Flashcard: Prehistoric and Egyptian Architecture Prehistoric Architecture (11600 BCE – 3500 BCE)

Prehistoric Architecture (11600 BCE – 3500 BCE)

• Invention of architecture: Early structures from fibrous materials.

• Housing materials: Timber with post-and-lintel, mud-covered roofs, stone in Northern Europe.

• Stone structures: Cromlechs, tombs, and ceremonial mounds (e.g., Newgrange, Ireland).

• Geometric design: Inspired by the sun and moon; functioned as calendars (e.g., Stonehenge).

Characteristics

• Monumental, massive, and geometrically precise structures lasting ~3000 years.

• Orthogonal planning; built along the Nile River (North-South, East-West orientation).

• Materials: Stone for temples/pyramids; mud bricks for domestic use.

Key Structures

• Pyramids of Giza: Symbolic, geometric precision (Cheops, Chepren, Mycerinus).

• Temples: Hypostyle halls, pylons, obelisks (e.g., Temple of Amun-Re at Karnak).

• Mortuary Complex of Zoser: Designed by Imhotep, first known architect.

Architectural Principles

Axial symmetry, hierarchy, abstract symbolism, and formulaic design.

Cultural Significance

• Tombs symbolized eternity, reflecting religious beliefs.

• The Nile River unified civilization and influenced architecture.