Art History (OLD KINGDOM EGYPT)

What are the three great periods of Egyptian history?

The Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom.

How long did it take to build the Pyramids of Giza?

75 years.

What was the purpose of the Pyramids of Giza?

To store a dead person and to stand the test of time.

What is the significance of the pyramid shape?

It is designed to fight gravity and not collapse, and it represents the rays of the sun as a ramp for the god-king to ascend to the heavens.

Which direction do the temples of the Pyramids of Giza face?

East, facing the rising sun.

Which direction do the temples in Djoser's temple face?

North, towards the North Star.

What techniques were used to build the Great Pyramids?

Stones were quarried, ramps were used to lift them, and they were lowered with ropes and levers. A layer of white limestone was added for a bright appearance.

What is the Sphinx and what does it represent?

The Sphinx has the body of a lion and the head of a human, possibly Khafre, and is associated with the sun god.

How were sculptures of the God-Kings depicted in the Old Kingdom?

They had rigid bodies, flawless features, and suppressed movement to create eternal stillness, regardless of age.

What is the difference in the depiction of pharaohs versus scribes in sculptures?

Pharaohs were depicted without showing signs of aging, while sculptures of scribes and other officials did show aging.