The document provides historical background on the architecture of the Ancient Near East. It describes the region of Mesopotamia, located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in modern Iraq. Several cultures arose and flourished in the region over 5000 years, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians. The document then focuses on Sumerian architecture, describing houses, temples like the White Temple at Uruk and Great Ziggurat at Ur, and the Oval Temple at Khafaje. It also discusses Assyrian architecture including the city of Khorsabad and Palace of Sargon. Finally, it covers Babylonian architecture and the rebuilding of
Neolithic architecture began around 8,000 BCE and saw the rise of monumental structures like Jericho's stone walls and towers. Common architectural styles included post and lintel construction and corbeled vaults, where courses of stone were cantilevered inward. Megalithic sites like Newgrange in Ireland and Hagar Qim in Malta used huge stones and corbelled vaults. Stonehenge featured a circular setting of massive sarsen stones arranged in trilithons, with the sunrise aligned with structural features on solstices. It was built in multiple phases over centuries, possibly as an astronomical observatory or calendar.
The document provides an overview of the geographical, geological, climatic, religious, historical and architectural influences on ancient Egyptian civilization from 5000 BC to the 1st century AD. It describes how the Nile River shaped Egypt and allowed agriculture. It outlines the common building materials used, Egyptian religious beliefs and pantheon of gods, and the historical periods and some notable figures. Examples of structures like mastabas, pyramids, temples and their features are also summarized.
The document summarizes the history and evolution of Egyptian architecture from ancient to modern times. It describes early burial structures like mastabas and step pyramids from the Old Kingdom. It discusses the Great Pyramids built in the Middle Kingdom, including Khufu's Great Pyramid at Giza. It outlines the two types of temples constructed in the New Kingdom for worship and royalty. It provides details on structures like the Sphinx and the introduction of Islamic architectural influences. In modern times, Egyptian architecture aims to preserve ancient designs while accommodating population growth.
Greek architecture flourished between the 9th century BCE and 6th century CE. It was influenced by Greece's geography, geology, climate, and polytheistic religion. The Greeks are credited with developing the three classical orders of architecture - Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Greek architecture is best known for its temples, which featured rectangular plans and orders consisting of a base, shaft, and capital that represented the human form. Common temple structures included the pronaos, cella, and opisthodomos.
This document provides an overview of Egyptian architecture. It describes the geographical and geological conditions in Egypt, noting the country's location along the Nile River valley and the building materials available, such as clay, limestone, and sandstone. It then discusses key aspects of Egyptian architecture like temples, tombs, and pyramids. It explains that temples and tombs were the main building types and describes some of their characteristic features, like massive walls, mud bricks, and orientation along the Nile River. The document also provides examples of different types of pyramids and tombs built for pharaohs and noblemen.
The document provides an overview of classical Greek architecture, beginning with the origins of post-and-lintel construction in Greek temples and Egyptian hypostyle halls. By the 6th century BCE, stone had replaced wood in important temples, though designs still reflected wooden origins. Greeks adapted to stone's properties by designing temples with towering, spaced columns and solid superstructures. Temple interiors housed cult images rather than being places of worship. The document outlines the distinctive parts of Greek temples and the three classical orders - Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian - distinguished by column design. Later sections cover refinements like entasis, temple floor plans ranging from simple naos to grand dipteral structures, and the lasting influence of Greek
Neolithic architecture began around 8,000 BCE and saw the rise of monumental structures like Jericho's stone walls and towers. Common architectural styles included post and lintel construction and corbeled vaults, where courses of stone were cantilevered inward. Megalithic sites like Newgrange in Ireland and Hagar Qim in Malta used huge stones and corbelled vaults. Stonehenge featured a circular setting of massive sarsen stones arranged in trilithons, with the sunrise aligned with structural features on solstices. It was built in multiple phases over centuries, possibly as an astronomical observatory or calendar.
The document provides an overview of the geographical, geological, climatic, religious, historical and architectural influences on ancient Egyptian civilization from 5000 BC to the 1st century AD. It describes how the Nile River shaped Egypt and allowed agriculture. It outlines the common building materials used, Egyptian religious beliefs and pantheon of gods, and the historical periods and some notable figures. Examples of structures like mastabas, pyramids, temples and their features are also summarized.
The document summarizes the history and evolution of Egyptian architecture from ancient to modern times. It describes early burial structures like mastabas and step pyramids from the Old Kingdom. It discusses the Great Pyramids built in the Middle Kingdom, including Khufu's Great Pyramid at Giza. It outlines the two types of temples constructed in the New Kingdom for worship and royalty. It provides details on structures like the Sphinx and the introduction of Islamic architectural influences. In modern times, Egyptian architecture aims to preserve ancient designs while accommodating population growth.
Greek architecture flourished between the 9th century BCE and 6th century CE. It was influenced by Greece's geography, geology, climate, and polytheistic religion. The Greeks are credited with developing the three classical orders of architecture - Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Greek architecture is best known for its temples, which featured rectangular plans and orders consisting of a base, shaft, and capital that represented the human form. Common temple structures included the pronaos, cella, and opisthodomos.
This document provides an overview of Egyptian architecture. It describes the geographical and geological conditions in Egypt, noting the country's location along the Nile River valley and the building materials available, such as clay, limestone, and sandstone. It then discusses key aspects of Egyptian architecture like temples, tombs, and pyramids. It explains that temples and tombs were the main building types and describes some of their characteristic features, like massive walls, mud bricks, and orientation along the Nile River. The document also provides examples of different types of pyramids and tombs built for pharaohs and noblemen.
The document provides an overview of classical Greek architecture, beginning with the origins of post-and-lintel construction in Greek temples and Egyptian hypostyle halls. By the 6th century BCE, stone had replaced wood in important temples, though designs still reflected wooden origins. Greeks adapted to stone's properties by designing temples with towering, spaced columns and solid superstructures. Temple interiors housed cult images rather than being places of worship. The document outlines the distinctive parts of Greek temples and the three classical orders - Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian - distinguished by column design. Later sections cover refinements like entasis, temple floor plans ranging from simple naos to grand dipteral structures, and the lasting influence of Greek
The document provides an overview of Egyptian architecture spanning over 10,000 years. It describes some key characteristics including the predominant building materials of mud bricks and stone. It highlights some of Egypt's most famous structures like the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. The document also provides details about Egyptian temples, sarcophagi, and other architectural elements like obelisks and reliefs.
Ancient Greek architecture developed between 900 BC to 1st century AD and was influenced by earlier civilizations like Egypt. The Greeks used post-lintel construction and three classical orders - Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Temples were the main buildings and were used for religious purposes to show power. Other structures included houses, theaters, and markets. Materials included bricks, stone, wood and marble. Architecture progressed through Geometric, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods, with innovations like stone temples and complex theater designs in the Archaic and Classical eras.
The Parthenon is a temple on the Athenian Acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. Construction began in 447 BC and ended in 438 BC under the architects Ictinus and Callicrates. The temple has a conventional three step platform and a rectangular floor plan with a pronaos, opisthodomos, and inner sanctums. Inside, sculptor Phidias' large statue of Athena stood surrounded by columns. The Doric columns have optical refinements to appear straight and the marble roof tiles are thinly sliced to be translucent. The Parthenon exemplifies the refinement and precision of Greek architectural design and order.
The document provides an introduction to a course on the History of Architecture and the Built Environment. It discusses key concepts like what history and architecture are, and traces how architecture has changed over time in areas like building design and construction methods. The course will examine architectural developments in early civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. It outlines a tentative teaching schedule and types of assignments students will complete, focusing on tracing architectural and structural changes from early shelters to modern structures.
Egyptian architecture was heavily influenced by geographical, geological, climatic, historical, social, and religious factors. The Nile river provided resources and trade routes, and abundant stone like limestone was used for construction. Egypt's hot climate led to simple designs with massive unbroken walls. Egyptian architectural styles included temples, pyramids, mastabas, and rock-cut tombs. Columns resembled bundles of plant stems and capitals took forms like lotus buds. Temples had imposing gateways and courtyards, while pyramids served as tombs for pharaohs. Hieroglyphics, columns, obelisks, and symbols like the scarab beetle and lotus plant decorated Egyptian
The document provides information on ancient Egyptian civilization between 1450-1100 BC. It describes the geography of Egypt centered around the Nile River, which was essential for agriculture and trade. It then outlines the three main periods of Egyptian rule: the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms. Key developments included the Old Kingdom organizing a strong central state and building pyramids, the Middle Kingdom experiencing invasions and rebellions, and the New Kingdom expanding Egyptian rule. The document also summarizes Egyptian religious beliefs, architecture, and aspects of daily life like the class system.
Ancient Egypt was one of the earliest and most influential civilizations. The document provides background information on Ancient Egypt, including that the name 'Egypt' comes from the Greek name for the country. It discusses some of Egypt's major river valley civilizations and highlights the importance of the predictable flooding of the Nile River in the development of Egyptian settlements and agriculture. Key sites from Ancient Egypt are described, such as the pyramids at Giza and structures built during the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms. Ancient Egyptian cities, tomb types (such as mastabas and rock-cut tombs), and religious sites (like Karnak and Luxor Temple) are also outlined.
