Egyptian Architecture

Prehistory and Egyptian Architecture
IRFAN MEMON a1(17CE34), MUHAMMAD IRFAN a(17CE67), SHOAIB BUTT
a(17CE19), TAHIR ABBASIa(17CE61), RAHIM BHAYO a(17CE76)
aQuest NawabShah
Abstract. This report mainly elaborates the pre-history and ancient Egyptian
Architecture. In Pre-History section, The Origin of Architecture that how
Architecture was started from its very first form and how it evolved through
different times withinpre-historic periodandwhat were the structures usedin that
time andhowHumans developedtheirveryfirst structures andhowtheymodified
Naturally made structures toman-made structures andit is also describedabout the
cave systemusedby humans,laterally huts,andotherbasic structures are discussed.
In Ancient Egyptian Architecture section The Location, Religion and Belief of
Ancient Egypt, Materials used for construction, geometry of their Home, the
Climate and importance of River Nile is discussed. The different structures like
dams built by Egyptian for annual floodingmastabas for burial places are discussed
and latterly how mastabas were converted into pyramids and different types of
pyramids are also discussed.
Keywords. Prehistory, Ancient Egyptian, Architecture, pyramids, Structure,Cave
System
1. Introduction
a) Purpose
The purpose of this report is to provide the knowledge about the prehistory and
ancient Egyptian Architecture, how architecture evolved and on what basis human
started building such structures this report also provide the knowledge about the ancient
Egyptians architecture which was mainly based on their (religion) beliefs.
b) Method of investigation
This Report is prepared from different sources, through Wikipedia, through some
official websites of history and research. Some of the data was also extracted through
Documentary films and some books were also used.All data was collected manipulated,
summarized and then explained in the simple language.
c) Scope
This report is very good for the reader who is interested in the History of
Architecture and Engineering techniques used in that time. This Report primarily focus
on the Architectural techniques of Egyptians and has great scope in understanding the
origin of Architecture and Egyptian Architecture like Mastaba and Pyramids complexes
built in that time.
1 CorrespondingAuthor

d) Background
The Ancient Architecture is very important to the modern day architecture because
this is the base and the basic principles of Architecture that are still followed from
Ancient world. Mostly the pyramids of Egypt are marvelous monuments of the ancient
world which were built 5000 years ago and are still existing, that is why this report is
very much interesting and important.
2. Prehistory architecture
The History of Architecture means that how the architecture has developed
gradually from its very first form to its present form. Actually it is the inquiry or
knowledge acquired through investigation that what type of architecture was in use at
different places in different times. The History of Architecture is broadly divided as,
 Stone Age Architecture
 Iron Age Architecture
 Bronze Age Architecture
These Ages are divided on the basis of Material used for tools & weapons etc.
[2]
History of Architecture is also divided through different periods.
 Pre-History Architecture
 Egyptian Architecture
 Greek Architecture
 Roman Architecture
 Renaissance Architecture
 Modern Architecture
Prehistory architecture refers to the architecture which was used in the time when
there were no any history records or the time when the humans did not us e to write or
record the events. The Theory out of Africa suggests that the modern humans 2 million
years ago had a single origin in Africa from where they spread or migrated throughout
the world. These humans used the caves to protect themselves from weather, enemies
etc. [1]
.
2.1. Cave
A Cave is an unfilled/hollow natural chamber found in a cliff or hillside. [1]

Figure 2.1 ShowingInteriorviewof a cave
2.2. Grotte du Vallonnet
It is a cave located in coast of azure, in English it is known as French Riviera.
Human lived in this cave 1 million years ago. Such human which were cave
Dweller are called cavemen. [1]
Figure 2.2 showing the Interior view of Grotte du Vallonnet.[1]
2.3. Zhoukoudiana cave system
Zhoukoudiana cave systemfound in Beijing China. About 0.75 million or
750,000 years ago humans Lived there. We came to know that Humans lived in caves
by the painting of the animals And tools found inside the Caves. [1]

Figure2.3 Zhoukoudiana cave [1]
2.4. Huts
After Caves Humans found their shelters under the trees, the Humans gathered the
branches of trees and placed stones at the bottomof each branch and erecting them in a
circle and then combining all the branches from the top gave then a shape of hut. The
Humans in order to protect themselves from sun,rains, and wind, they latterly Covered
these huts with the skin of hunted animals or with the leaves of plants. The Huts from
the bones of the animals and stones were also built as these huts were more stable than
wood. This was Old Stone Age.[1], [2]
Figure 2.4

Figure 2.4.1 the Hut [2]
Figure 2.4.2 Hut covered with animal's skin
Figure 2.4.3

