W4 - Egypt^J Part 2 ^0 the art of Aegean Lecture Notes

Hypostyle Hall

A hall with a roof supported by numerous columns, creating a dense columned space, often used in ancient Egyptian temples.

Clerestory

A high section of a wall that contains windows above eye level, allowing light to enter the interior space while maintaining privacy.

Axis

An imaginary line that serves as the main organizing feature of a building or temple layout, often aligning significant elements.

Aniconism

A belief or practice of avoiding the representation of physical objects or figures in art, common in some religious contexts.

The Aten

The sun disc and deity worshiped during the reign of Akhenaten, representing a form of monotheism in ancient Egypt.

Amarna Period

The period during Akhenaten's reign characterized by radical changes in art, religion, and culture, particularly the shift toward monotheism.

Buon Fresco

A painting technique where water-based pigments are applied onto freshly laid wet plaster, becoming an integral part of the wall.

Corbelling

A construction technique where stones or bricks are stacked in horizontal layers that gradually project inward, used to create arches, vaults, and domes.

Cyclopean Masonry

A type of stone construction using large, irregular stones without mortar, characteristic of Mycenaean architecture.

Dressed Stone

Stone that is finished to a precise shape and size, often used for visible surfaces in architecture to create a refined appearance.

Relieving Triangle

A triangular space above a lintel in a doorway that helps distribute weight and reduce pressure on the lintel.

Repoussé

A metalworking technique that involves shaping a metal sheet by hammering from the reverse side to create a raised design.

Tholos Tomb

A beehive-shaped burial structure characterized by a circular plan and a corbelled arch, often used for elite burials in the Mycenaean period.

Dromos

A long, straight, narrow passage leading to a tholos or burial chamber, often lined with stone walls.

Hypostyle Hall

A large room with a roof supported by many columns; common in ancient Egyptian temple architecture, allowing for the design of spacious interiors with elevated central roof sections.

Clerestory

A section of a building that rises above the roofline, containing windows to allow natural light into the interior; often used in temple architecture to brighten larger spaces like hypostyle halls.

Axis

An imaginary line that serves as a reference for symmetrical features in architecture, creating a sense of order and harmony in temple and monument designs.

Aniconism

A practice or belief that opposes the use of images or icons in worship; seen in various cultural contexts, including certain periods in Islamic art and specific interpretations in ancient Egypt.

The Aten

The sun disk and primary deity worshiped during the reign of Akhenaten in the Amarna period, reflecting a shift toward monotheism in ancient Egyptian religion.

Amarna Period

A revolutionary era in ancient Egyptian history (ca. 1353-1336 BCE) marked by Akhenaten’s reign, characterized by significant changes in art, religion, and architecture, focusing on the worship of Aten.

Buon Fresco

A technique of mural painting on freshly laid wet plaster, resulting in vibrant color and durability; often used in Minoan and Roman frescoes.

Corbelling (Corbelled Arch, Vault, and Dome)

A construction technique that uses stacked stones with each layer projecting beyond the one below it, creating arches and vaults without needing keystones or arches.

Cyclopean Masonry

A method of stone construction using massive, irregular blocks; associated with Mycenaean architecture and often perceived as primitive or monumental.

Dressed Stone

Stone that has been cut and shaped to fit together closely in construction, providing stability and a polished appearance in architectural elements.

Relieving Triangle

A triangular stone structure placed above a lintel in doorways to distribute the load above, relieving pressure and allowing for the use of larger openings.

Repoussé

A metalworking technique involving hammering the reverse side of a metal sheet to create a design in relief on the front; often used in crafting decorative pieces in ancient art.

Tholos Tomb

A circular, beehive-shaped tomb, often built with corbelled arches, used in Mycenaean burial practices, typically covered with a mound of earth or stone.

Dromos

A passage or corridor leading to a tomb, often enclosed and decorated, providing access to burial chambers in ancient tomb architecture.