The document provides information on Egyptian civilization and its architecture. It discusses the geography of Egypt along the Nile River which determined the character of Egyptian civilization. It then outlines the different dynasties of ancient Egypt and describes the predominant materials used in architecture such as sun-baked bricks, stone, and limestone. Some key architectural features are discussed such as the use of symbolic motifs, hieroglyphics, and alignment with astronomical events. Different structures are summarized such as pyramids, which served as tombs for pharaohs; sphinxes which guarded tombs; and obelisks which symbolized the sun god. The document also covers the Valley of Kings and different types of tombs including mastabas
The document provides details about Roman architecture based on a lecture about the topic. It discusses Roman influences from Greek architecture as well as innovations the Romans developed. A key example discussed is the Colosseum, described as the largest amphitheater in the world. The Colosseum could accommodate 50,000 spectators and featured an arena and multiple levels of seating. It was constructed out of stone, concrete, and bricks to impressive sizes that demonstrated Roman engineering capabilities.
The document provides an overview of Greek architecture from the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. It describes the three classical orders of architecture - Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian - and their characteristic elements. It also discusses various building types including temples, public buildings, and the importance of proportion and optics in Greek architectural design.
Ancient Egyptian architecture had some consistent characteristics. Massive stone structures like temples and tombs were favored after the Old Kingdom. Mud bricks were commonly used for houses while stone was used for more permanent religious buildings. Columns were designed to mimic plant structures and corner details replicated binding reeds. Funerary structures evolved from mastaba tombs to step pyramids like Zoser's and finally the iconic Great Pyramids at Giza, which marked a transition to rock-cut tombs in places like the Valley of the Kings. Temples followed a structured layout and carefully controlled light using columns, windows and shadow effects.
This document provides an overview of Ancient Egyptian civilization and architecture from prehistoric times through the New Kingdom period. It discusses the natural and man-made determinants that influenced architecture, including the Nile River, climate, resources, trade, politics, religion and defense. Egyptian society was highly stratified and centered around the pharaoh, who had absolute power. Early settlements developed linearly along the Nile. Mastabas and pyramids evolved as royal tombs, beginning with step pyramids like Djoser's at Sakkara. Key cities included Memphis and Thebes. Religion focused on the afterlife, shown through mummification and elaborate tombs.
The Parthenon is a 5th century BC temple located on the Athenian Acropolis that was dedicated to the goddess Athena. It was built to worship Athena after previous temples to her on the site had been destroyed by the Persians. The architects Iktinos and Kallikratis designed the Parthenon and the sculptor Phidias created the massive statue of Athena housed within. Made from limestone, the Parthenon came to represent the power and wealth of Athens as the dominant city-state in ancient Greece during its Golden Age.
The document provides an overview of ancient Greek history, culture, and architecture from prehistoric times through classical antiquity. It discusses the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, the rise of city-states and democracy in places like Athens, Greek advances in science, philosophy, art, architecture, and more. Key aspects covered include the Greek alphabet, pottery, sculpture, temples and religious practices. The document serves as a comprehensive introduction to the history and achievements of ancient Greek civilization.
The document provides an overview of the influences on the development of Greek architecture including geographical, geological, climatic, religious, social, political, and historical factors. Geographically, Greece is surrounded by seas which influenced trade and ideas. Geologically, Greece had high quality marble which was well-suited for architecture. Religiously, the ancient Greeks worshipped many gods and built temples to honor them. Politically, forms of government in Greece ranged from monarchies to oligarchies and democracies over time. Historically, Greek architecture developed from the Aegean period through the Hellenistic period, with structures becoming more refined and symmetrical.
There were three main stages in the development of human settlements according to the document:
1. Early hunter-gatherer nomadic stage with no permanent settlements.
2. Development of grouping into nomadic bands for defense and hunting.
3. Permanent agricultural settlements emerged after the discovery of fire, tools, and agriculture. Specialization and development of arts and sciences occurred. Early structures included huts, tents, caves and megaliths like menhirs, dolmens and cromlechs. Architecture evolved from simple dwellings to planned villages.
This document provides an overview of Module 3 of the course History of Architecture I. It discusses the architecture of the Ancient Near East, including Sumerian, Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian architecture. For Sumerian architecture, it describes the White Temple at Uruk and the Great Ziggurat at Ur as examples of Sumerian temples. It also discusses the Oval Temple at Khafaje as an example of a city temple. The module then moves to discussing Assyrian architecture, including an introduction to Assyrian cities and architecture as well as details about the city of Khorsabad.
The document provides an overview of art from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, focusing on key developments, styles, and works. In Mesopotamia, the Sumerians developed one of the earliest writing systems, cuneiform, as well as advances in architecture like ziggurats and temples. Important works mentioned include the Standard of Ur, depicting war and peace scenes, and the Bull Lyre with inlaid figures and narrative scenes. Egyptian art featured polytheism and rulers portrayed as divine, seen in works like the Naram-Sin stele showing the king defeating enemies with celestial beings' approval.
The document provides an overview of Egyptian architecture spanning over 10,000 years. It describes some key characteristics including the predominant building materials of mud bricks and stone. It highlights some of Egypt's most famous structures like the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. The document also provides details about Egyptian temples, sarcophagi, and other architectural elements like obelisks and reliefs.
Ancient Greek architecture developed between 900 BC to 1st century AD and was influenced by earlier civilizations like Egypt. The Greeks used post-lintel construction and three classical orders - Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Temples were the main buildings and were used for religious purposes to show power. Other structures included houses, theaters, and markets. Materials included bricks, stone, wood and marble. Architecture progressed through Geometric, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods, with innovations like stone temples and complex theater designs in the Archaic and Classical eras.
The Parthenon is a temple on the Athenian Acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. Construction began in 447 BC and ended in 438 BC under the architects Ictinus and Callicrates. The temple has a conventional three step platform and a rectangular floor plan with a pronaos, opisthodomos, and inner sanctums. Inside, sculptor Phidias' large statue of Athena stood surrounded by columns. The Doric columns have optical refinements to appear straight and the marble roof tiles are thinly sliced to be translucent. The Parthenon exemplifies the refinement and precision of Greek architectural design and order.
The document provides an introduction to a course on the History of Architecture and the Built Environment. It discusses key concepts like what history and architecture are, and traces how architecture has changed over time in areas like building design and construction methods. The course will examine architectural developments in early civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. It outlines a tentative teaching schedule and types of assignments students will complete, focusing on tracing architectural and structural changes from early shelters to modern structures.
Egyptian architecture was heavily influenced by geographical, geological, climatic, historical, social, and religious factors. The Nile river provided resources and trade routes, and abundant stone like limestone was used for construction. Egypt's hot climate led to simple designs with massive unbroken walls. Egyptian architectural styles included temples, pyramids, mastabas, and rock-cut tombs. Columns resembled bundles of plant stems and capitals took forms like lotus buds. Temples had imposing gateways and courtyards, while pyramids served as tombs for pharaohs. Hieroglyphics, columns, obelisks, and symbols like the scarab beetle and lotus plant decorated Egyptian
The document provides information on ancient Egyptian civilization between 1450-1100 BC. It describes the geography of Egypt centered around the Nile River, which was essential for agriculture and trade. It then outlines the three main periods of Egyptian rule: the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms. Key developments included the Old Kingdom organizing a strong central state and building pyramids, the Middle Kingdom experiencing invasions and rebellions, and the New Kingdom expanding Egyptian rule. The document also summarizes Egyptian religious beliefs, architecture, and aspects of daily life like the class system.
Ancient Egypt was one of the earliest and most influential civilizations. The document provides background information on Ancient Egypt, including that the name 'Egypt' comes from the Greek name for the country. It discusses some of Egypt's major river valley civilizations and highlights the importance of the predictable flooding of the Nile River in the development of Egyptian settlements and agriculture. Key sites from Ancient Egypt are described, such as the pyramids at Giza and structures built during the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms. Ancient Egyptian cities, tomb types (such as mastabas and rock-cut tombs), and religious sites (like Karnak and Luxor Temple) are also outlined.
The document provides information on Egyptian civilization and its architecture. It discusses the geography of Egypt along the Nile River which determined the character of Egyptian civilization. It then outlines the different dynasties of ancient Egypt and describes the predominant materials used in architecture such as sun-baked bricks, stone, and limestone. Some key architectural features are discussed such as the use of symbolic motifs, hieroglyphics, and alignment with astronomical events. Different structures are summarized such as pyramids, which served as tombs for pharaohs; sphinxes which guarded tombs; and obelisks which symbolized the sun god. The document also covers the Valley of Kings and different types of tombs including mastabas
The document provides details about Roman architecture based on a lecture about the topic. It discusses Roman influences from Greek architecture as well as innovations the Romans developed. A key example discussed is the Colosseum, described as the largest amphitheater in the world. The Colosseum could accommodate 50,000 spectators and featured an arena and multiple levels of seating. It was constructed out of stone, concrete, and bricks to impressive sizes that demonstrated Roman engineering capabilities.
