Ancient Egypt

Thesis Statement

The ancient Egyptians had a very repetitive life of riches and poverty, abundance of food and starvation and drought, and flood. Hence the ancient Egyptians credited this static rhythm to their gods and the Pharaoh whom they worshipped. Their lifestyle was started, and it was reflected in their artwork. The main purpose of the artwork of the ancient Egyptians was religion. The artists who did the artwork were conservative when creating sculptures and paintings.

The ancient Egypt was a Civilization that spanned for over 2000 years in total. It was so dynamic that it was split into two periods. The ancient Egyptian architecture is a combination of multiple styles. Due to the location of ancient Egyptian buildings the architecture involved the use of mud brick and limestone since these are the readily available materials. The monumental buildings who built through the post and lintel method of construction and aligned astronomically.

The columns in the temples were adorned in hieroglyphics and capitals which were decorated resembling the papyrus plant which was important in the civilization of Egypt. The ancient Egyptian architecture influenced the present-day architecture and extended during the Orientalising period and also during the century of Egyptomania. Wood was scarce hence the predominant material available for building was stone and mud brick.

Sandstone and granite were also use but also limestone was the main quantity in construction. Stone was reserved for the construction of tombs and temples. The mud bricks were used for fortresses, royal palaces and wolves of temples. The houses of ancient Egyptians who made out of mud which was collected from the Nile River. The moulds of this mud or left out in the sun to dry and baked by the sun.

Most of the Egyptian towns later disappeared because they were situated near the Nile Valley and due to flooding the riverbed slowly retreated and rose forcing them to shift. The temples and tombs survive this because they were on hilly grounds hence were not affected by the floods and they were also constructed from stone. The temple complex of Karnak is located 2.5 km North of Luxor, from the Nile River.

The hall has approximately 139 mud brick columns and sandstone we’ve 69 feet tall columns which are 12 in number. The mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, has long ramps that are surrounded by foreign plants such as myrrh trees. The temple constitutes of course, hypostyle, chapel, sanctuary and silence with a unique astronomical alignment linked to Osiris and the god Hapi.

The Hypostyle Hall was constructed out of sandstone and brick mad. Arches were not used at the time for roofing purposes because technology had not yet evolved. In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh used the presents to work on the rich farm lands. This constituted people living in the villages. The people living in towns were craftworkers, traders and other workers and their families together with a small number of farmers.

The ancient Egyptians grew crops such as vegetables, melons, pomegranates, vines, figs, wheat and barley. They also grew flax which was used to make linen. The ancient Egyptians used to drink to make beer, porridge and bread. The first crop they grew was grain after the flooding season. After the harvest of grains, the grew vegetables such as cabbages, cucumbers and lettuce. Fruit trees and vines were planted along the paths. The crops were grown along the bank of River Nile because the soil was rich black (kemet).

This soil was left after the flooding season hence it was fertile and ideal to grow crops. The flooding season was between June and September and no farming was done in this time. Farmers worked for the Pharaoh and built pyramids and temples. They also looked after animals and mended their tools. It was called Akhet. The growing season was between October to February and it was called Peret.

The floodwaters went down during this period leaving a layer of rich black soil which was ploughed and then seed was down. The period of harvesting was between March to May and it was called Shemu. The fully grown crops were harvested and removed from the fields before they could be flooded by the Nile. During this time the canals were repaired ready for the next flooding season.

Therefore, the two main seasons for crop growth were the growing and harvesting season. The ancient Egyptians had fascinating rituals that were held in the temples and other places of worship. They include The Daily Temple Ritual, The Holy Colors, The Aphrodisiac Lettuce, Marriage rituals, and the Blue Water Lily, among many other rituals.

In 5500 BCE, Egyptian culture flourished as observed by the devolvement in glassmaking during 30BCE after the death of the Ptolemaic ruler, Cleopatra. Egypt is famous for its massive monuments that celebrate gods and powerful rulers in Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians had a great passion for life; hence their culture was life-affirming. Regardless of the class, someone was in; they appreciated life in the same way.