2.5. New Stone Age
 Menhirs
In The New Stone Age the Humans used menhirs. Menhirs are vertically
standing stones.Menhirs are literally meant as Long-stones.These can be found as
single Standing stone or can be found in a group of similar stones.[1], [2].
Figure 2.5.1 showing MENHIRS (Vertical standing stones)
 Dolmen
A Dolmen is a stone structure in the ancient times used by humans for shelter,
it is a actually a chamber which is constructed by a erecting two or more vertical
stones and placing a large flat stone over them which serves as a roof.
Figure 2.5.2 Dolmen
 Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a type of menhirs in England , it consist of a circle of standing
stone each 13 feet high, 7 feet wide and each having weight of 25 tons. It was
constructed around 3000 BC to 2000 BC.In The New Stone Age Peoples used
molded stones and polished stones.[1]

Figure 2.5.3 Front view of STONEHENGE
Figure 2.5.4 Top view of STONEHENGE
2.6. Pre-history architecture of Scotland
The first permanent stone houses were built around 6000 years ago, the evidence
could be found at the Knap of Howar where large number of chambered like tombs
exists. [1]

Figure 2.6.1 showing the permanent stone made houses at Orkney, Scotland. [1]
Figure 2.6.2 Permanent Stone made structures
 Hillfort
A Hillfort is a type of defensive structure which were constructed fromearth the
process ofconstructing the Hillforts involves rising in elevation which is helpful for
defensive purpose.
The houses were constructed inside the hillfort. One of the example of Hillfort
which still exists is Maiden Castle in England, Europe which is one of the largest
Hillfort present in Europe. [1]
Figure 2.6.3 Maiden Castle, England. [1]

Figure 2.6.4 Hillfort
3. Ancient Egyptian architecture
3.1. Location of Egypt
Ancient Egypt is located in North East of Africa.
Figure 3.1.1 World Map
3.2. Geography of Egypt
The River Nile flows through the Egypt dividing the land of Egypt into two parts.
The climate of Egypt is arid (no rain) too much dry. In the northern side of the country
the Mediterranean Sea is present which is lower side and the River Nile forms a great
delta of slow-moving water (sluggish).In the East side of the country red sea is present
which is parallel to the course of river Nile. Due to such an extra ordinary availability of
river flow and sea, Ancient Egypt was the only country which commanded export and
import of foreign trade. Egyptian didn't even the need of Roads for transportation,they
had used the sea ways only. Egyptian used the water for transportation purpose. They
were great canal and harbor diggers. They could go from north to south easily due to

upper side to lower and they had used the wind to go to south to north. In order to go to
east or west they built canals, they could dig them to several kilometers. [2]
Figure 3.2.1 Map of Egypt
3.3. Religion of Egyptians
Egyptians were polytheists.They believed in many gods,they believed in life after
death. The ruler or king of the country specifically called Pharaoh. It was believed that
Pharaoh possess a divine power. And Pharaoh acted as an intermediary b/w people and
God. They believe that after death the soul of the dead person keeps wandering that's
why they used to mummify the dead bodies in order to preserve the soul. All the precious
things of the king like treasure were buried along with the king. [1]
3.4. Ancient Egyptiansarchitecture
As the Egyptians land was arid and hot there was deficiency of wood and mostly the
houses and temples were built from sundried bricks. The mud for bricks was collected
from banks of river Nile which were molded and dried in the sun. The common houses
for living purpose were usually rectangular in shape. In bigger houses front and back
doors were provided usually ramps were provided for reaching the door. The windows
were also in use with base frame to keep animals & thieves away. Mostly roofs were flat
and wood was only used to support doorways ceilings & steps. A brick staircase, ladder
or ramp was used to reach the flat roof. [1]

Figure 3.4.1 Typical Egyptian Houses
Figure 3.4.2 Front view of Egyptian Houses
3.5. Menes
In Egypt annual flooding was a problem that the flood used to destroy all the
structures.In 3000BC first Pharaoh ofEgypt decided to build a dam around the Memphis
the capital city. The Dam was 49 foot high and it was first ever built dam in the history.
Wheneverflood used to come the Memphis stayed dry. [3]

Figure 3.5.1 Dam surrounding Memphis [3]
3.6. Mastaba
The Architecture of ancient Egypt is much more due to their beliefs & religion. The
Ancient Egyptians believed in life after death very strongly.They believed that their king
Pharaoh after death will rise again, so they realized that Pharaoh’s body must be
preserved for long time and all the treasure of the king should be buried with him, for
preserving the body they adopted mummification taking out the internal organs such as
heart, liver, stomach, intestines and then drying them and then placing them back into
the body,this process would allow the body to preserve for long time. Another problem
was that the Pharaoh must be buried that he should stay away from the outer world and
the treasure of king must be saved from thieves then the Egyptians came up with new
structures in which king would be buried deep inside the ground along with his treasure
and super structure over its funeral place called as MASTABA. The word Mastaba in
Arabic language means “BENCH” Mastaba consist of a rectangular super structure
which was built from sun dried and polished mud bricks or stones having sloping walls
and a flat roof , the sub structure consisted of a deep shaft under bed rock which was
used as a burial chamber .[1][3]
Figure 3.6.1 MASTABA