The document provides an overview of Greek architecture from the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. It describes the three classical orders of architecture - Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian - and their characteristic elements. It also discusses various building types including temples, public buildings, and the importance of proportion and optics in Greek architectural design.
Ancient Egyptian architecture had some consistent characteristics. Massive stone structures like temples and tombs were favored after the Old Kingdom. Mud bricks were commonly used for houses while stone was used for more permanent religious buildings. Columns were designed to mimic plant structures and corner details replicated binding reeds. Funerary structures evolved from mastaba tombs to step pyramids like Zoser's and finally the iconic Great Pyramids at Giza, which marked a transition to rock-cut tombs in places like the Valley of the Kings. Temples followed a structured layout and carefully controlled light using columns, windows and shadow effects.
This document provides an overview of Ancient Egyptian civilization and architecture from prehistoric times through the New Kingdom period. It discusses the natural and man-made determinants that influenced architecture, including the Nile River, climate, resources, trade, politics, religion and defense. Egyptian society was highly stratified and centered around the pharaoh, who had absolute power. Early settlements developed linearly along the Nile. Mastabas and pyramids evolved as royal tombs, beginning with step pyramids like Djoser's at Sakkara. Key cities included Memphis and Thebes. Religion focused on the afterlife, shown through mummification and elaborate tombs.
The Parthenon is a 5th century BC temple located on the Athenian Acropolis that was dedicated to the goddess Athena. It was built to worship Athena after previous temples to her on the site had been destroyed by the Persians. The architects Iktinos and Kallikratis designed the Parthenon and the sculptor Phidias created the massive statue of Athena housed within. Made from limestone, the Parthenon came to represent the power and wealth of Athens as the dominant city-state in ancient Greece during its Golden Age.
The document provides an overview of ancient Greek history, culture, and architecture from prehistoric times through classical antiquity. It discusses the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, the rise of city-states and democracy in places like Athens, Greek advances in science, philosophy, art, architecture, and more. Key aspects covered include the Greek alphabet, pottery, sculpture, temples and religious practices. The document serves as a comprehensive introduction to the history and achievements of ancient Greek civilization.
The document provides an overview of the influences on the development of Greek architecture including geographical, geological, climatic, religious, social, political, and historical factors. Geographically, Greece is surrounded by seas which influenced trade and ideas. Geologically, Greece had high quality marble which was well-suited for architecture. Religiously, the ancient Greeks worshipped many gods and built temples to honor them. Politically, forms of government in Greece ranged from monarchies to oligarchies and democracies over time. Historically, Greek architecture developed from the Aegean period through the Hellenistic period, with structures becoming more refined and symmetrical.
There were three main stages in the development of human settlements according to the document:
1. Early hunter-gatherer nomadic stage with no permanent settlements.
2. Development of grouping into nomadic bands for defense and hunting.
3. Permanent agricultural settlements emerged after the discovery of fire, tools, and agriculture. Specialization and development of arts and sciences occurred. Early structures included huts, tents, caves and megaliths like menhirs, dolmens and cromlechs. Architecture evolved from simple dwellings to planned villages.
This document provides an overview of Module 3 of the course History of Architecture I. It discusses the architecture of the Ancient Near East, including Sumerian, Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian architecture. For Sumerian architecture, it describes the White Temple at Uruk and the Great Ziggurat at Ur as examples of Sumerian temples. It also discusses the Oval Temple at Khafaje as an example of a city temple. The module then moves to discussing Assyrian architecture, including an introduction to Assyrian cities and architecture as well as details about the city of Khorsabad.
The document provides an overview of art from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, focusing on key developments, styles, and works. In Mesopotamia, the Sumerians developed one of the earliest writing systems, cuneiform, as well as advances in architecture like ziggurats and temples. Important works mentioned include the Standard of Ur, depicting war and peace scenes, and the Bull Lyre with inlaid figures and narrative scenes. Egyptian art featured polytheism and rulers portrayed as divine, seen in works like the Naram-Sin stele showing the king defeating enemies with celestial beings' approval.
Lecture 04 uruk to early dynastic period (b)Rusalochka
The document summarizes the history of Mesopotamia from the Neolithic Revolution through the Uruk Period. It describes early settlements like Chatal Huyuk and Jericho, the spread of cultural groups like Halaf and Ubaid, and the emergence of the first cities including Uruk during the Urban Revolution around 4000-3100 BC. It notes developments in Uruk like beveled-rim bowls, cylinder seals, and the earliest administrative tablets using cuneiform script.
The document provides information about Cycladic art from the Cycladic Islands in the Aegean Sea. It describes distinct features of Cycladic art including small, simple female idols used for funerary purposes that ranged from 1 to 5 feet tall and had minimal facial features. A few male statues depicted musicians. The document also provides details about Minoan and Mycenaean art, including characteristics of Palace architecture and wall paintings at Knossos, distinctive features of Minoan pottery and figurines, and burial practices like beehive tombs and shaft graves.
This document describes an exhibition that explores how early art forms from ancient civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, Crete, and mainland Greece influenced modern artists such as Brancusi, Picasso, Matisse, Giacometti, and Moore. The exhibition presents ancient artifacts from these civilizations alongside sculptures, paintings, drawings and photographs by modern artists in an attempt to create a dialogue between past and present. It provides examples of specific works shown, including Brancusi's "Torso of a young girl" and Picasso's "Pregnant Woman", and discusses the Cycladic civilization and their marble figurines and ceramic vases.
The document provides an overview of Mesopotamian mythology and societies, including the gods and goddesses, and summarizes the plot of the Epic of Gilgamesh. It discusses Gilgamesh rejecting the advances of the goddess Ishtar, which leads to conflict. After Gilgamesh's friend Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh goes on a quest for immortality, learning from Utnapishtim about the great flood and how to achieve eternal life. Though he fails to gain immortality, Gilgamesh returns to Uruk a changed man.
The document summarizes art from the Ancient Near East region stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf between 9000 BCE to 500 BCE. It describes accomplishments of the early Sumerian civilization like the invention of writing and cities. It highlights artistic works found in the region like votive statues, the Warka Vase, ziggurats, and the Bull Lyre. It then discusses the Akkadian, Neo-Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Persian empires and includes artistic examples from each era like the Stele of Hammurabi and the Ishtar Gate.
Mesopotamia, located in modern-day Iraq, was the site of some of the earliest human civilizations beginning around 4500 BC. The region, situated between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, saw the rise of urban centers and writing, key components of what we consider civilization. Early Mesopotamian societies developed systems of kingship, trade, religion centered around temples, and advances in technology including irrigation, numeracy, and the written word in cuneiform script. Despite challenges like unpredictable flooding and lack of natural resources, early Mesopotamian civilizations like the Sumerians thrived for thousands of years due to agricultural surpluses enabled by irrigation along the rivers.
Comparison Of Early Mesopotamia and Early EgyptNathan Maki
Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt were both early river valley civilizations that relied heavily on irrigation from major rivers - the Tigris and Euphrates for Mesopotamia, and the Nile for Egypt. Mesopotamia introduced many innovations but saw frequent political changes, while Egypt developed a more centralized divine monarchy under the pharaoh and was able to maintain stability for over 3,000 years. Both civilizations had advanced cultures with writing systems, mathematics, and major architectural achievements like pyramids and ziggurats, but Egypt's stable government allowed it to endure while Mesopotamia suffered repeated invasions.
A slideshow connected to a lecture of Aegean Art available at Art History Teaching Resources (http://arthistoryteachingresources.org/), written by Naraelle Hohensee.
The document summarizes Etruscan art from 10th century BCE to 270 BCE. It describes how Etruscans built elaborate tombs resembling houses to bury family members together. Etruscan architecture was influenced by Greek styles, using columns and pediments in wood and terra cotta temples. Their sculptures emphasized movement and expression over archaic Greek rigidity. Etruscans excelled in bronze and terra cotta works, like the Chimera of Arezzo and the Apollo from Veii statue. Etruscan tomb paintings featured lively celebrations of the deceased.
Covers Sumer- the first civilization. Details early farming, government, societal hierarchy, technologies, arts, written language, embedded relevant YouTube videos.
I used images from google search images.
The document discusses four early river valley civilizations: the Sumerian civilization along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, the Egyptian civilization along the Nile River, the Harappan civilization along the Indus and Ganges Rivers, and the Chinese civilization along the Yellow River. It then provides details on the basis of ancient civilizations including culture, government, economy, beliefs, and religion. Physical characteristics of early civilizations and the Fertile Crescent region are also described.
Egyptian architecture featured massive stone structures for temples and tombs, while domestic buildings used mud brick. Pyramids evolved from mastabas and step pyramids as ways to provide passage to the afterlife. The Great Pyramids of Giza, among the largest constructions ever built, housed tombs for pharaohs. Later pharaohs were buried in the Valley of the Kings, with hidden entrances and richly decorated tombs. Temples followed a structured layout and used light and shadow symbolically through clerestory windows and column placement.
1. The document discusses the traditional planning of ancient cities, describing how early human settlements evolved from nomadic tribes to small hamlets and villages as agriculture and other skills developed. It outlines how religious, social, and governing institutions then emerged to manage these early urban areas.
