Pyramids In Ancient Egypt

It was the tallest structure in the world for 3,800 years(Sen). The pyramids are a good place for tourism, because they are a nice way to see how things have changed dramatically over decades ago. Another reason is because the ancient Egyptians had a very impressive way of of life, and they were able to build such elaborate things without having and machines to help them. Some archeologist say that slaves did not build the pyramids, but they were actually paid Egyptian workers(Logan). The "Egyptians were employed and archeologists estimate the workers would have had to set a 2.5-15 ton block every 2 ½ minutes to finish Khufu's pyramid in about 30 years(Sen).

The Egyptian Pyramids When most people think of Ancient Egypt they think of Pyramids. To construct such great monuments required a mastery of architecture, social organization, and art that few cultures of that period could achieve. The oldest pyramid, the Step-Pyramids, grow out of the abilities of two men, King Djoser and Imhotep. Djoser, the second king of 3rd dynasty, was the first king to have hired an architect, Imhotep, to design a tomb (Time-Life Books, 74). Imhotep was known as the father of mathematics, medicine, architecture, and as the inventor of the calendar (White, 40).

These beliefs were a strong force that led to the piling up of stones to such a monumental scale. The Step Pyramid rose to a height of 204 feet; later pyramids increased in height as their designs changed. It was not sufficient that a pyramid be immense, but it had to be built so solidly that it would stand forever. Although the Step Pyramid was the first pyramid, the Great Pyramid is the best known. The Great Pyramid was built for King Cheop.

They were the first monumental stone structure ever built. They got their name from the stepped sides which were created by building one mastaba (layer of pyramid) on top of another. Step pyramids were not as pleasing to the eye as True Pyramids. Sometimes they had different chambers than True Pyramids. There was usually a descending passage from the North Burial Chamber and underground galleries surrounded all sides but the south side.True pyramids were a natural development to step pyramids, but the structure and construction were very similar.

The history of Egypt started around 3000 BCE when the first pharaoh, Menes, united the Upper and Lower Egypt. The Egyptian believed strongly in the life after dead, a fact that influenced their culture and architecture. The greatest kings and pharaohs of the Middle and New Kingdoms were buried in The Valley of the Kings which is located on the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari in western Thebes (modern-day Luxor). Before this event, which changed the history course of Egypt, the most important and greatest personalities of the early dynasties (c.3000-2600) were buried in Mastabas, the earliest tombs, most of them located in Abydos, in honour of their achievements during their lifetime. Those mastabas were the only way in which the Egyptians could preserve

Snefru was a major pharaoh that constructed the process of building his pyramid known as the Bent pyramid. This pyramid, which was previously stated, had a case design instead of a step pyramid (Hill, 2008). This pyramid reflected how much work and craft went into the pyramid because of how much the Egyptians looked up to the pharaoh/king and gods. Khufu was a king that ruled over the Egyptians from 2551 to 2528 BC and his pyramid was most commonly known as Pyramid Giza (Smith 2004, 86). Since his pyramid was the biggest pyramid ever built, with an area of 53,000 square meters and 146.6 meters high, he must have been a major king who did a lot while he reigned over Egyptian society (Smith 2004, 86).

Thus, the art and architecture of Ancient Egypt stemmed directly from their religion. Egyptian theology, with its deified pharaohs and strange animal-headed gods, was complicated, but the most important belief was that survival after death depended upon the preservation of the body. This belief would influence the architectural design of the tomb, where the corpse was ultimately sealed (Silverman:142, 1997). Immortality was only for privileged royal and priestly beings (Stierlin:54, 1983).This implies that their tombs would be somewhat prestigious and not just and ordinary burial site. At the day of resurrection the Ka or soul would re-enter the dead body; this meant that it must be there, intact, ready for that moment.

Saul Franco-Jimenez ART 103 Professor: Alan Byrne April 27, 2015 Ancient Egyptian architectural believes The Ancient Egyptian architectural culture is very unique to all because it's mysterious in many ways. The way the pyramids were built, the way their religion motivated their architecture, and what they believed in is very interesting and astonishing to a lot of people. One of the greatest cultural achievements of Ancient Egypt was undoubtedly in their architecture associated with religion. The Egyptians were the greatest builders "Temples, tombs and pyramids - all have witnessed this earth for thousands of years. The pyramids of Egypt are the last remaining Wonder of the World.

Mesopotamia Is Great The "Land Between the Rivers" has been a source of both savage barbarism and great civilizations. Mesopotamian culture reached its peak between ca 3000-550 BCE. Yet, much of Mesopotamian culture goes unnoticed, despite its rich heritage. A vast bulk of the great early civilizations developed in the land known as Mesopotamia. It can, in fact, be proven, without question, that because of Mesopotamia's extensive trade routes, its excellent leaders, and the astronomical growth in technology that occurred, that Mesopotamia was one of the greatest civilizations to have ever existed.

Pyramids are one of the Ancient Architectural structures known to man. They were built as tombs for pharaohs and queens. To a layman, when a pyramid is being made mention of, one automatically assume the Egyptians. Although one of the trademarks of the Egyptians was the pyramid, the Mesopotamians were the first to construct a step-like pyramid structure. These platform-raised buildings were known as Ziggurats.