MODULE 02

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 01
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT

Start Slide
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

INTRODUCTION
3200 BC – AD FIRST CENTURY Ancient
Egyptian architecture is one of the most
fascinating aspects of human history. Known
for its monumental scale, precision, and
symbolic depth, Egyptian architecture has
left an indelible mark on the world. This
module explores the intricate details of
Egyptian architectural styles, materials,
religious influences, and the grand structures
that continue to inspire awe.
The Egyptian civilization, with its unique
combination of geography, religion, and
resources, developed an architectural style
that reflected its values, beliefs, and social
organization. From the massive pyramids to
the awe-inspiring temples, Egyptian
architecture was created to stand the test of
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

INTRODUCTION
Monumental Scale
Ancient Egyptian architecture is renowned for its
monumental scale, with structures like the pyramids and
temples dwarfing human proportions.
Precision and Craftsmanship
The Egyptians were masters of precision and
craftsmanship, evident in the perfectly aligned stones and
intricate carvings that adorn their buildings.
Symbolic Depth
Every element of Egyptian architecture held symbolic
meaning, reflecting the Egyptians’ beliefs in the afterlife,
the divine, and the cyclical nature of life.
Enduring Legacy
Egyptian architecture has left an enduring legacy, inspiring
awe and wonder in generations of people.
 MODULE 02

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 01
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT & INFLUENCE ON

ARCHITECTURE

Geography and The Nile: Lifeblood of Connection to the

Civilization Egypt Divine
The geography of Egypt The Nile was much more than The river also symbolized the
played a crucial role in a river; it was the lifeblood of connection between life and
shaping its architecture. Egypt. It served as a source of death, as the Egyptians
Egypt, known as "Kemet" or water, food, transportation, believed that their journey in
the "Black Land," was and communication. The the afterlife mirrored the
surrounded by vast deserts annual flooding of the Nile journey along the Nile.
but blessed with the Nile ensured that the land
River's fertile banks. remained fertile, turning the
surrounding desert into
productive farmland.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT & INFLUENCE ON

ARCHITECTURE

Geography and The Nile: Lifeblood of Connection to the

Civilization Egypt Divine
The geography of Egypt The Nile was much more than The river also symbolized the
played a crucial role in a river; it was the lifeblood of connection between life and
shaping its architecture. Egypt. It served as a source of death, as the Egyptians
Egypt, known as "Kemet" or water, food, transportation, believed that their journey in
the "Black Land," was and communication. The the afterlife mirrored the
surrounded by vast deserts annual flooding of the Nile journey along the Nile.
but blessed with the Nile ensured that the land
River's fertile banks. remained fertile, turning the
surrounding desert into
productive farmland.
 MODULE 02

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 01
GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

KEY BUILDING MATERIALS

The geology of Egypt was vital in determining the nature
of its architecture. The most common building materials
included:

❑ Limestone: Sourced from Tura and widely

used for the outer casing of pyramids.
❑ Sandstone: Quarried from central Egypt
and used for temples.
❑ Granite: Found in Aswan and used for
internal chambers and obelisks.
❑ Alabaster: A decorative stone used for
sculptures and ornamental work.
❑ Basalt and Quartzite: Hard stones often
used in more specialized construction,
such as pavements.
 MODULE 02

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 01
CLIMATIC IMPACT ON EGYPTIAN
ARCHITECTURE
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

CLIMATE OF EGYPT
Egypt’s warm and stable climate, with little rainfall, had a
significant influence on architectural design. The country
experiences only two major seasons: spring and
summer. The hot and dry conditions contributed to the
preservation of many structures, especially tombs and
temples, which remain standing after thousands of years.
 CASE STUDY

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 01
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE ON EGYPTIAN
ARCHITECTURE
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

RELIGION AND ITS CENTRALITY

Religion permeated every aspect of Egyptian life, and
architecture was no exception. Tombs and temples were
seen as vital components of the Egyptians’ spiritual lives,
bridging the mortal world with the divine. The architecture
of these structures was not merely functional but deeply
symbolic.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

RELIGION AND ITS CENTRALITY

Religion permeated every aspect of Egyptian life, and
architecture was no exception. Tombs and temples were
seen as vital components of the Egyptians’ spiritual lives,
bridging the mortal world with the divine. The architecture
of these structures was not merely functional but deeply
symbolic.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

RELIGION AND ITS CENTRALITY

Religion permeated every aspect of Egyptian life, and
architecture was no exception. Tombs and temples were
seen as vital components of the Egyptians’ spiritual lives,
bridging the mortal world with the divine. The architecture
of these structures was not merely functional but deeply
symbolic.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

