leaf column from Bubastis (Tell Basta), Temple of Baset; originally from Pi-Ramesses (Qantir), Egypt, 19th Dynasty, reign of Ramesses II (1279-1213 BCE) and 22nd Dynasty, reign of Osorkon II (874-850 BCE).
In Ramesses II's reign, this column stood in a temple at Piramesse, his capital in the Nile Delta. In the central horizontal band, the king's Horus name and cartouches are twice shown being blessed by Seth, the god of chaos, who ranked among the city's principal deities. Four centuries later, some cartouches were changed into those of Osorkon II, The column had been moved upstream and re-erected at Bubastis, the hometown of his dynasty.
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