2. Key aspects of traditional city planning are summarized, including the use of grid networks, definition of land uses, drainage systems, fortifications, and responsive architecture. Examples are provided of the Indus Valley civilization and ancient cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro that exhibited such planning through features like their layout, infrastructure, and buildings.
3. Possible reasons for the decline of the Indus civilization are then debated, such
- The document discusses the origins and development of civilization in ancient Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.
- Nomadic herders settled in southern Mesopotamia around 3200 BC and established the first Sumerian cities, developing irrigation for agriculture.
- Sumerian civilization was polytheistic with anthropomorphic gods controlling nature and aspects of life. Their religion and social hierarchy structured around city-states each with their own ruler.
The document provides a overview of the history of architecture from ancient Egyptian and Greek styles to modern American styles. It summarizes key architectural periods including Egyptian mastabas and pyramids from 3000 BC, Greek temples like the Parthenon from 448 BC, Roman structures like the Colosseum from 72 AD, Gothic cathedrals like Notre Dame from 1145-1220 AD, and modern styles like the Craftsman bungalow popularized in the early 20th century. The document covers architectural developments and influences across cultures and eras.
Ancient Greek architecture had a profound influence on Western architecture. The Greeks excelled in fields like art, music, and architecture for hundreds of years between 900 BCE to 600 CE. Their architecture is distinguished by its formal structures and ornamentation. The most common building was the temple, built with the classical orders of Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian columns. Other structures included theaters, gates, and civic buildings. Greek architectural designs and orders like the column and pediment were widely adopted by later cultures like the Romans and still influence architecture today.
This document discusses the primary elements of architectural form: point, line, plane, and volume. It describes each element and provides examples to illustrate key concepts. Points mark positions in space with no dimensions. Lines extend from points and have length and direction. Planes extend from lines, having length and width but no depth. Volumes extend from planes, having all three dimensions of length, width, and depth. Architectural forms can be understood through manipulating these basic elements.
The document summarizes the early Mesopotamian civilization that developed between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. It emerged around 3000 BC and was composed of independent city-states like Ur, Uruk, and Kish that each had their own government and patron god. Sargon of Akkad later created the world's first empire in 2350 BC by conquering the region. The Babylonian Empire then took control around 2000 BC, with King Hammurabi establishing one of the first legal codes. Mesopotamian culture developed writing, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and made advances in religion, society, and government.
This document provides an overview of the module on architecture of the Ancient Near East. It discusses the historical background of the region, including the major civilizations that arose like the Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians. For the Sumerians, it summarizes the White Temple of Uruk and the Great Ziggurat of Ur as examples of their temple architecture. It also discusses Sumerian social characteristics and beliefs. The document then provides introductions to Assyrian, Babylonian and Persian architecture, focusing on examples like the Palace of Sargon at Khorsabad. The learning outcomes emphasize understanding the evolution of society and religious architecture in mudbrick.
Mesopotamia was the site of early civilizations along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. This region, located in modern Iraq, saw the rise of Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian empires between 4500 BC and 600 BC. The Sumerians developed advanced technologies like the wheel, plow, and writing system. They lived in city-states with complex social hierarchies and religious beliefs. The city of Ur was a major cultural and economic center, with monumental structures like its large ziggurat dedicated to the moon god. Mesopotamian civilizations laid the foundations for future societies in their development of urban planning, mathematics, and complex social
Mesopotamia was well-suited for the rise of early civilizations due to its fertile geography between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Sumer emerged as the first civilization in Mesopotamia around 3,000 BC, with cities organized around temples, ziggurats, and walls. Sumer developed systems of irrigation and government to manage seasonal flooding. Writing, science, and culture flourished in the independent city-states until they were conquered by successive empires like Akkad and Babylon, which adopted aspects of Sumerian civilization while ruling through military dominance and administration.
We covered Origin,Geography and Timeline of Mesopotamia.There were many civilization in Mesopotamia but we only covered Sumerian Civilization because it had been told to us by our faculty.I hope you guys like this!
This document provides an overview of the rise of early civilizations and states in Southwest Asia and the Nile Valley between 3200-500 BCE. It discusses the development of writing in Mesopotamia to meet the needs of growing cities and states, the formation of the world's first states in Mesopotamia, and the influence of geography and religion on Egyptian society. Key civilizations discussed include the Sumerians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Hebrews, Assyrians, and Persians. The document also briefly outlines religious traditions like Zoroastrianism that emerged during this time period and influenced later belief systems.
The ancient Egyptian civilization developed along the Nile River in northeast Africa from 3300 BC to 30 BC. Key aspects include:
- The Nile River formed the focus of the civilization, providing water for agriculture and serving as a trade route.
- Egyptians built massive structures like the pyramids at Giza and Great Sphinx, as well as temples and tombs. The Pyramids were burial sites for pharaohs, with the largest being the Great Pyramid of Giza built for Khufu.
- Hieroglyphs were Egypt's earliest form of writing, and they also developed calendars and one of the earliest concepts of the afterlife in their religion.
- The
The document provides an overview of Mesopotamian civilization and its architectural characteristics. Mesopotamia, located in modern-day Iraq, saw the rise and fall of many empires including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. Common architectural features included mudbricks, ziggurats, and palaces divided into courtyards. Examples highlighted include the Ziggurat of Ur-Nammu, the palace at Mari, the Hanging Gardens and walls of Babylon, and the Assyrian palaces and cities of Ashur, Nimrud, Nineveh, and Khorsabad.
This document provides an overview of early human cultures and civilizations. It begins with definitions of culture and discusses the Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages. The Neolithic Revolution marked the beginning of settled societies based around agriculture and domestication of animals. This led to the emergence of early civilizations in places like Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Key features of early civilizations included organized government, religion, job specialization, social classes, art, architecture, writing, and trade. The Sumerians created the first Mesopotamian civilization based around city-states with temples, defenses, and the earliest writing system of cuneiform. Later, the Akkadians and
This document provides a summary of early river valley civilizations between 3500 BC and 450 BC. It covers the civilizations that emerged in Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China. In Mesopotamia, the Sumerians established the first cities and city-states like Uruk and Kish around 3000 BC. They developed irrigation, laws, writing, and a social hierarchy. In Egypt, King Narmer unified Upper and Lower Egypt around 3000 BC and established the first dynasty. The Egyptians built pyramids and large tombs for pharaohs and developed hieroglyphic writing. Along the Indus River, the Harappan civilization established well-planned cities with
ANCIENT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE -INDUSVALLEY CIVILIZATION AND VEDIC AGENajiaSyefa
history of indian architecture - indusvalley civilization , the vedic age , timeline of evolution of religion in india and how it affected the architecture of the ancient india.
Mesopotamian civilization, their era, their inventions, and system. The studies focus on how Mesopotamia began and how it led to the formation of other cities. Their religion, geographic features, culture. The six lenses: art, culture, context, religion, architecture and aesthetics are used to study this region
The document provides an overview of the history of architecture from prehistoric times through various periods including Egyptian architecture. It discusses the influences of geography, climate, religion and society on Egyptian architecture and provides examples of architectural styles and structures. Key points include: Egyptian architecture was influenced by the Nile River geography; religion focused on an afterlife and tombs were designed for eternal enjoyment; structures were built from durable stone and mud bricks; and walls were thick and unbroken to support hieroglyphic carvings.
This document discusses the importance of rivers and seas in early civilizations. Rivers provided water for irrigation, allowing for easy transportation of water and the growth of crops. The dependable water supply and fertile soil from annual flooding encouraged people to settle into villages along rivers. As villages grew, not all residents needed to farm for subsistence, allowing specialization of jobs and the formation of social classes. This led to the development of early civilizations with features like centralized governments, public works, writing systems, organized religions, and urban cities. Sumer is highlighted as one of the earliest civilizations, consisting of independent city-states along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Mesopotamia, with cities like Ur serving
The document summarizes the Sumerian civilization that arose around 3000 BC in Mesopotamia. Some key points:
1) The Sumerians lived in independent city-states like Uruk and Ur and were one of the earliest civilizations, developing technologies like writing, the wheel, and agriculture.
2) They practiced polytheistic religion and believed gods controlled aspects of daily life. Priests had high status and interpreted the gods' will.
3) Sargon conquered the Sumerian city-states and created the first empire by raising a standing army, with his capital at Akkad. However, the empire fragmented after his death.
The document summarizes the Sumerian civilization that arose around 3000 BC in Mesopotamia. Key points:
- The Sumerians lived in independent city-states like Uruk and Ur and were among the first to develop writing, wheeled vehicles, centralized government, and advanced agricultural practices.
- Sargon of Akkad conquered all of Mesopotamia to create the first empire around 2250 BC, though this empire declined after his death as rulers struggled to maintain control of diverse peoples.
