Trek Through Egypt, an Ancient Civilization!

       It was around 4,000 B.C. when larger cities in Egypt were developing and becoming secure and stable. This was all thanks to their development of agriculture and farming, in which they could provide their own resources for survival. With less effort needed to find food and water, the people of Egypt could now apply themselves to other areas, complex inventions, and the arts!

A bit about the setting...

      An integral part of Egypt was the Nile River. Communication and trade along the river took place, especially the trade of wood building materials. The availability of timber was scarce and therefore was imported from the Mediterranean, North Africa, and West Asia. Wood joinery was soon developed.  

     The climate was dry with minimal rainfall and there was little variation in temperature. Being the perfect setting for preservation, it's no wonder why we have so many artifacts!

      Egyptians worshiped specific gods. They created monuments, temples, and tombs. They buried objects with their deceased and believed in life after death. Temples most commonly had relief carvings in walls and columns.

     Society had hierarchical statuses that went somewhat like: kings, pharaoh, priests, craftsmen, peasants, and slaves. They lived in palaces (pharaoh), country villas (upper class) , craftsman residences, and average residential spaces. Most living spaces had cellars in order to store food and keep them cool in the intense heat. Country villas commonly had a loggia, which is a room or porch that is open to air on at least one side and usually faces an inner courtyard.

Digging deeper into the architecture...

     We know that wood was scarce, so what else did they really use to build?! When wood was used, stone was usually incorporated as well, leading to the development of the Post and Lintel system. An abundance of mud was used to create walls, or to make bricks. The mud plaster walls were usually covered in frescoes of figures and life scenes, and used brights colors. Walls were divided between the dado and main field, lots of yellow and black colors used. Floors were also made of mud plaster, brick, and stone. The colors were more subdued. Ceilings were also decorative with plant life as a design inspiration. Doors had crowning and windows had openwork screens. Furniture was minimal yet are similar to pieces we are familiar with today. Beds, tables, storage, folding chairs, stools, etc. were among the usual. The wood joinery technology developed included mortise and tenon joints, dovetail joints, and dowels. These are methods we still use today! All in all, we still see plenty of Egyptian influence around us, whether it's in art or architecture, or furniture. 

Fun Fact - Rosetta Stone!

This stele (stone standing upright in religious temple) was found in the town of Rosetta in Egypt. It was carved in 196 B.C. with an agreement between priests and the Egyptian government. It was written in three different scripts that were used in ancient Egypt at the time. Sound like the Rosetta Stone we know?! : )

Until next class!