RELIGION AND ITS CENTRALITY

Religion permeated every aspect of Egyptian life, and
architecture was no exception. Tombs and temples were
seen as vital components of the Egyptians’ spiritual lives,
bridging the mortal world with the divine. The architecture
of these structures was not merely functional but deeply
symbolic.
 CASE STUDY

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 01
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

ANCIENT KINGDOM
THE AGE OF PYRAMID (3200 – 2130 BC)
During this period, Egyptian architecture was characterized by the construction of pyramids and
mastabas. The step pyramid of Zoser at Sakkara is one of the earliest examples of monumental
architecture, setting the stage for later pyramid building.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

MIDDLE KINGDOM
POLITICAL STABILITY AND ARTISTRY (2130 – 1580 BC)
This era saw the rise of complex temple architecture. Mortuary temples like those at Deir el-Bahari
were designed to honor both the dead and the gods. The Great Temple of Karnak, begun during
the Middle Kingdom, continued to evolve during later dynasties.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

NEW KINGDOM
THE ERA OF MONUMENTAL TEMPLES (1580 – 322 BC)
The New Kingdom is often considered the golden age of Egyptian architecture. During this period,
Pharaohs commissioned massive projects, including the temples of Karnak, Luxor, and Abu
Simbel. The grandeur of these structures was meant to demonstrate the Pharaohs’ divine right to
rule.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

PTOLEMAIC AND ROMAN PERIOD (322 BC – AD395)

Greek and Roman influence began to permeate Egyptian architecture during the Ptolemaic period.
Temples such as those at Dendera and Philae exhibit a blend of traditional Egyptian and Greco-
Roman styles. The Ptolemies continued the practice of monumental building, although the decline
of Egyptian craftsmanship was becoming evident.
 CASE STUDY

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 01
KEY ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND
STYLES
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

MONUMENTAL ARCHITECTURE
Pyramids, Temples and Tombs - Monumental structures
like the Great Pyramid of Cheops and the rock-hewn
temple at Abu Simbel are prime examples of Egyptian
architectural prowess. These buildings were designed not
only for function but to symbolize eternity and divine order.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

COLUMN TYPES AND CAPITALS

Egyptian columns were often adorned with intricate
capitals modeled after natural forms, such as the lotus,
papyrus, and palm. Different periods featured distinct
styles, ranging from the simple square pillars to more
elaborate composite capitals.
LOTUS COLUMN
The capital (top) of these columns resembles the lotus
flower or bud, symbolizing regeneration and rebirth.

Seen in temples like Karnak.

EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

COLUMN TYPES AND CAPITALS

Egyptian columns were often adorned with intricate
capitals modeled after natural forms, such as the lotus,
papyrus, and palm. Different periods featured distinct
styles, ranging from the simple square pillars to more
elaborate composite capitals.

PAPYRUS COLUMN
The capitals are based on papyrus plants, with either
closed buds or open blossoms. Papyrus was associated
with Lower Egypt.

Found in temples like the Luxor Temple.

EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

COLUMN TYPES AND CAPITALS

Egyptian columns were often adorned with intricate
capitals modeled after natural forms, such as the lotus,
papyrus, and palm. Different periods featured distinct
styles, ranging from the simple square pillars to more
elaborate composite capitals.
PALMIFORM COLUMN
These columns have capitals resembling palm fronds,
symbolizing fertility and life..

Often found in Middle Kingdom tombs and some

temple complexes
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

COLUMN TYPES AND CAPITALS

Egyptian columns were often adorned with intricate
capitals modeled after natural forms, such as the lotus,
papyrus, and palm. Different periods featured distinct
styles, ranging from the simple square pillars to more
elaborate composite capitals.
HATHORIC COLUMNS
These columns feature a capital with the head of Hathor,
the cow-goddess of love and motherhood. The capital
sometimes includes her face and stylized cow ears.

Prominent in the Temple of Dendera.

EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

COLUMN TYPES AND CAPITALS

Egyptian columns were often adorned with intricate
capitals modeled after natural forms, such as the lotus,
papyrus, and palm. Different periods featured distinct
styles, ranging from the simple square pillars to more
elaborate composite capitals.
OSIRIDE PILLARS
These pillars are rectangular in shape and are typically
decorated with a figure of Osiris, the god of the afterlife.

Seen in the mortuary temples of Pharaohs like

Ramses II.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

COLUMN TYPES AND CAPITALS

Egyptian columns were often adorned with intricate
capitals modeled after natural forms, such as the lotus,
papyrus, and palm. Different periods featured distinct
styles, ranging from the simple square pillars to more
elaborate composite capitals.
FLUTED COLUMNS
These are columns with vertical grooves along their shaft.
While less common in Egyptian architecture than in Greek
styles, they were sometimes used for decorative effect.

