Pre-Historic, Egyptian, and Mesopotamia Architecture

• History

  A systematic, often chronological narrative of significant events as relating to a particular people, country, or period, often including an explanation of their causes.
• How is style defined in the context of architecture?

  Creative expression in any given location or period.
• What are the six influences in architecture?

  • Geographical
  • Geological
  • Climate
  • Religious
  • Socio-Political
  • Historical
• What does the quote about buildings reflect in terms of architecture?

  A building is an art form that reflects the philosophy, intellectual currents, hopes, and aspirations of its time.
• What are the four structural principles in architecture?

  • Post and Lintel
  • Arch and Vault
  • Corbel and Cantilever
  • Truss
• What is stated about the origin of architecture in pre-historic times?

  Architecture had a simple origin in the primitive endeavors of mankind and is an ancient and necessary art.
• What are the three stages in the cultural evolution of man?

  1. Stone Age

  • Paleolithic
  • Mesolithic
  • Neolithic

  1. Bronze Age
  2. Iron Age
• What characterized the Paleolithic stage of the Stone Age?

  Used stone and bone as instruments and lived in caves and rock shelters.
• What advancements were made during the Mesolithic stage of the Stone Age?

  Fashioned stone tools, made body coverings from animal hides, and built huts from bones, animal hides, reeds, and grass.
• What are some characteristics of the Neolithic stage of the Stone Age?

  Polished stone tools, pottery, agriculture, and huts of stone and mud.
• What is a dolmen in pre-historic religious structures?

  Two or more upright stones supporting a stone or stone slab.
• What is a cromlech?

  Stone circles.
• What is a barrow in pre-historic architecture?

  An earthen mound for burials.
• What are some examples of pre-historic dwellings?

  • Rock Shelters
  • Cliff Dwellings
  • Terree (Eskimo house)
  • Conical Tent
  • Trullo
  • Sheilings
• What is Jericho known for?

  It is the oldest inhabited city in the world.
• What is Çatalhöyük known for?


  It is the largest and most well-preserved Neolithic village.
• What is Khikikofia known for?


  It is the earliest Neolithic village built according to a preconceived plan.
• What is a Hogan?

  A primitive structure of joined logs.
• What are the geographical influences on Ancient Egyptian architecture?

  Egypt has a sandy desert, fertile land on the banks of the Nile, and access to the Mediterranean and Arabian Seas.
• What geological materials were used in Ancient Egyptian architecture?

  Limestone, sandstone, syenite, granite, and bricks.
• What is the climatic influence on Ancient Egyptian architecture?

  The climate is equable and warm with rare storms, fog, and rain, leading to good preservation of temples.
• How did religion influence Ancient Egyptian architecture?

  There was a close connection between architecture and religion, with priests having almost unlimited authority.
• What are the triads associated with Ancient Egyptian gods?

  • Theban Triad: Amun, Mut, Khonsu
  • Abydos Triad: Osiris, Isis, Horus
  • Memphis Triad: Ptah, Sekhmet, Nefertem
  • Menkaure Triad: King Menkaure, Hathor, Nome deity
• What is the socio-political influence on Ancient Egyptian architecture?

  There was a centralized and despotic government where workers received no pay other than food.
• What historical sources inform us about Ancient Egyptian architecture?

  History was derived from holy scriptures, Greek and Roman authors, and buildings.
• What are the architectural characteristics of Ancient Egyptian architecture?

  • Simple, massive, monumental
  • Structural system: Columnar and trabeated
  • Disregard for symmetry
  • Planned for internal effect
• What types of roofs were used in Ancient Egyptian architecture?

  Flat roofs made of massive blocks of stones supported by enclosing walls and closely spaced columns.
• What materials were used for walls in Ancient Egyptian architecture?

  Immense thickness with important buildings made of granite and less important buildings made of brick faces with granite.
• What is the significance of the lotus in Ancient Egyptian architecture?

  Capitals were mostly derived from the lotus, representing beauty and life.
• What are some examples of Egyptian columns?

  • Papyrus Capital
  • Bell Capital
  • Bud Capital
  • Palm Capital
  • Osiris Pillar
• What is the purpose of an obelisk in Ancient Egyptian architecture?

  Monumental pillars often placed in pairs, serving as a symbol of kingship.
• Who was Imhotep?

  The earliest recorded architect in history, associated with the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
• What are some notable examples of Ancient Egyptian architecture?

  • The Great Sphinx
  • Rock Hewn Tombs
  • Mastabas
  • Pyramids
  • Temples
  • Obelisks
• What is a mastaba?

  A rectangular structure with sloped walls, used as a burial site.
• What are the Pyramids of Giza known for?

  They are monumental tombs built for pharaohs, including Mycerinos, Chephren, and Cheops.
• What is the significance of the Avenue of Sphinxes in Ancient Egyptian architecture?


  It serves as a ceremonial pathway leading to temples.
• What is the role of the sanctuary in Ancient Egyptian temples?

  It is the most sacred area where only kings and priests may enter.
• What is the purpose of the hypostyle hall in Ancient Egyptian architecture?

  It is a large hall with a roof supported by columns.
• What is the significance of the scarab in Ancient Egyptian culture?

  It symbolizes resurrection and rebirth.
• What does the Ankh symbolize in Ancient Egyptian culture?

  It symbolizes life, health, and strength.