Religion was an integral part of the culture of Ancient Egyptians in what is known as Egyptian Mythology. The culture of the Ancient Egyptians and their core values are expressed through paintings and sculptures in the form of hieroglyphics in the three discussed artworks in this paper. This resulted in the unchanging artwork of the ancient Egyptians from 2500 BCE to 1300 BCE.

Due to the lack of modernized tools in the world, Egyptians helped in shaping modernization and revolution of the culture of the rest of the world. This can be observed in the architecture and culture of the ancient Egyptians, and this led to the building of their foundation of our contemporary society through art. In this paper, we will focus on Hypostyle Hall at the Great Temple of Amun-Re, Karnak-Egypt, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Dier-el-Bahari-Egypt, and Temple of Ramesses II, Abu Simbel-Egypt.

Figure 1: Temple of Ramesses II, Abu Simbel-Egypt, c. 1290-1224 BC

Figure 2: Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Dier-el-Bahari-Egypt, c. 1473-1458 BC

Figure 3: Hypostyle Hall at the Great Temple of Amun-Re, Karnak-Egypt, c. 1290-1224 BC

Introduction

Egypt has become a unique and diverse society due to the vast amount of history that has contributed to the contemporary society in Egypt. The development of ancient Egypt religion and culture can be dated back to ancient times, and it is observed through storytelling (Iskander, 231). This is passed on from generation to generation. Ancient Egypt was fun, fascinating, and complex. Historians are lucky because the ancient Egyptians had made records, and this helped them to study their culture and society easier than some prehistoric eras.

Art Work One and its Analysis

The Temple of Ramesses II, at Abu Simbel-Egypt, was constructed by Ramses II, who was the most celebrated King in ancient Egypt (Iskander, 137). The goal of the construction of this massive temple is to celebrate the victory of Ramses II in his Kadish Battle of 1274 BC against the Hittites. The temple is dedicated to various goals such as Amon, Ptah, and Horakhty.

The complex consists of two temples of which are the Grand Temple and the Small Temple. The Grand Temple is 30 meters high and 35 m long, with four seated colossal of King Ramses II on his throne (Iskander, 156). On the walls are military victories, princesses to personal life, and scripts about ancient gods.

The Small Temple belonged to Egyptian queen Nefertiti. She was the most favorite wife of Ramses II. It has two Colossal of Ramses II and two of Nefertiti. The walls depict Ramses II and his wife Nefertiti praying to the gods. Abu Simbel has an archaeological- astrological mystery. This is depicted by the fact that the rays of the sun pierce the temple and light the three statutes of Ramses II and Amon twice a year.

This happens on October 22nd during the flooding season and February 22nd during the cultivation season. These dates are in line with the birthdate of Ramses II and his coronation. Ptah is the god of darkness hence the four statutes cover the temple and bring darkness (Iskander, 147). This temple was shifted in 1964 by the UNESCO so as to save it from the high dam in the Nile.

The Abu Simbel temples have as a lasting monument for the King and queen in commemoration of the victory at the Battle of Kadesh. The temple deified Ramses II. It was dedicated to the gods Ptah, Ra- Horakhty and Amun. Hence the temple influenced people’s beliefs and it was used for religious purposes such as the worship of the god Ptah. The temple is a reflection of how the ancient Egyptians had a great and powerful ruler and their belief in gods such as Ra-Horakhty. It also influenced the people’s way of life in terms of their daily activities such as stone carving. This iconic structure stands the test of time entry means to influence the economy of Egypt up to date through activities such as tourism.

Art Work Two and its Analysis

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Dier-el-Bahari-Egypt was known by the ancient Egyptians as Djeser- Djeseru. This translates to holy of holies. It means that this place was sacred and was considered to be the holy place where the gods of ancient Egyptians resided. It took 15 years of completion during the reign of Hatshepsut (Iskander, 187). The construction was overseen by Senenmut who was an architect and a lover of Hatshepsut. The mortuary temple conveyed the greatness of Hatshepsut and was an impressive monument for the worship of this Pharaoh.