Some appear in certain parts of Karnak and other

later temples.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

COLUMN TYPES AND CAPITALS

Egyptian columns were often adorned with intricate
capitals modeled after natural forms, such as the lotus,
papyrus, and palm. Different periods featured distinct
styles, ranging from the simple square pillars to more
elaborate composite capitals.
TENT-POLE COLUMNS
These columns imitate wooden tent poles, suggesting the
nomadic origins of the Egyptians. The shaft is often plain
with a flared top.

Found in early dynastic architecture.

 CASE STUDY

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 01

WALL CONSTRUCTION
AND DECOTRATIONS
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

WALL CONSTRUCTION
MASONRY TECHNIQUES
Ashlar Masonry: Large, finely cut stones fitted together without
mortar, used for temples and monumental structures.

Corbel Vaulting: Seen in pyramids, where stones were gradually

cantilevered to create a vault.

Monumentality: Thick, massive stone walls symbolized

permanence, reflecting their belief in the afterlife. This approach
conveyed both religious significance and the power of the Pharaoh.

Alignment with Cosmic Forces: Walls were often aligned with

celestial bodies, reinforcing the religious and cosmological beliefs of
the ancient Egyptians. For instance, temple walls were oriented to
specific solar events like the rising of the sun.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

DECORATION ON WALLS
RELIEFS AND SCULPTURES
Low and High Reliefs: Walls were often covered with carvings in bas-relief (low relief) or raised relief.
These depicted pharaohs, gods, and everyday life, reinforcing religious narratives and political
propaganda.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

DECORATION ON WALLS
HIEROGLYPHICS
:Sacred carvings were not just decorative but also
communicative. They told stories of gods, the afterlife,
royal lineage, and historic events.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

DECORATION ON WALLS
POLYCHROMY
The reliefs and hieroglyphs were typically painted in vibrant colors, which have faded over time but were
essential to the aesthetic.
❑ Symbolism of Colors: Blue and gold symbolized divinity, green represented fertility, and red stood for
power and chaos. These colors were made from natural pigments like ochre and malachite.
 CASE STUDY

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 01

TOMB ARCHITECTURE
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
 CASE STUDY

TOMB ARCHITECTURE

1. MASTABAS
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

MASTABAS
❑ A mastaba is a flat-roofed, rectangular structure with inward-sloping sides. It was typically
made of mudbrick or stone, and it served as a tomb for royalty, nobles, and officials during
the Early Dynastic Period and the Old Kingdom
❑ Mastabas were the precursors to pyramids, serving as both functional tombs and
spiritual monuments, designed to ensure the deceased’s safe passage into the afterlife.
❑ The word "mastaba" comes from the Arabic term for "bench," describing the tomb’s bench-
like appearance.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

MASTABAS

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

❑ Rectangular Shape

❑ Inward Sloping Walls

❑ Flat Roof

❑ Above-Ground and Subterranean Sections

EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

MASTABA OF MERERUKA
❑ Located in Saqqara, this large and elaborate mastaba belonged to Mereruka, a vizier of
Pharaoh Teti. It features intricately carved reliefs and numerous chambers, showing the
wealth and importance of the individual.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

MASTABA OF TI
❑ Another famous mastaba in Saqqara, it belonged to an official named Ti. It contains well-
preserved reliefs depicting daily life and religious scenes, providing valuable insights into
Egyptian art and beliefs.
 CASE STUDY

TOMB ARCHITECTURE

2. PYRAMIDS
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

PYRAMIDS
❑ The pyramids are the most iconic architectural
symbols of ancient Egypt. Built to house the
bodies of Pharaohs, pyramids were designed
with precise astronomical alignments.

❑ Pyramids were built as tombs for the Pharaohs

and were seen as a means of ensuring their
safe passage into the afterlife, aligning with the
ancient Egyptian belief in immortality.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

EVOLUTION OF PYRAMIDS
Step Pyramid of Djoser (circa 2670 BCE)
Designed by Imhotep, the step pyramid at Saqqara is considered the first monumental
stone structure. It marked the transition from mastabas to a pyramidal form, consisting of
stacked layers that created a step-like appearance.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

EVOLUTION OF PYRAMIDS
The Bent Pyramid of Sneferu (circa 2600 BCE):
Located in Dahshur, this pyramid illustrates the trial-and-error approach of early pyramid
building. Its unusual bent shape resulted from an adjustment in the angle of inclination
during construction.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

EVOLUTION OF PYRAMIDS
The Red Pyramid of Sneferu (circa 2590 BCE)
Also in Dahshur, this is the first true smooth-sided pyramid, representing the final
refinement in pyramid design before the construction of the Great Pyramid.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

EVOLUTION OF PYRAMIDS
The Great Pyramid of Giza (circa 2560 BCE)
Built for Pharaoh Khufu, it is the largest and most well-known of all the pyramids. It
remained the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
 CASE STUDY

TOMB ARCHITECTURE

2.1 PYRAMID ARCHITECTURAL

SYMBOLYSIM
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

SYMBOLISM
❑ Benben stone, a primordial mound associated
with the creation myth and the sun god Ra.

