Ancient Civilization

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Ancient Civilization

This time period consisted of three civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Nubia. While these places were not very similar, they still exhibit monuments and cultural relics that are inspirational to this day. The one thing they do have in common, however, is the fact that the surrounding rivers are their main resource. Egypt, for example, is known for their monuments. Mesopotamia is best studied for their math, writing, and astrology. Nubia, close to the southern side of the Nile, is the least studied, however, it is an African civilization that influenced Egypt.

Mesopotamia

Located by the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, Mesopotamia had an abundance of villages that were some of the most productive grain regions within the world. Along with Egypt, it was a strong and competitive economic force and was at the forefront of writing, time, math, the sail, urban civilization, and astronomy. Palaces, like the Palace of Nimrud, were made up of a large quantity of rooms, typically in the hundreds, and high-quality artwork. The biggest and grandest room was traditionally the throne room and all others were constructed facing the courtyard due to the hot climate.

Many sculptures made up the large quantities of artwork within these palaces and most were seen as colossal gateway figures guarding the entrances. Similarly, sphinxes covered the walls, however, only within the throne room as the largest element in an elaborate composition. Clearly, the overall theme throughout these palaces was intimidation.

Egypt

Using chronology based on dynasties a pharaohs, historians are able to divide this time period of Egypt into three parts: the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. The Old Kingdom focused on the afterlife and became known as the age of the pyramids. This was the time that Zoser built the pyramid at Saqqara and when the great pyramids of Giza were constructed. Alongside Zoser, the architect Imhotep was hired and implemented the first monumental use of stone and scaled columns.

The Middle Kingdom pharaohs turned their attention, time, and energy into building the great pylon temples. The New Kingdom was the age of Egyptian art and architecture and the age of Thebes and Memphis. Under the reign of Ramesses II, the Ramesseum was constructed as a pylon temple with a hypostyle hall. In addition, the Temple of Abu-Simbel was formed whose façade incorporated a large number of extant pieces of Egyptian wood furniture.

Nubia

Between Egypt, the Mesopotamian Kingdom, and Nubia, trading and fighting
occurred. However, within Nubia, the exposure to and influence by others was undoubtedly one of the driving forces of artistic change. Within the 25th Dynasty, Nubian pharaohs ruled Egypt and took inspiration from their temples. They began constructing the Temple of Amun at Jebel Barkal based on the Egyptian-style pylon temple. The Nubian pyramids were also constructed, but at a much smaller scale and are characterized by a steep rake and a pylon porch in the front of the steep pyramids.

One Step Further

Lina Alorabi

Alorabi is a designer who not only looks to make something beautiful, but desires to make it impactful. As the lead designer at Don Tanani, Lina’s work is embedded with the significance to resurrect ancient Egyptian mythology and the stories within each piece through details and patterns. This connectivity is portrayed through face-to-face seating structures made out of wood, neutral fabrics, and symbols of carved structures and snake-like forms. Specifically, her Moruna Sofa symbolizes the cycle of life through deconstructions of her past works in the form of the luxury X relaxation piece for both indoor and outdoor use.

Comments

  1. Professor VanderNoordaaSeptember 21, 2024 at 11:16 AM

    This is a great Blog entry- unfortunately it was turned in late. Typically I will not give credit for a late Blog. I will give you 1/2 credit this time only. Please remember you need to comment on the Blogs of three peers. 25/25 total points

    ReplyDelete

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