The name Deir el-Bahri stands for northern monastery. This shows that the site was used by Christian monks. It seats in a valley of complex temples and tombs built by ancient Egyptians (Iskander, 198). Hatshepsut was formidable and after the death of her husband Thutmose II, she served is a co-leader alongside her nephew and stepson.

He later became the sixth Pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty and for 22 years their reign was prosperous. The Punt Colonnade located on the left side of temple narrates Hatshepsut’s greatest achievements (Iskander, 201). It depicts the expedition of Hatshepsut which was a success as many luxurious goods who brought back to Egypt as depicted by the column.

This included gold, ivory, apes, myrrh trees and skins. Dedicated to the sun gods, the temple extends 185 feet into its cliff via a series of three towering halls (Iskander, 107). Scenes depict Ramses II at the Battle of Kadesh as well as the Pharaoh’s wife, Nefertiti and Pharaoh himself making offerings to the sun gods (Brand et al., 95). Ramses ordered a second, smaller temple built nearby for Nefertiti. Because of its remote location, Abu Simbel went undiscovered until 1813.

In 1959, during the construction of the Aswan High Dam, UNESCO embarked on an unprecedented. A 20-year rescue effort that relocated both Abu Simbel temples stone by stone to higher ground some 200 feet farther up the cliff (Brand et al., 145). Many monuments and buildings were constructed in the era of Hatshepsut.

Hatshepsut had many statutes erected in the buildings and monuments of herself. This was supposed to impress the Pharaoh and the Egyptian people as she had a standing as a great leader. The greatest achievement of Hatshepsut is her temple at Deir el Bahri (Brand et al., 205). This massive temple took 15 years of construction. Due to its prime location, the ancient Egyptians chose this site. This place was linked to the goddess Hathor, and it was used as a sacred place for funeral purpose.

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut was dedicated to Amun and Hatshepsut.it is considered to be one of the most classical architecture in ancient Egypt.it reflects on the new kingdom funerary architecture. It honors the afterlife aspect of the ancient Egyptians. It has sanctuaries that honor the gods and the Pharaoh. It marked a major turning point of the architecture in ancient Egypt. It’s never included the megalithic geometry of the old kingdom.

Thus, it allowed for worship of the gods. This temple influenced the new kingdom temples with a linear equality to cater for participants involved in worship of the gods and Pharaoh. Although the architecture was misguided in the early 20th century that altering the plan of the original temple. It remains to be a key feature in the present-day Egypt and it influences the economy of the country in terms of tourism. It also influenced people’s way of life and civilization in terms of architecture of the design of buildings.

Art Work Three and its Analysis

Hypostyle Hall at the Great Temple of Amun-Re, Karnak-Egypt, has two axes. One that extends North/South and the other West/East. The tallest obelisk was dedicated to the female Pharaoh Hatshepsut. She ruled Egypt in the new kingdom (Iskander, 254). Later it was removed by the Roman emperor Constantine, and re-erected later on in Rome. The Hypostyle Hall was the greatest architectural structures in Karnak.

The hall contains 134 sandstone columns standing at 69 feet. The roof of the temple represents the sky and it is decorated with birds and stars. Lotus, palm plants and papyrus were used to design the columns hence creating the environment of creation (Iskander, 196). The pylons and the gateway of the temple represent the horizon. The Hypostyle Hall has an interior space with a roof that rests on columns.

The name translates to under pillars. Its design allows for the construction of public buildings. This also includes spaces such as temples and palaces (Brand, Rosa and William 75). This was extensively applied in the construction of the Temple of Amon at Karnak. In Persia, for example, the ruins at Persepolis give an indication of hypostyle construction.

