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Ancient Egypt: Difference between revisions
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== Architecture == | == Architecture == | ||
=== | == Pyramids == | ||
=== Inspiration === | |||
[[File:Benben-stone Pyramidion of the Pyramid of Amenemhet III at Dahshur wiki 350.jpg|frame|right|Benben stone from Wikipedia]] | [[File:Benben-stone Pyramidion of the Pyramid of Amenemhet III at Dahshur wiki 350.jpg|frame|right|Benben stone from Wikipedia]] | ||
* in the Egyptian creation myth (see below) a pyramid-shaped land rises from otherwise empty waters, a "primeval mound" called "Benben" | * in the Egyptian creation myth (see below) a pyramid-shaped land rises from otherwise empty waters, a "primeval mound" called "Benben" | ||
** thus the Benben represents creation and the origin of the sun | ** thus the Benben represents creation and the origin of the sun | ||
** early Egyptians built large earth mounds to represent the the rising land of creation, which was subsequently represented in a pyramid shape of a single block of stone, thus the Benben | ** early Egyptians built large earth mounds to represent the the rising land of creation, which was subsequently represented in a pyramid shape of a single block of stone, thus the Benben | ||
=== Old Kingdom pyramid building === | |||
* Step Pyramids | * Step Pyramids | ||
** were the 1st pyramids | ** were the 1st pyramids | ||
** built in layers much like Sumerian [[ziggurats]] | ** built in layers much like Sumerian [[ziggurats]] | ||
* "true | ** considered "true pyramids" | ||
** gaps between "cake layers" of step pyramids filled in to form smooth surface | *** gaps between "cake layers" of step pyramids filled in to form smooth surface | ||
** used limestone casings | *** used limestone casings | ||
** the capstone, or tip, of the pyramids (and obelisks), called the "pyramidion," were covered in gold leaf, likely to reflect the sunlight and thereby mimic the Egyptian origin myth of the "benben" (see below) | ** the capstone, or tip, of the pyramids (and obelisks), called the "pyramidion," were covered in gold leaf, likely to reflect the sunlight and thereby mimic the Egyptian origin myth of the "benben" (see below) | ||
'''click EXPAND for details on step pyramids''' | |||
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"> | |||
* Djoser (3rd dynasty, ruled 2691 to 2625 BC): | * Djoser (3rd dynasty, ruled 2691 to 2625 BC): | ||
** built the 1st pyramid at Saqqara, northwest of Memphis | ** built the 1st pyramid at Saqqara, northwest of Memphis | ||
** step pyramid, construction overseen by the famed vizier, Imhotep | ** step pyramid, construction overseen by the famed vizier, Imhotep | ||
** his 3rd dynasty successors, Sekhemkhet, Khaba and Huni never completed their own | ** his 3rd dynasty successors, Sekhemkhet, Khaba and Huni never completed their own pyramids | ||
* Sneferu (4th dynasty, 2613-2589 BC) credited with building three pyramids (all at Dahshur) | |||
* Sneferu (4th dynasty, 2613-2589 BC) credited with three pyramids (all at Dahshur) | [[File:02 meidum pyramid.jpg|thumb|02 meidum pyramid|alt=02 meidum pyramid.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Medum Pyramid (wiki)]] | ||
** Meidum pyramid | ** '''Meidum pyramid''' | ||
*** started for Huni | |||
*** Sneferu took over construction and had the steps filled in to form true pyramid | *** Sneferu took over construction and had the steps filled in to form true pyramid | ||
*** abandoned construction perhaps due to perceived instability and steep slope (51 degrees) | *** abandoned construction perhaps due to perceived instability and steep slope (51 degrees) | ||
*** it further collapsed during New Kingdom | *** it further collapsed during New Kingdom | ||
** Bent pyramid | ** '''Bent pyramid''' | ||
*** very steep at base (55 degrees), then soffter rise near top (43 degrees) make it look "bent" | *** very steep at base (55 degrees), then soffter rise near top (43 degrees) make it look "bent" | ||
*** importance of this pyramid is that it is the last | *** importance of this pyramid is that it is the last in the transition from step to "real" pyramids | ||
*** the pyramid has a unique passageway between the pyramid and a smaller one that was built for his queen, presumably so that he could visit her in the afterlife | *** the pyramid has a unique passageway between the pyramid and a smaller one that was built for his queen, presumably so that he could visit her in the afterlife | ||
** Red pyramid (3rd largest pyramid at 345 ft) | ** '''Red pyramid''' | ||
*** (3rd largest pyramid at 345 ft) | |||
*** = first "true pyramid" designed and built for smooth surface | *** = first "true pyramid" designed and built for smooth surface | ||
*** was tallest structure ever built before Giza | *** was tallest structure ever built before Giza | ||
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*** Snefuru was probably buried here | *** Snefuru was probably buried here | ||
[[File:Great Pyramid of Giza edge.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Great Pyramid of Giza edge: Average core blocks of the Great Pyramid weigh about 1.5 tons each, and the granite blocks used to roof the burial chambers are estimated to weigh up to 80 tons each. (wiki)]] | [[File:Great Pyramid of Giza edge.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Great Pyramid of Giza edge: Average core blocks of the Great Pyramid weigh about 1.5 tons each, and the granite blocks used to roof the burial chambers are estimated to weigh up to 80 tons each. (wiki)]] | ||
* Great Pyramids at Giza built by the 4th dynasty pharaohs: | * Great Pyramids at Giza built by the 4th dynasty pharaohs: | ||
** Khufu (also "Cheops") = "The Great Pyramid" | ** Khufu (also "Cheops") = "The Great Pyramid" | ||