- Religion played a central role in Sumerian society, with gods influencing all aspects of life and priests interpreting the gods' will through rituals and offerings. Social hierarchy placed kings and priests above
History of Architecture-1.pdf History of Architecture-1.pdfSunFlower376736
The document provides an overview of the history of architecture from prehistoric times through the 20th century. It discusses influences like geography, climate, religion and materials used in different time periods and locations. Key architectural styles covered include Prehistoric structures like Stonehenge, Near Eastern Ziggurats and palaces, Egyptian pyramids and tombs built as eternal dwellings for pharaohs who were seen as gods.
Ch 4 ancient civilization of the worldKarnatakaOER
The document provides an overview of several ancient civilizations including Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Chinese civilizations. It notes that the Egyptian civilization arose along the Nile River and was characterized by pyramids, temples, and hieroglyphic writing. The Mesopotamian civilization developed between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers and the Sumerians created the first writing system there called cuneiform. The Chinese civilization originated along the Yellow River under early dynasties like the Shang who established an agricultural society with a hierarchical social structure.
Catal Huyuk and Jericho were two of the earliest Neolithic cities in the region of Mesopotamia, located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Catal Huyuk, dating back to 8,000 BCE, was the oldest and largest city found from that period. Mesopotamia is considered the cradle of civilization as it was home to some of the earliest cities and civilizations, including the Sumerians who developed innovations in writing, mathematics, architecture, and more. Over thousands of years, different groups including the Akkadians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Persians rose to power in Mesopotamia before falling to subsequent foreign invaders.
The document summarizes the Sumerian civilization that arose in Mesopotamia around 3000 BC. The Sumerians lived in city-states like Uruk and Ur and practiced polytheistic religion with gods like Enlil and Inanna playing important roles. Sargon conquered the Sumerian city-states and created the first empire in Mesopotamia through raising a permanent standing army. The Sumerians had an advanced society with social classes and infrastructure like canals and walls around their cities.
Architecture is both an art and a science that involves designing and constructing buildings. It draws from various disciplines including engineering, behavioral science, sociology, and anthropology. Architecture aims to design structures that consider their environment and principles of utility, strength, and beauty. An architect is a professionally and academically qualified person licensed by the Professional Regulation Board of Architecture to advocate for fair and sustainable development through spatial, formal, and historical designs. In addition to designing buildings, architects may work in fields like urban planning, landscape architecture, construction management, teaching, and heritage conservation.
The document discusses various concepts and theories of architectural space, including that architectural space concretizes experiential space. It describes principles of space organization related to function, aesthetics, and materials usage. It outlines different spatial qualities and relationships between spaces, such as spaces within spaces, interlocking spaces, and spaces linked by a common space. Finally, it discusses five ways of organizing space: centralized, linear, radial, clustered, and grid-based.
The document discusses elements of architectural form that define space, including horizontal planes (such as base planes, elevated planes, and depressed planes), vertical planes, overhead planes (such as roof and ceiling planes), and how they are articulated. It provides examples of how different configurations of these planes are used to define interior and exterior spaces, provide enclosure, and visually establish spatial boundaries and fields. Articulation of architectural form involves differentiating adjoining planes through changes in materials, color, texture, or pattern, developing corners as distinct linear elements, and using lighting to create tonal contrasts along edges.
This document discusses concepts of personal space, privacy, territoriality, and their implications for design. It outlines 4 distance zones - intimate, personal, social, public - and defines privacy as an individual's control over interactions. Privacy can include solitude, intimacy, anonymity, and reserve. Crowding can lead to negative behaviors from a lack of control and social overload. Design should account for differing privacy needs based on personality type, stress levels, and culture. Territoriality involves psychological identification with and defense of personal space. Soft architecture allows personalization without permanent changes.
The document outlines several key theories of architecture, including the appearance of a structure being composed of mass, volume, areas and details organized through contrast, scale, balance, proportion, rhythm and unity. It also discusses line-generated circulation through plans, sections and other diagrams, as well as the relationship between forms and images, space and circulation, and different types of spatial linkages.
This document discusses the importance of studying the history of architecture. It states that architects are professionals who must understand the historical context and evolution of their field in order to truly value and participate in it. Studying history allows architects to appreciate major contributions over time, understand how architecture has developed, analyze buildings in their cultural context, and value architecture's role in intellectual environments. It then defines key related terms - history, society, culture, and civilization - to provide context on factors that influence architectural design.
This document provides an outline for lectures on Early Christian and Byzantine architecture. It discusses the historical background including the locations, time periods, social characteristics and beliefs. It also describes the different architectural forms used in Early Christian architecture, including basilica churches and alternative centralized plans. Finally, it introduces Byzantine architecture and previews topics to be covered such as domes, prototypes like Hagia Sophia, and the shift of architectural innovation to the Byzantine Empire.
This document provides an overview of Roman architecture and engineering innovations. It discusses the early influences of the Etruscans, including introducing the Tuscan order. The Romans made significant structural advancements with their widespread use of arches, vaults, and innovative techniques like groin vaults which allowed large interior spaces. They also pioneered concrete, which replaced stone and enabled casting structures in any shape. Overall, the Romans revolutionized construction through mastery of the arch and development of concrete.
The document discusses Greek city planning and architectural principles and elements. Some key points:
- Greek cities had three main sections - the acropolis (sacred area atop hills), agora (gathering place), and town (residential area). Newer cities followed a grid street plan.
- Architecture was ordered and proportioned using classical columns and entablatures. Temples, theaters, and stoas were common building types.
- Athens' Acropolis contained the Parthenon and other temples, while the Agora was the civic center below. Buildings were carefully sited and designed to be visually appreciated.
Ancient Greek civilization originated in cities on the Greek mainland and islands in the Aegean Sea between 1100 BC and 146 BC. It started with the mingling of two Greek cultures, the Dorian and Ionian, and developed sedentary agricultural and commercial societies organized around independent city-states. Greek architecture began as temples to house the gods and evolved other civic buildings as Greek society developed. Religious belief centered on polytheism and elaborate temples were built to honor the gods, with architecture serving religious functions. Greek achievements extended to early science, arts, literature, and sports.
This document provides an introduction to the theory of architecture. It defines architecture as both an art and a science of designing and constructing buildings. It discusses the artistic and scientific components of architecture. It also defines architectural theory and describes the different forms and types of architectural theory, including descriptive theory, perspective theory, and critical theory. Finally, it discusses architectural systems and orders and how they relate to the organization of space, structure, enclosure, movement, technology, programming, and context.
This document discusses various theories and systems of proportion in architecture. It begins by explaining the importance of material, structural, and manufactured proportions. It then defines key terms like proportion, ratio, eurhythmy, Fibonacci series, and harmonic series. The remainder of the document outlines several specific theories of proportion used in classical architecture, the Renaissance, and modern works, including the golden section, Fibonacci series, classical orders, Renaissance theories, Modulor, ken, anthropometrics, and considerations of scale. Overall, the document provides an overview of proportional systems and theories that architects have used to achieve harmony, order, and appropriate scale in their designs.
The document describes various indigenous structures and settlements across North and South America from prehistoric times to the 15th century CE. It details architectural features of mound-building cultures like the Natchez and Mississippian peoples, pueblos of the Ancestral Puebloans, and earthworks like the Serpent Mound. Mesoamerican structures discussed include temples and ceremonial centers of cultures like the Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Toltec, and Aztec. In South America, it outlines the precise stonework and mountainous settlements of the Inca, including Machu Picchu and Tiwanaku's Gate of the Sun monument.
The document discusses the primary architectural elements of point, line, plane and volume. It defines each element and provides examples of how they are used in architectural design. A point becomes a line with length and direction. A line extended forms a plane with length, width and surface. A plane extended creates a volume with three dimensions of length, width and depth. The elements are used to define spaces, structures and forms in architecture.
This presentation was provided by Steph Pollock of The American Psychological Association’s Journals Program, and Damita Snow, of The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), for the initial session of NISO's 2024 Training Series "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape." Session One: 'Setting Expectations: a DEIA Primer,' was held June 6, 2024.
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17Celine George
An import error occurs when a program fails to import a module or library, disrupting its execution. In languages like Python, this issue arises when the specified module cannot be found or accessed, hindering the program's functionality. Resolving import errors is crucial for maintaining smooth software operation and uninterrupted development processes.
How to Manage Your Lost Opportunities in Odoo 17 CRMCeline George
Odoo 17 CRM allows us to track why we lose sales opportunities with "Lost Reasons." This helps analyze our sales process and identify areas for improvement. Here's how to configure lost reasons in Odoo 17 CRM
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdfTechSoup
"Learn about all the ways Walmart supports nonprofit organizations.
You will hear from Liz Willett, the Head of Nonprofits, and hear about what Walmart is doing to help nonprofits, including Walmart Business and Spark Good. Walmart Business+ is a new offer for nonprofits that offers discounts and also streamlines nonprofits order and expense tracking, saving time and money.
The webinar may also give some examples on how nonprofits can best leverage Walmart Business+.
The event will cover the following::
Walmart Business + (https://business.walmart.com/plus) is a new shopping experience for nonprofits, schools, and local business customers that connects an exclusive online shopping experience to stores. Benefits include free delivery and shipping, a 'Spend Analytics” feature, special discounts, deals and tax-exempt shopping.