The multiple large pillars occupy much of the floor space in the halls. The columns were then carved with religious and heroic motifs (Brand., et al 85). This design is seldomly applied in recent past architecture due to the effectiveness of support by use roofs. Ramses II never wanted to be questioned about the magnificence temple at Abu Simbel. At the entrance, there are 60-foot tall statutes of him seated and serves as sentries.

Dedicated to the sun gods, the temple extends 185 feet into its cliff via a series of three towering halls. Scenes depict Ramses II at the Battle of Kadesh as well as the Pharaoh’s wife, Nefertiti and Pharaoh himself making offerings to the sun gods (Brand et al., 95). Ramses ordered a second, smaller temple built nearby for Nefertiti. Because of its remote location, Abu Simbel went undiscovered until 1813.

The outer walls of this great hall depict battle scenes. This shows how the ancient Egyptian civilization was able to stand the test of time for over three thousand years. This showed that they won in many battles hence they were not easily conquered. The Hall also shows pictures of Ramesses signing peace treaties with the Hittites. This shows that the ancient Egyptians loved peace with everyone and that is one of the reasons why it emerged as a victorious civilization. The columns are decorated in papyrus which later became a great impact of the civilization of the ancient Egyptians. This temple propelled technology in ancient Egypt and hence advancement in architecture. The temple still influences the lives of Egyptians up-to-date in their economy through tourism.

Relationship between Artwork One and the Culture of Ancient Egyptians

Karnak is in a poor preservation state as compared to other prominent temples in the area that still survive in Egypt. This gives historians and scholars a wealth of wholesome information concerning ancient Egyptian art and religion This site was developed during the Middle Kingdom in the era between 2055 to 1650 B.C.E. (Hayes, 134). With time, new importance was placed on the City of Thebes. The Pharaohs that followed placed their own mark on Karnak.

There were two main axes in the temple of Amun-Re. One of the axes extended east to west and the other extended north to south. The axis to the south extended towards the temple of Luxor. It was connected to an avenue of ram-headed sphinxes (Hayes, 156). The mortuary temple of Hatshepsut reveals a very extraordinary design of history in ancient Egypt. This is located beneath the sheer, stark cliffs of Deir el Bahri.

Between 1274 and 1244 BC, the main temple of Abu Simbel was carved out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile. This was in dedication to the deity, Ramses II who was seen as Ra-Horakhty, Ptah and Amun (Hayes, 220). At the temple front, there are gigantic sentinels of four colossal structures of the Pharaoh. They overlook the incoming southern traffic and symbolize the strength of the Pharaoh. This temple was lost to the world until 1813, due to shifting of the sandy deserts and also the River Nile. Later it was discovered by the Swiss explorer Jean-Louis Burckhardt.

However, the last remaining head was showing up the sand while the other one was broken. The remaining two, only the crown could be seen. By the end of 1817, so much sand was cleared by Giovanni Belzoni so as to ease the entrance to the temple (Hayes, 256). At the forecourt of the temple, there is a short flight of steps that lead the way to the terrace in front of the massive facade. This rock cut-out is about 30m high and 35m wide. The three colossal statutes stare across the water into eternity. The fourth colossal statute has collapsed in antiquity and its front body lies on the ground.

Themes that unify the Three Artworks

The three artworks are interrelated in the sense that they have almost the same height and they were used for religious purposes. Dedicated to the sun gods, the temple of Hypostyle extends 185 feet into its cliff via a series of three towering halls (Brand et al., 65). At the entrance, there are 60-foot tall statutes of him seated and serves as sentries. The Hypostyle Hall was the greatest architectural structures in Karnak. The hall contains 134 sandstone columns standing at 69 feet. The roof of the temple represents the sky and it is decorated with birds and stars. The mortuary temple of Hatshepsut is built into a cliff. It has three layered dresses which are 30 metres in height. The barrier shaft and the other tunnels are 150 m end-to-end while the burial chamber is 45 m below the court.

