Review of Egyptian Art and Architecture

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture notes on Egyptian art and architecture.

Pyramidion

A pyramid-shaped stone placed on top of a pyramid.

Mastaba

An ancient Egyptian tomb with a rectangular base and sloping sides.

Ka

The spiritual counterpart of the body in ancient Egyptian belief.

Iconography

Visual images and symbols used in a work of art.

Serdab

A sealed chamber in ancient Egyptian tombs that contained a statue of the deceased.

Necropolis

A large ancient cemetery with elaborate tombs.

Corbel

A technique used in architecture where blocks are stacked in a series of steps to support a structure.

Palette of Narmer

An ancient artifact that is one of the earliest examples of hieroglyphic inscriptions in Egyptian history.

Funerary Contexts

Situations or settings associated with funerals or burial practices.

Valley Temple

A temple associated with mortuary practices in ancient Egyptian culture.

Djoser

The ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 3rd Dynasty, known for commissioning the step pyramid at Saqqara.

Great Sphinx

A limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, located at Giza.

Sed Festival

An ancient Egyptian royal jubilee that celebrated the pharaoh’s continued rule.

Papyrus

A tall aquatic plant used by ancient Egyptians to make paper-like material.

Horus

The ancient Egyptian sky god often depicted as a falcon; associated with kingship.

Antechamber

A room leading into a larger room, often seen in tomb designs.

Corbel Technique

An architectural method where stones are cantilevered to provide support without the use of arches.

Osiris

The ancient Egyptian god of the afterlife and the underworld.

Royal Pavilion

A special structure often found in the funerary complexes of Egyptian kings.

Mortuary Temple

A temple built for the cult of the deceased pharaoh; a place for worship.