Figure 3.6.2 3D View of MASTABA
3.7. Pyramid
As the time passed different pharaohs came who ruled the Egypt, each pharaoh
wanted to have his burial place more attractive, bigger which reveals his divine power,
so the different architects were arranged to learn the techniques for the modification of
Mastaba. A place called SAQQRA in Egypt was declared as the learning place for
architects. Later on in 2667BC 2nd ruler of old king named DJOSER proved to be very
powerful king he became first to be called as God. DJOSER was responsible for first
ever super-structure made up of stones. DJOSER arranged his best architect who was
his friend to build burial place for him which would be made from stone, and in result
world's first pyramid came into existence, which is called as Step-Pyramid, It was Egypt
biggest MASTABA,A Pyramid is a complex structure consisting of super and sub
structures above and below ground the superstructure consist of a rectangular or square
base and steep(SLOOPING) sides that converges at the top.[1][3]
Figure 3.7.1 pyramidal Shape

Figure 3.7.2 the Great Pyramids of Giza
Figure 3.7.3 Cross-section of Egyptian pyramid
3.8. Step pyramid
Step pyramid was the first ever superstructure made up of stone and the first ever
pyramid in the history of the world built by DJOSER. The pyramid was the built from
stone and was built for burial place for Pharaoh DJOSER. [3]
In order to construct the pyramid the first step was to select the site and site was
selected according to the belief of Egyptians as it was a burial place for the king who
was sun God, so the site was selected according to the sun setting.The Sun rises in the
east and sets in the west so if the king is sun God so he must die in the west so the site
selected in the west facing to east as again sun rises in the east so one day the king would
rise again, After the selection of site the 2nd step was arranging a labor. The Egyptian
people used to worship their king and use to love their king a lot so working for king was
a matter of honorfor them, in this way 10,000 people were arranged which were provided
food, clothes and other necessary things from king. [3]
The Site was build down where the body of king and treasure was to be placed,
firstly a vertical shaft of 28m depth and 7m square dug in which the king's body was to
be placed and other inclined shaft connected to the vertical shaft was dug through which
the king would be lowered, otherchamber underthe bed rock were also dug in which the
kings treasure was to be kept safe, two rooms and narrow streets were built under bed

rock to trick the thieves.The galleries and tunneled chambers having 6km length connect
to the vertical shaft.After building the sub-structure the super-structure was to be build
and the millions of stones were required for this purpose a quarrying site was selected
and the stone was quarried using stone hammers and stones were cut into small blocks
of symmetrical shape.The Stones were then transported to the construction site by using
man labor, they used the ropes and placed those stones over it and drag it, water was
thrown while dragging up to reduce the friction the blocks of stones were stacked and
bonded with lime stone. The Pyramid was surrounded by Rectangular courtyard for
entrance gate to the courtyard, 40 stone columns each 33feet high were erected which
were first time ever in history, and the columns were supported by walls to give more
stability. [3]
Figure 3.8.1 Step Pyramid.
Figure 3.8.2 Aerial View of pyramid.

Figure 3.8.3 Cross-section of Step Pyramid.
3.9. Sneferu's pyramid
Sneferu wanted much betterstructure for his burial complex, he was responsible for
building three pyramids.
 The Meidum Pyramid
 The Bent Pyramid
 The Red Pyramid
 Meidum pyramid
It consist of one large pyramid and several other mud-brick MASTABA. The
base is 144m, Height is 65m and stepped at the slope of 51 degree, In Egyptian
Architecture the Pyramid is called PSEUDO Pyramid. This Pyramid was collapsed
due to construction error.[1]
Figure 3.9.1 Meidum pyramid [1]

Figure 3.9.2 Meidum Pyramid actual construction plane. [1]
 Bent pyramid
The King become angry due to the failure of Medium Pyramid so He decided
to build another pyramid approximately 40km away from Cairo in South,
SNEFERU built the bent pyramid because this pyramid has two inclinations, The
Total Height of this pyramid is 104.74m and the base is a89.61m, from the bottom
to 47m the slope of pyramid is 54 degrees and from 47m to top the inclination is
varies to 43 degrees giving the bent shape to the pyramid, SNEFERU ordered the
architects to make the pyramid smooth instead of steps by filling with mud and
smoothing them and then coated with lime stone,The Pyramid started failing due
to steepnessat the bottom.[1][3]
Figure 3.9.3 Bent Pyramid