The temple of Ramses II consists of two temples of which are the Grand Temple and the Small Temple. The Grand temple is 30 meters high and 35 m long with four seated colossal of King Ramses II on his throne (Brand et al., 92). This clearly indicates that the three masterpieces were almost of the same size. These architectural works were also used for religious purposes. The Hatshepsut Temple was linked to the goddess Hathor, and it was used as a sacred place for funeral purpose.

The magnificent temple at Karnak was the prime religious center in Thebes of the god Amun-Re during the New Kingdom. This lasted from 1550 up to 1070 B.C.E. The religious remains are one of the most complex in nature. Karnak was not only dedicated to one god but also other gods such as Montu and Mut. Nefertiti and Pharaoh himself made offerings to the sun gods in the temple of Ramses II (Brand et al., 95). Ramses ordered a second, smaller temple built nearby for Nefertiti. The comparison of the height of these buildings shows the level of technology of civilization at the time and how advanced the architecture was in this period.

Existing Controversies and Questions Addressed

The archaic graphic record of hieroglyphics in Egypt and the whole of North Africa was carved into the sandstone cliffs at Qurta around 25 miles to the south of Edfu. This is located between Aswan and Luxor. This was recently dated at 19,000 years of age by Dr Huyge Dirk (Ricke, George and Wente 156). He is the director of the Belgian Mission. He has been studying the site since 2005. The gallery has at least 185 images of which a third of them depict the powerfully built and extinct aurochs (wild cattle). These are the ancestors of domestic cows.

These huge creatures have marks scratched out in the head and neck area and they are around 2 meters long. Huyge believes that these cuts may have a certain symbolic meaning. Probably they may signify an attempt for ensuring a successful hunting expedition (Ricke., et al, 158). The Qurta scenes feature birds, fish, gazelle, hippos and strange hybrid beings. Alongside these are several stylized figures of females that represent self-portraits of early Egyptians.

Conclusion

The architecture of temples and pyramids of Ancient Egypt prove are complex in design ad structure. They signify the time and effort that contributed significantly to the development of Egyptian culture. The symbolism in detail produced architectural designs that aided in the reinforcement of the development of life of the Egyptians (Iskander, 257). It took a lot of dedication and hard work in the completion of such complex structures that portray such a powerful meaning, honoring strong and religious figures.

This craftmanship and accurate dedication helped the rulers to continue their journey throughout their lifetime. In the modern day, this symbolism aid in deciphering ancient mysteries. The society then is able to perfect architectural designs and countless effort and time goes into this (Thomas, 134). In today’s society, there is that constant drive to search for more details concerning the ancient world and its prospects.

These architectural monuments influenced the attitudes, religious practices and day-to-day lives of the ancient Egyptians. They used the most durable building materials that stood the test of walls and forces of nature such as earthquakes. They are attribute to greatness of civilization in the field of architectural achievements. The decorations that were used to decorate these monuments including: paintings, hieroglyphics, images statutes, tell a story of the gods and pharaohs together with the common people and nature such as animals, birds and plants. The grandeur of these monuments is beyond compare. It still remains a mystery how they were able to construct such massive constructions.

Works Cited

Brand, Peter J, Rosa E. Feleg, and William J. Murnane. The Great Hypostyle Hall in the Temple

of Amun at Karnak., 2018. Print.

Hayes, William C. “Most Ancient Egypt.” Journal of Near Eastern Studies. V. 23, No. 2 (April

2000). (2000). Print.

Iskander, Sameh, and Ogden Goelet. The Temple of Ramesses Ii in Abydos. Atlanta: Lockwood,

Print.

Ricke, Herbert, George R. Hughes, and Wente Edward F. The Beit El-Wali Temple of Ramesses

Ii. Chicago, (2001). Print.

Thomas, Susanna. Hatshepsut: The First Woman Pharaoh. New York: The Rosen Pub. Group,

Inc, 2002. Print.

Ancient Egypt

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