Architecture of Ancient Egypt | 10 Awesome examples

The architecture of Ancient Egypt is one of the gems of this fascinating era in the history of mankind. Related not only with the beauty of its temples, pyramids and effigies, the Egyptian constructions have also been shrouded in mystery and hoaxes, as the workers (who earned their salaries in beer) who built the pyramids were, in reality, slaves.

Undoubtedly, one of the main reasons to visit this country is to enjoy the architecture of the Ancient Egyptian. Located in a unique place in the world, the fertile shore of the Nile, many of these constructions accurately reflect what life was like in those days, and what was valued more by its inhabitants, such as the magnificence of the "eternal dwellings", that is, the pyramids, compared to the simple clay houses that were the usual dwelling place of the Egyptians .

Architecture of Ancient Egypt | 10 Incredible examples

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza

Architecture of Ancient Egypt

The great Pyramid of Giza It is one of the most famous examples of ancient Egyptian architecture. It was built by order of Pharaoh Khufu, and for this reason it is also known as the Pyramid of Cheops. It is the only one of the seven wonders of the world that is still standing. The construction date of the Great Pyramid of Giza was around 2570 BC, and an incredible number of stone blocks were used: no less than 2.3 million!

2. The Great Sphinx of Giza

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a sculpture that was built in the XXVI century BC, which has a height of 20 meters and a length of about 57 meters. Until the nineteenth century only the head was exposed, but from then on several campaigns were carried out to discover the rest of the body, until it was as we can enjoy today. It is believed that it had a human head because it had the intelligence of the sovereign and the body of a lion because it is the symbol of strength and the Sun.

3. Temple of Ramses II

The Temple of Ramses II is also known as "the Temple of Riamsese-Meryamun" and ordered its construction Ramses II , possibly, at the beginning of his reign. In 1813 the temple was completely covered with sand. That's when J.L. Burckhardt found the bust of one of the colossi. Some time later, after removing thousands of pounds of sand, the entrance door was also accessible.

4. Layered Pyramid

Ancient Egyptian architecture

The Layered Pyramid, also known as the South Pyramid of Dahshur or Romboidal pyramid is a funerary monument that was commissioned by the Pharaoh Seneferu and is located about 40 kilometers south of Cairo. Although not as well known as its cousin, the Great Pyramid of Giza, this pyramid has its own reasons to be an excellent example of the architecture of Ancient Egypt, since it retains much of the original coating, which makes it hold the title of Egypt's best preserved pyramid.

5. Step Pyramid of Zoser

The Pyramid of Zoser is the tomb of Pharaoh Zoser. It is the most remarkable construction of the Saqqara necropolis because it was the prototype of the Pyramids of Giza and the other Egyptian pyramids. In its time it was the tallest human building (it measures about 60 meters high), which should turn it into an absolutely impressive building for all who were at its base.

6. Gayer Anderson Museum

Although not properly part of the architecture of Ancient Egypt itself, the Gayer Anderson Museum It is one of the best preserved examples of Egyptian domestic architecture of the seventeenth century. This art museum is located in Cairo, right next to the mosque of Ibn Tulun, and takes its name from General Gayer-Anderson, who lived in that house in the mid-twentieth century. In the museum you can also appreciate a lot of furniture, carpets and other objects.

7. Karnak

Karnak, which means "fortified city", was also known as Ipet sut in Ancient Egypt, which meant "the most venerated place". This city housed the most important religious complex of the time thanks to its three centers, the first, and largest, dedicated to Amun, the second dedicated to Montu, the god of war, and the third to the goddess Mut.

8. Temple of Luxor

The temple of Luxor was begun by Amenophis III and finished by Ramses II. The first built the interior and the second the exterior, although the temple had such importance in the architecture of Ancient Egypt that many pharaohs contributed to the enlargement of the site. Located in the heart of ancient Thebes, the Temple of Luxor was consecrated to the god Amun under his two aspects of Amun-Ra.

9. Ibn Tulun Mosque

Ancient Egyptian architecture 1

The Ibn Tulun mosque, although it does not belong to Ancient Egypt, deserves mention because it is the oldest mosque in Cairo. It was built around the 9th century. In addition, it has managed to survive all these years with its original form. The mosque was commissioned by a slave of Turkish origin, Ahmad ibn Tulun, who managed to rise in power and create the dynasty of the Tulunids.

10. Temple of Hathor

The temple of Hathor, located near Dendera, is dedicated to Hathor and Queen Nefertari. The facade is composed of 6 colossus, excavated in the rock, about 10 meters high each. The temple is very well preserved because, as it happened in several Egyptian buildings, it remained buried by sand and mud until it was unearthed at the end of the 19th century.

We hope you enjoyed this article about the architecture of Ancient Egypt and that you have learned something more about the buildings of this exciting time in the history of mankind. Tell us, have you ever been to Egypt? Do you think we have left a building that has not appeared on the list? Remember that you can tell us what you want in the comments!


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