Special TechSoup offer for a free 180 days membership, and up to $150 in discounts on eligible orders.
Spark Good (walmart.com/sparkgood) is a charitable platform that enables nonprofits to receive donations directly from customers and associates.
Answers about how you can do more with Walmart!"
How to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 InventoryCeline George
In this slide, we'll explore how to set up warehouses and locations in Odoo 17 Inventory. This will help us manage our stock effectively, track inventory levels, and streamline warehouse operations.
Main Java[All of the Base Concepts}.docxadhitya5119
This is part 1 of my Java Learning Journey. This Contains Custom methods, classes, constructors, packages, multithreading , try- catch block, finally block and more.
How to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP ModuleCeline George
In Odoo, the chatter is like a chat tool that helps you work together on records. You can leave notes and track things, making it easier to talk with your team and partners. Inside chatter, all communication history, activity, and changes will be displayed.
2. Historical Background
Location
the valley of Tigris and
modern Iraq
Mesopotamia or land
defined edges
Mediterranean to eastern
• Located in and around
Euphrates rivers in
• Area is also known as
between two rivers
• The land had poorly
• The land stretches from
borders of present Iran
*for educational purposes only*
3. Historical Background
Location
• To the south and west, it
fades into the Arabian desert
• To the north and west, it
fades into the plains of Syria
• The Tigris and Euphrates
rivers sit in the land as dominant
physical feature
• The Rivers were
unpredictable, being subject
to alternating flood and
drought
*for educational purposes only*
4. Historical Background
Period
• The area witnessed the earliest rise of human
civilization
around 4500 BC
• Transformation from prehistory, to villages and cities
occurred there
• Civilization there lasted for 5000 years
• Cultural development was not homogenous during the
period
• Different cultures established city states and empires
at different periods
• The cultures include Sumerian, Akkadian, Assyrian,
Babylonian, and Persian
*for educational purposes only*
5. Historical Background
Period
the history of the cultures
3300 BC
• It has not been possible to trace a neat order of
• An acceptable order is presented
• Sequence of Civilization
– 4500 to 2000 BC Sumerian culture, peaking in
– 2350 – 2200 BC Akkadian Period
– 2000- 1600 BC Babylonian Culture
– 1600 – 1717 BC Kessites and Hittites
– 1350 – 612 BC Assyrian Culture
– 612 – 539 BC Neo Babylonian culture
– 539 – 330 BC Persian culture
*for educational purposes only*
6. Historical Background
Social Characteristics &
Beliefs• Mesopotamia is the cradle of civilization
• What do we mean by civilization?
– Civilization is usually associated with the cultural practices
of cities and urban living, the presence of writing and written
law
• In Mesopotamia, earliest cities were
established and urban culture took hold
• Between 4000 and 3000 BC, large number of
people began living in a small area creating first
cities
• Many people began to have jobs that is
unrelated to agriculture*for educational purposes only*
7. Historical Background
Social Characteristics &
Beliefs• Once established, cities grew and increased power and
importance
• As cities grew in power and importance, rivalries
developed between them for military and economic
control
• The ANE was land without natural defenses
• Warfare was common throughout its history
• The Tigris and Euphrates also suffered from alternate
drought and floods
• Combination of warfare and frequent drought and flood
made a continuous homogenous civilization impossible
• The result is that several cultures flourished and died out
during the ANE period
*for educational purposes only*
8. Historical Background
Social Characteristics &
Beliefs
authority residing in an assembly of male
time, kingship evolved
defeated weaker ones to create empires and
sovereign king
• Cities in the ANE initially developed with
citizens
• Short term leaders were selected during wars
• When war leaders were retained during peace
• It was initially elective and later hereditary
• As some cities became more powerful, they
kingdoms
• This led to collective rule of city states by a
*for educational purposes only*
9. Historical Background
Social Characteristics &
Beliefs• With kingship also came monumental palaces
as place of residence and administration for
the king
• Almost all ANE culture worshiped many gods
and goddesses
• ANE people did not believe in immortality or
eternal life
• They believed only gods were immortal
• Rather, they believed in divine rewards for
moral conduct
*for educational purposes only*
10. Historical Background
Social Characteristics & Beliefs
numerous offspring and long life
related to fertility
crops
were explained by the actions of gods
elements- sky, earth, water, sun, moon, etc
• The reward was enjoyed in this life
• The rewards include increased worldly goods,
• The most popular and earliest religious cults
• Fertility goddesses influenced the growth of
• Aspects of life such as war, weather, disease,
• The Sumerian had a religion based on the
*for educational purposes only*
11. Historical Background
Social Characteristics &
Beliefs
society
they needed a means of communication and
of writing based on pictograph
called the cuneiform
to produce historical records
• This reflected the agrarian nature of their
• As ANE people came together to live in cities,
record keeping
• Around 3500, the Sumerians invented a system
• This was later developed into a simpler writing
• Development of written language enabled them
*for educational purposes only*
12. Historical Background
Social Characteristics &
Beliefs• Written records also led to the development of
written law as in the code of King Hummurabi
• Cities in ancient Mesopotamia were enclosed
by wall fortifications
• The fabric of the cities are a blend of
residential, commercial and industrial
buildings
• Houses were one story high and mostly of
mud brick
• Rooms were arranged around courtyards
*for educational purposes only*
13. Historical Background
Social Characteristics &
Beliefs• Houses looked inward
• Rooms were narrow with thick walls and flat,
vault or dome roofs
• Timber and stone were scarce, clay was
abundant and mud brick was most common
building material
• Buildings were usually raised on platforms to
protect them from the floods
• Clay was also used for pottery
• Mesopotamians invented astrology, wheeled
vehicle & made advances in science & math
*for educational purposes only*
14. Sumerian Architecture
Introduction
• The transition from prehistory
was made around 4500 BC with
the rise of the Sumerian
civilization
• Sumerians established an
irrigation system that made the
capable of food production to
support urban living
• They were also skilled in metal
craft
• The Sumerians invented the
cuneiform system of writing
*for educational purposes only*
15. Sumerian Architecture
Introduction
cuneiform system of writing
Sumerian civilization were
civilization to make a
designing public buildings
material
sun dried and built into
• The Sumerians invented the
• The major cities of the
Kish, Uruk and Ur
• The Sumerian were the
first
conscious attempt of
• Mud was their building
• Mud was formed into brick,
massive walls *for educational purposes only*
16. Sumerian Architecture
Introduction
• Mud was their main building material
• Mud was formed into brick, sun dried and built
into massive walls
• Walls were thick to compensate the weakness
of mud
• They were reinforce with buttresses
• Spaces were narrow because of the walling
material
*for educational purposes only*
17. Sumerian Architecture
Introduction
• Spaces were narrow because of the walling
material
• Façade of buildings were whitewashed and
painted to disguise the lack of attraction of the
material
• Buttresses and recesses also relieve the
monotony of the plastered wall surfaces
• Temples was their major building type
• We will examine Sumerian house organization
and their temple forms
*for educational purposes only*
18. Sumerian Architecture
Introduction
• The clearest example of
the cities of the ancient
Near East is found in the
Sumerian city of Ur
• Cities were enclosed in
walls with Ziggurat
temples and palace as
centers of the city
• Fabric of the city is made
up of residences mixed
with commercial and
industrial buildings
*for educational purposes only*
19. Sumerian Architecture
Introduction
• The houses are densely
packed with narrow
streets between them.