Figure 3.9.4 Slopes of Bent Pyramid
 Red Pyramid
When SNEFERU was unsuccessfulin 2nd pyramid he ordered to build another
pyramid which becomes the first ever smooth sided and perfect pyramid. It is named
as Red Pyramid due to its red lime stone which turned reddish after white lime stone
was removed. Pyramid has the height of 105m and base of 420m and having
inclination angle of 43 degree 40 minute located in Cairo 1km away from bent
pyramid, The Red Pyramid was not red in color from beginning, it turned into red
due to the removal of white lime stone which was used forbuilding purpose in Cairo,
very large blocks of stones weighing tons were quarried and were transported by
man labor using ropes dragging the blocks and water used to reduce friction.[1][3]
Figure 3.9.5 Red Pyramid.

Figure 3.9.6 Top View of Red Pyramid.
Figure 3.9.7 Interior of Red Pyramid.
There are three theories suggesting that how such massive stones were stacked.All
the three theories suggest that different arrangement of ramps were used.
1) 1st theory suggests that the one massive straight ramp was built at one side of
pyramid.[3]

Figure 3.9.8 Straight Ramp.
2) 2nd theory suggeststhat spiralramps were used which were wrapped around the
Pyramid.[3]
Figure 3.9.9 Spiral Ramps.
3) 3rd theory suggests that the combination of both straight & spiral ramps were
used.[3]
Figure 3.9.10 Combination of straight & Spiral Ramps

The Burial chambers, Galleries and other chambers were provided under bed rock
and finally when SNEFERU died he was buried in the Red Pyramid. [1]
3.10. The great pyramids of Giza
The Great Pyramids of Giza is also called Pyramid of Khufu. It is a complex of
three pyramids and a massive sculpture called as great Sphinx, King Khufu the son of
king Sneferu is responsible for building such monuments, these complexes are located
in Giza a km away from the Nile to true North. The three great pyramids are of Khufu
and Menkaure, [1][3]
Figurer 3.10.1 Great Pyramids of Giza
 Khufu's complex is the largest than other two pyramids having height of 146
meter & base of 230 meter. It is built approximately from 2,300,000 blocks,
weighing 50 tons.[1]
Figure 3.10.2 Khufu's Pyramid
 The 2nd Pyramid which is of intermediate size. The Pyramids also consists of
Sphinx temple.[1]

Figure 3.10.3 Khafre Pyramid
 The 3rd Pyramid is of Menkaure son ofKhafre and is smallest of all the pyramids
having height of 65m and 103m base, The Menkaure interior structure is more
complex, The Famous Black Stone sarcophagus was found inside.[1]
Figure 3.10.4 Menkaure Pyramid

3.11. Sphinx at Giza
The monument at Giza the Great Sphinx in Arabic is known as the terrifying one.
The sphinx of Giza is a statue made up of limestone. The sphinx in ancient tradition
was a mythical creature having a body of lion and head of a human. The sphinx was
constructed for khafre’s temple and the head of the sphinx is generally considered as
the head of Khafre. The total length of sphinxfrom paw to tail is 73 meters, the height
from base to the top of head is 20.21 meters. [1]
Figure 3.11.1 Sphinx at Giza.
e) Discussion
While writing this report the discussion which took place with the group members
was very important in writing and understanding the report conceptually, we learnt that
the structures in ancient times were used only for functionality like for Shelter and
structures were used for otherpurposes laterally as time passed human started to use such
structures for sacred purposes which revealed their power, character etc., we also learnt
that in early times all the work was done in terms of human labor weather it was about
to move a piece of stone or to move a 50 ton block, Human labor was very much
important and it is due to the early humans that today we are able to construct such a
structures and even today with the help of artificial intelligence and advanced technology
we are unable to construct such a perfect structure which were constructed in 2500BC.
f) Conclusion
The Conclusion of this report is that in early times humans used to live in very
simple structures which could only provide them shelter from enemies, wild animals &
weather, in early times cave and wood huts were used for living purpose latter on these
structures were transformed into much better structures which were not only used for
shelterpurpose but they were used forsymbols. The Belief ofHuman was very important
for developing such the structures.
References
[1] www.wikipedia.com.
[2] SIR BANISTER FLETCHER, A HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE
ON THE COMPARATIVE METHDO, CHARELS SCRIBNER'S U.S.A.
[3] ANCIENT EGYP'S ADVANCED ENGINEERING STRUCTURES –
DOCUMENTARY FILMS – www.youtube.com.

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