Ancient Egyptian Architecture: Monuments, Tombs, and Temples

Characteristics of Ancient Egyptian Architecture

The architecture of ancient Egypt is renowned for several distinctive features:

• Scale: Works are colossal and monumental.
• Materials: Use of large blocks of stone, uniformly carved.
• Rules: Adherence to fixed and inflexible architectural rules.
• Structure: Primarily post-and-lintel (trabeated) construction, meaning they rely on vertical supports and horizontal beams rather than true arches or vaults.

The most important building types were the tombs and the temples.

Egyptian Tombs and the Afterlife

Ancient Egyptians attached great importance to the afterlife, preparing their final resting place throughout their lives. This concern explains their zeal for medicine and preservation rituals, as they believed the body must be retained, incorrupt, to achieve resurrection. The primary monumental tomb types associated with the afterlife are the mastabas, pyramids, and hypogea.

Mastaba

The Mastaba was the first type of large tomb, used by pharaohs, nobles, and high officials during the Old Kingdom. Its shape was that of a truncated pyramid, typically constructed of stone or mudbrick. Inside, it contained a funeral chapel and a burial chamber, which was sealed with a slab after the deceased was placed within.

Pyramid

The first pyramid was built for Pharaoh Djoser, accompanied by a funerary temple complex. The classic pyramid structure (such as the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure) typically included a ramp or causeway connecting a valley temple near the Nile to the mortuary temple situated next to the pyramid itself. The central chambers of the pyramid housed the Pharaoh's tomb and often his statue.

Hypogeum

Hypogea are tombs carved directly into the rock face. Originally, these smaller tombs were reserved for high-ranking officials. However, during the New Kingdom, pharaohs also began to be buried in hypogea (such as those in the Valley of the Kings), separating the actual burial site from the visible mortuary temple.

Egyptian Temples: Centers of Worship

Temples were large, complex buildings dedicated to the Egyptian gods. Notable examples of temple complexes include Karnak and Luxor. The standard temple layout included:

Architectural Elements

• Pylon Entrance: The entrance was formed by two massive, sloping walls (pylons), often fronted by one or more obelisks. The entire temple precinct was enclosed by a wall.
• Hypostyle Hall: This columned room was often higher in the center, forming a central nave to improve interior lighting. This hall was typically divided into three aisles.
• Cella (Sanctuary): The innermost and final part of the temple, housing the image of the god. Only the king or high priest was permitted access.

The temples also contained various side chambers used for storage, preparation, and rituals, including spaces where the sacred barque of Amun was housed during festivals.

Column Capitals and Decoration

The column shafts were decorated with polychromatic religious reliefs. The capitals supported the architraves and lintels of the roof and displayed various forms, including:

• Papyrus (bud or flower)
• Lotus/Lily forms (Latiformes)
• Palmiformes (palm leaves)
• Beaker (Campaniform)
• Hathor (featuring the goddess's face)

Speos Temples

A speos is a type of rock-cut temple carved directly into cliffs. The facade was carved into the rock, and the structure served both for worship and sometimes for the burial and remembrance of a pharaoh.