• Streets were fronted by
courtyard houses of one
story high
• The houses streets were
usually punctuated by
narrow openings that
serve as entrance to
houses
*for educational purposes only*
20. Sumerian Architecture
Architectural Monument-
Temples
• Temples were the principal architectural
monuments of Sumerian cities
• Temples consist of chief and city temples
• We will examine two examples of chief
temples- the white temple at Uruk and the
Great Ziggurat at Ur
• And we will examine on city temple, the
Oval temple at Khafaje
*for educational purposes only*
21. Sumerian Architecture
White Temple Uruk
• Uruk was a major Sumerian
city by 3300 BC
• Uruk is also known as warka
in arabic
• The name Iraq is derived from
Uruk
• The city covered an area of 2
square kilometer
• Had a population of 40,000
people
• White temple was located at
Uruk
*for educational purposes only*
22. Sumerian Architecture
White Temple Uruk
• The white temple was built
around 3000 BC
• The white temple is an
example of earliest
development of Sumerian
temples and Ziggurat
*for educational purposes only*
23. Sumerian Architecture
White Temple Uruk
great mound of earth called
12 meters above ground
built with mud bricks
shape
supported by buttresses
temple was a long
alter and offering table
• The temple is place on a
Ziggurat, rising more than
• The ziggurat and temple are
• The temple is rectangular in
• Temple walls were thick and
• In the inner part of the
sanctuary, that contains an
*for educational purposes only*
24. Sumerian Architecture
White Temple Uruk
• Rooms oblong and in shape
and vaulted surrounded the
long side of the sanctuary
• The temple had imposing
doorways located at its
either end
• Worshippers to the temple
however enter through a
side room
*for educational purposes only*
25. Sumerian Architecture
White Temple Uruk
• Series of staircases and
stepped levels lead
worships to the entrance of
the temple
• The temple was plastered
white externally, making it
visible for miles in the
landscape
*for educational purposes only*
26. Sumerian Architecture
Great Ziggurat Ur
• Ur was a Sumerian city
located near the mouth of
the Euphrates river
• The city was a thriving place
by 2600 BC
• It was considered sacred to
Nnanna, the moon god
• The white temple was built
around 2113 to 2048 BC by
the ruler Urnammu
• It was built on the ruins of
previous temples and
incorporated their remains
*for educational purposes only*
27. Sumerian Architecture
Great Ziggurat Ur
bricks reinforced with thin
of twisted reeds
located as part of a temple
the ziggurat and its court
attached to it called the
priest of the temple and
• It was constructed of mud
layers of matting and cables
• The Great Ziggurat was
complex
• The complex comprised
of
and a secondary court
court of Nannar
• The king was the chief
lived close to it *for educational purposes only*
28. Sumerian Architecture
Great Ziggurat Ur
• The temple sits on a three
multi-tiered Ziggurat
mountain
• Access to the temple is
through triple stairways that
converge at the summit of
the first platform
• From this stage, one
passed through a portal with
dome roof to fourth
staircase
*for educational purposes only*
29. Sumerian Architecture
Great Ziggurat Ur
• The fourth staircase gave
access to the second and
third stages of the ziggurat
and to the temple
• The temple is usually
access only by the priest,
where gods are believed to
come down and give
instructions
*for educational purposes only*
30. Sumerian Architecture
Great Ziggurat Ur
• The ziggurat is believed by
the Sumerians to unit the
heavens and the earth
• The people believed that
climbing the staircase of the
ziggurat gives a holy
experience
• The chief temple was also
used as a last line of
defense during times of war
• Most of what is known about
what exist on top of the
ziggurat is projection
*for educational purposes only*
31. Sumerian Architecture
Oval Temple- Khafaje
• Oval temple is an example of
second type of Sumerian
temples
• It was constructed around
2600 BC
• The temple is named oval
because of its massive oval
walls surrounding the temple
• Located in the city, emphasis
in its organization is on
enclosing space within
courtyards
*for educational purposes only*
32. Sumerian Architecture
Oval Temple Khafaje
• Space is enclosed to create
island of peace from a busy
city
• The temple is raised on a
simple platform enclosed
within the oval walls
• It had subsidiary chambers at
the ground level
• The outer wall was extended
to protect a priestly
residence with its own chapel
*for educational purposes only*
33. Sumerian Architecture
Oval Temple Khafaje
• The inner court had an
offering table and showed
evidence of animal sacrifices
• The inner court also had
basins for ablution as well as
workshops and storage
rooms
*for educational purposes only*
34. Assyrian Architecture
Introduction
• Assyria is the name for a part
of ancient Mesopotamia
located on the upper Tigris
• The principal cities of Assyria
were Nineveh, Dun,
Khorsabad, Nimrud and Assur
• The Assyrians were great
warriors and hunters, and this
was reflected in their art
• They produced violent
sculptures and relief carving in
stone that was used to
ornament their houses
*for educational purposes only*
35. Assyrian Architecture
Introduction
temples lost their importance to
in which palaces took precedent
platforms, and their principal
guardian figures of human
lined with pictures and
stone slabs up to 9 feet high
• During the Assyrian periods,
palaces
• Assyrian kings built walled cities,
over religious buildings
• Palaces were raised on brick
entrance ways were flanked by
headed bulls or lions of stone
• Their halls and corridors were
inscriptions carved in relief on
*for educational purposes only*
36. Assyrian Architecture
Introduction
• The interiors were richly
decorated and luxurious.
• The walls of cities were
usually strengthened by many
towers serving as defensive
positions
• The city of Khorsabad
demonstrate the might and
authority of the Assyrian kings
• It is also at this place that the
remains of Assyrian
architecture can be found
*for educational purposes only*
37. Assyrian Architecture
City of Khorsabad
• Khorsabad was designed as
the royal capital of Assyria
• The city was built on a flat land
with an area of about a square
mile and was enclosed by a
double wall with seven city
gates
• Only a part of the city including
palaces, temples and
administrative headquarters
was built
• The palace was located on the
north west side of the city
*for educational purposes only*
38. Assyrian Architecture
Palace of Sargon
• The palace is approached at
ground level through a
walled citadel
• Within the citadel is found
the main palace, two minor
palaces and a temple
dedicated to Nabu
• The main palace was set on a
platform located on the
northern side of the citadel
• All the buildings within the
citadel were arranged
around courtyards
*for educational purposes only*
39. Assyrian Architecture
Palace of Sargon
• The palace was arranged
around two major courtyards
about which were grouped
smaller courtyards
• The palace consisted of
large and smaller rooms with
the throne room being the
largest
• The building was decorated
with relief sculpture and
glazed brick
*for educational purposes only*
40. Babylonian Architecture
Introduction
• After the fall of Nineveh in
612 BC and the end of the
Assyrian civilization, focus
of Mesopotamian civilization
shifted to old Babylon
• A new dynasty of kings,
including Nebuchadnezzar,
revived old Babylonian culture
to create a Neo- Babylonian
civilization
• Old Sumerian cities were
rebuilt
*for educational purposes only*
41. Babylonian Architecture
Introduction
enlarged and heavily
magnificent new buildings
Mesopotamian building
period
enhanced by a new form of
of figures designed in
• The capital old Babylon was
fortified
• It was also adorned with
• The traditional style of
reached its peak during the
• Traditional building was
façade ornament consisting
colored glazed brick work
*for educational purposes only*
42. Babylonian Architecture
City of Babylon
• The city of Babylon is
shaped in the form of a
quadrangle sitting
across and pierced by
the Euphrates[64]
• The city was
surrounded by a
fortification of double
walls
• These had defensive
towers that project well
above the walls
*for educational purposes only*
43. Babylonian Architecture
City of Babylon
• The walls also had a large
moat in front, which was
also used for navigation
• The length of the wall and
moat is about five and a
quarter miles
• The city had a palace,
Nebuchadnezzar’s palace,
located on its
northern side on the outer
wall
*for educational purposes only*
44. Babylonian Architecture
Ishtar Gate
procession street that cuts
the ground to the tower of
the city through the famous
the double walls of the city
projecting towers on each
• From the palace originated a
through the city raised above
Babel
• The procession street enters
Ishtar gate
• The Ishtar gate is built across
fortification
• The gate had a pair of
wall
*for educational purposes only*
45. Babylonian Architecture
Ishtar Gate
and adjoining streets
glazed bricks and
of heraldic animals- lions,
relief and glazed in other
old Babylon has survived
• All the facades of gates
were faced with blue
ornamented with figures
bulls, and dragons
• These were modeled in
colors
• None of the buildings
of
to the present age
*for educational purposes only*
46. Babylonian Architecture
Architecture in the city of
Babylon• Nebuchadnezzar’s palace
covered a land area of 900 feet
by 600 feet
• It had administrative offices,
barracks, the king’s harem,
private apartment all arranged
around five courtyards
• The palace is also praised for its
legendary hanging garden
• This is recorded as one of the
seven wonders of the ancient
world, but exact knowledge of
the nature of this garden is not
known *for educational purposes only*
47. Babylonian Architecture
Architecture in the city of Babylon
also prominent
Babylon
Babel located at the end of
mentioned in the Christian
information about the
the tower
on the tower is hypothetical
• Temples and towers were
architectural elements of
• The legendary tower of
procession street is
bible
• There is also no
design and construction of
• Most of what is available
*for educational purposes only*
48. Persian Architecture
Introduction
• The Persian empire started in about 560 BC when Cyrus
the great from the province of Fars swept over the
region with his powerful cavalry
• By the end of the century, Cyrus and his successors,
Darius 1 and Xerxes had conquered the entire civilized
world from Indus to Danube River with the exception of
Greece
• It was the wish of the Persians to construct great
buildings
• They were to achieve greatness with their architectural
solutions
• The architectural solutions were a synthesis of ideas
gathered from almost all parts of their empire and from
the Greeks an Egyptians
*for educational purposes only*
49. Persian Architecture
Introduction
• Their materials of construction was also from
different locations
• Material included mud-brick from Babylon,
wooden roof beams from Lebanon, precious
material from India and Egypt, Stone columns
quarried and carved by Ionic Greeks
