Egyptian Architecture Flashcards

Flashcards about Egyptian Architecture

Hieroglyphics

System of writing in ancient Egypt using pictorial and phonetic symbols to record information.

Bas Relief

Battered walls with pictograph carvings in relief; also known as cavo-relievo.

Palm

A common type of capital used in Egyptian columns, resembling the shape of a palm tree.

Horus

Sky god and son of Osiris in Egyptian mythology.

Pyramid

Royal tomb of the Pharaohs; massive masonry structure with a rectangular base and sloping sides.

Mastaba

A type of Egyptian tomb in the form of a flat-roofed, rectangular structure with outward sloping sides.

Nile River

The driving force for ancient Egypt; the heart of Egypt, 4000 miles long and the longest river in the world.

Memphis

Capital of Egypt, founded by Menes (aka King Narmer).

Imhotep

Royal architect who designed the Step Pyramid of King Djozer.

King Djozer

King for whom the first Step Pyramid was dedicated; marked the beginning of kingship and pyramid construction.

Pharaoh

Supreme ruler of Egypt, considered a descendant of the gods and the absolute hereditary king.

Amun-Ra

Chief god in Egyptian mythology.

Osiris

God of death in Egyptian mythology.

Isis

Wife of Osiris in Egyptian mythology.

Anubis

Jackal-headed god of death in Egyptian mythology.

Menes

Also known as King Narmer, the brain behind the unification of Lower and Upper Egypt around 3000 BC.

Step Pyramid

First ever pyramid, dedicated to King Djozer and designed by Imhotep; evolved from a nearly quadratic mastaba.

Valley Building/Temple

Mortuary temple in a pyramid complex where the process of mummification is performed.

Causeway

Raised passageway ceremonially connecting the valley temple with the pyramid.

Cult Temple

Type of Egyptian temple built for the worship of the gods.

Mortuary Temple

Type of Egyptian temple built in honor of the Pharaohs.

Temple of Hatshepsut

Temple built by architect Senmut for Queen Hatshepsut, featuring three-level terraces approached by ramps.

Temple of Amun Karnak

Grandest of all Egyptian temples, dedicated to the Theban Triad gods; features the Great Hypostyle Hall.

Hypostyle Hall

Hall with a roof supported by columns.

Temple of Abu Simbel

Rock hewn tomb and temple formed by a Pylon carved with colossal statues of Ramesses.

Monumentality

A major characteristic of Egyptian architecture that gives importance to its ruler, kings, pharaohs.

Solidarity / Massiveness

A major characteristic of Egyptian architecture; the scale of the huge buildings and gigantic features.

Simplicity

A major characteristic of Egyptian architecture; simple features yet gives impact and grandeur.

Columnar and Trabeated System

Post and lintel system of construction used in Egyptian architecture with precise stone works.

Corbelled Vaulting

Technique used on the ceiling of the Red Pyramid by Sneferu.

Axis / Axial Planning

The use of axial planning of massive masonry tombs and temples.

Sphinx

Spiritual guardian often included in tombs and temples.