• Despite sourcing materials and ideas from
different areas, their architecture was original
and distinctive in style
*for educational purposes only*
50. Persian Architecture
Palace at Persepolis
its greatest monumentality at
capital for the Persian Empire
and finished in 460 BC
mountain leveled to create
feet
a
fortification wall
covered by buildings
• Persian architecture achieved
Parsepolis
• It was constructed as a new
• The city was started 510 BC
• It is set along the face of a
large platform 1800 feet by 900
• It was surrounded by a
• The site was more than half
*for educational purposes only*
51. Persian Architecture
Palace at Persepolis
• The palace consisted of
three parts:
• An approach of
monumental staircases,
gate ways and avenues
• Two great state halls
towards the center of the
platform
• The palace of Xerxes, the
harem, and other living
quarters at the south end
of the site
*for educational purposes only*
52. Persian
Palace
Architecture
at Persepolis
relied on a hypostyle
spaces of varying scale
very big and generally
by mud brick walls
of the palace was the royal
• Structurally, the buildings
scheme throughout
• They used it to achieve
• Some of the spaces were
square in plan
• The spaces were enclosed
• The most impressive
aspect
audience hall
*for educational purposes only*
53. Persian Architecture
Palace at Persepolis
• The Royal audience hall was a
square 250 feet in length
• It contained 36 slender columns
widely space & 67 feet high
• The columns had a lower diameter of
only 5 feet
• The centers of the columns were
spaced 20 feet or 4 diameters apart
• The column was the greatest
invention of the Persians
• The columns were fluted and stand
on inverted bell shaped bases
• Their capital combine Greek motifs
with Egyptian palm leaf topped by
an impost of paired beast
*for educational purposes only*
54. Persian Architecture
Palace at Persepolis
palace at parsepolis was the
of a 100 columns
were 37 feet high, with a
apart or seven diameters
created room and spacious
compared to the audience
• Another famous aspect of the
throne room
• This was also known as hall
• The columns in the room
diameter of only 3 feet
• They were spaced 20 feet
from axis to axis
• The slim nature of the
column
feeling in the room when
hall
*for educational purposes only*
55. Assyrian Architecture
Palace at Persepolis
• The monumental entrance
to Parsepolis is also one
of the unique aspects of
the Palace
• The monumental gateway
ensure a dramatic entry
to the Palace
• It was heavily adorned
with relief sculpture
ornamenting its stairway
*for educational purposes only*
56. Assyrian Architecture
Palace at Persepolis
• The relief structure
addresses different
themes relating to the
role of Parsepolis as
the capital of the
Persian Empire
*for educational purposes only*
57. Assyrian Architecture
Palace at Persepolis
• In some places, the
sculpture shows delegates
from the different parts of
the Persian bringing gifts
and rare animals to the
king during celebrations
• In some places, royal
guards and nobles of the
imperial court are shown
• Elsewhere, the king is seen
in conflict with animals or
seated beneath a
ceremonial umbrella
*for educational purposes only*
58. Assyrian
Palace
Architecture
at Persepolis
have survived to the
give a faulty expression
appearance
supporting the halls of the
the palace and its
perished completely
• The ruins of Parsepolis
present day
• Existing ruins however
of the city’s original
• Some columns
great halls have survived
• The mud brick fabric of
enclosing walls have
*for educational purposes only*
59. Assyrian Architecture
Palace at Persepolis
• Only the sculptures
which adorn
doorways or windows
and openings and the
relief ornamenting its
entrance way remain
*for educational purposes only*
60. Buildings & Other Arch.
Building Types
Elements
houses, temples and palaces
outstanding buildings types in ANE
and city fortification was also witnessed
organization led to the evolution of the inward
city with narrow passages to distribute people
• 3 building types examined in ANE; Cities and
• Temples and palaces were the most
• Significant development in house organization
• In Sumerian civilization, development in
house looking courtyard house
• Houses formed the dominant buildings of the
*for educational purposes only*
61. Buildings & Other Arch. Elements
Building Types
• Across all the civilizations, cities were usually
walled
• The walls were of massive brick material, with
evenly distributed towers serving as buttresses.
• Examples of city wall or fortification examined
include City of Khorsabad and Babylon
• The chief’s house at precinct of the Great
Ziggurat and the Palace at Parsepolis were also
fortified with brick walls.
*for educational purposes only*
62. Buildings & Other Arch. Elements
Temples and Palaces
during the different periods of the ANE
and were also common during the Babylonian
Ziggurats, while the character of the Babylonian
of them
located outside the city and the city temple
• Importance of temples and palaces varied
• Temples started during the Sumerian period
period.
• The Sumerian temples were raised on
temples is not certain because there is no trace
• The Sumerian temples had chief temples
located within the fabric of the city
*for educational purposes only*
63. Buildings & Other Arch. Elements
Temples and Palaces
• Neo-Babylonians also built great palaces. The
legendary palace of Nebuchadnezzar with its
hanging garden is widely reported in history
• Temple building declined during the Assyrian
period, when palaces took over as the
prominent building type
• The Palaces at Khorsabad and Parsepolis
shows the rise of the palace as the focus of
architectural development over the temple
*for educational purposes only*
64. Materials, Construction & Tech.
Materials
• Stone and timber suitable for building was rare
in the plains of the Tigris and Euphrates.
• Clay was however in abundance
• This was compressed in moulds and dried in the
sun to provide bricks for all buildings
• Sun dried brick became the standard building
material
• It was used across all the cultures of the ancient
Near East
*for educational purposes only*
65. Materials, Construction & Tech.
Materials
• Wood was scarce but was imported from
Lebanon
• Wood was probably applied mainly for
roofing or for producing tools and ornaments
• Stone was used by the Assyrians but only for
relieve carving and for columnar support
• It was in ancient Persia that extensive use of
stone witnessed
• The Babylonians introduce glazed brick,
which was used in the façade of their gates and
prominent buildings
*for educational purposes only*
66. Materials, Construction & Tech.
Construction
development of construction methods
to stone
reinforced with buttresses.
Sumerian temples.
Mesopotamian period
• The abundance of mud brick led to the
appropriate to its physical properties.
• Structurally Mud brick is weak when compared
• To compensate, walls were very thick and
• This construction system is evident in the
• Vaulting was known and used during the
*for educational purposes only*
67. Materials, Construction
Construction
& Tech.
vaults.
oblong spaces.
the ANE
and Neo-babylonian periods.
borrowed from other cultures in the region,
• Rooms were usually roofed with domes or
• Tunnel vaults were used to cover long narrow
• Columnar construction was not very popular in
• It was used in few instances in the late Assyrian
• It was however extensively used by the Persians
• Persian architecture, was an architecture that
including Egypt and Greek sources
*for educational purposes only*
68. Materials, Construction &
Technology
Tech.
commonly used in the Ancient Near East;
probably a product of its desert environment
livable environments in houses
as a thermal storage
fluctuations of temperature
• Two technologies appear to have been
passive cooling and water supply.
• The evolution of courtyard in Mesopotamia was
and the need for climate modification.
• Courtyards were used for cooling to create
• The thick walls of houses may also have served
• They help to mitigate against the wide
*for educational purposes only*
69. Materials, Construction & Tech.
Technology
• People of the ancient Near East also mastered
the earth of water supply
• Channels were used to move water and supply
it to agricultural fields and houses.
• Ancient Babylon was said to have an aqueduct
that supplied water to the city.
• The hanging garden in Nebuchadnezzar’s
palace would also be impossible without a
means of transporting water from the ground to
the garden
*for educational purposes only*
70. Principles of Arch. Organization
Principles
• Three principles appear to predominant in
the organization of architectural form and
space
– Courtyard organization
– Lifting of buildings on artificial mountains
– Organic organization of city fabric
*for educational purposes only*
71. Forces Shaping Arch. Organ.
Forces
• Three forces account for the prevailing
architectural organizing principles
observed
• Geography,
• Symbolism and meaning to the people
• Social factors
• Combination of the factors account for the
architectural forms that are witnessed in
all the cultures of the ANE
*for educational purposes only*
72. Forces Shaping Arch.
Geography
Organ.
and built form
and constrained the development of
conditions which lead to the evolution of the
of courtyard fixed the form of buildings as a
of one story multi-courtyard form
• A strong factor in shaping spatial organization
• Limited the availability of construction
material construction technology
• Desert environment also meant t hash climatic
courtyard form of building
• Prevalence of mud bricks coupled with the use
regional solution.
• Most buildings- whether house or palace, were
*for educational purposes only*
73. Forces Shaping Arch. Organ.
Symbolism and Meaning
symbolisms and meaning
sky and to god
Ziggurat to communicating with the chief priest
holy experience.
motivation for the construction of larger and
• Organizing principles may also be a factor of
• The role of symbolism is evident in the Ziggurat
• Sumerians think of ziggurat as a ladder to the
• They believed that God came down to the
• Climbing the ziggurat is also associated with a
• Symbolic meaning of ziggurat provides more
impressive mountains
*for educational purposes only*
74. Forces Shaping Arch. Organ.
Symbolism and Meaning
and power of the king
in the symbolic importance
center of authority.
of the temple
authority and power of the emperor of the
commandeer resources from as far as Egypt and
• Palaces also symbolize power and authority
• In Assyria, architecture expressed the authority
• The palace at Khorsabad also shows the
decline
compared to the palace of the king, which is the
• At Parsepolis, the palace also expresses the
Persian empire
• This power is evident in the ability to
*for educational purposes only*
75. Forces Shaping Arch. Organ.
Social Concerns
• Social concerns contributed to the evolution
of
design principles
• There was need for defense due to warfare
• Led to construction of wall fortifications for cities
• Also to ziggurat as a place of refuge from attack
• Concerns for privacy
• Courtyard house may have evolved because
of privacy needs *for educational purposes only*