❑ The sloping sides symbolized the rays of the

sun, aiding the Pharaoh's ascent to the
heavens.

❑ The orientation of the pyramids was also

symbolic, with entrances typically facing east to
align with the rising sun, reinforcing the
connection to the sun god.

❑ Pyramids were often part of a larger mortuary

complex, including temples, causeways, and
smaller pyramids for queens. The entire
complex served both religious and
administrative purposes.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

INFLUENCES
❑ The Egyptian pyramids set a precedent for
monumental architecture worldwide, influencing
later cultures, including the pyramid-building
traditions in Mesoamerica (Mayan and Aztec
civilizations).

❑ The precision and scale of the pyramids have

made them a subject of ongoing study in both
engineering and architecture. Despite the
limitations of ancient technology, the pyramids
demonstrate an advanced understanding of
geometry and design.

❑ End of Pyramid Building: Pyramid construction

began to decline after the Middle Kingdom, due
to the enormous expense and the growing
threat of tomb robbery. Later Pharaohs opted
for hidden tombs in places like the Valley of the
 CASE STUDY

TOMB ARCHITECTURE

2.2 PYRAMID NOTABLE EXAMPLES

AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

THE GREAT PYRAMID OF KHUFU

❑ The Great Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the
Pyramid of Giza, is one of the most iconic and
ancient architectural feats in human history.
Built around 2580–2560 BC during Egypt’s Old
Kingdom.

❑ It is the largest of the three pyramids on the

Giza Plateau and was originally constructed as
a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops in Greek).

❑ Height is at 146.6 meters tall

❑ The pyramid is aligned with impressive

accuracy to the cardinal points (north, south,
east, and west). This precise alignment shows
the advanced knowledge of astronomy and
mathematics possessed by the ancient
Egyptians.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

THE GREAT PYRAMID OF KHAFRE

❑ The Pyramid of Khafre is the second-largest of
the three pyramids on the Giza Plateau

❑ Although slightly smaller than the Great

Pyramid of Khufu, it is often perceived as taller
due to its higher elevation on the plateau and
the remaining casing at the top.

❑ Height is at 143..5 meters

❑ Also known as Pyramid of Chephren

The Great Sphinx

❑ Located adjacent to Khafre’s pyramid complex
is the Great Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue
with the body of a lion and the head of a
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

THE PYRAMID OF MENKAURE

❑ The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three main pyramids on the Giza Plateau
❑ Despite its smaller size, it exhibits unique construction techniques and materials that set it
apart from the larger pyramids of Khufu and Khafre, offering a distinct architectural study.
❑ Height at 61 meters.
❑ Three smaller satellite pyramids, often called Queens' Pyramids, are adjacent to
Menkaure’s pyramid. These are believed to have been intended for Menkaure’s wives or
other royal family members.
❑ Also known as the Pyramid of Mykerinos
 CASE STUDY

TOMB ARCHITECTURE

3. ROCK-CUT TEMPLES
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

ROCK-CUT TEMPLES
❑ During the New Kingdom, the practice of
building rock-cut tombs in the Valley of the
Kings became popular. These tombs were
hidden away in the cliffs of Thebes, designed to
protect the bodies of Pharaohs from tomb
robbers.

❑ These temples were carved directly into solid

rock formations, typically cliffs or mountains,
rather than being constructed from the ground
up using separate building materials.
 CASE STUDY

TOMB ARCHITECTURE

3.1 ROCK-CUT TEMPLES

EXAMPLES
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

ABU SIMBEL TEMPLES

❑ Purpose: These two temples were built by
Pharaoh Ramesses II to commemorate his
reign and to honor the gods. The larger of the
two temples is dedicated to Ramesses II
himself and to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty,
and Ptah, while the smaller temple is dedicated
to his wife Queen Nefertari and the goddess
Hathor.
 CASE STUDY

TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE

1. MORTUARY TEMPLES
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

MORTUARY OF HATSEPSUT
❑ These temples were built to honor the pharaohs
after their death and to facilitate the ongoing
worship of their divine spirits.
❑ Unlike tombs, which were the actual burial
sites, mortuary temples were places of ritual
offerings and commemorations, often located
near the pharaoh’s pyramid or burial tomb.
❑ Mortuary temples were often built on the west
bank of the Nile, where the sun sets,
symbolizing the pharaoh’s journey to the
afterlife.
 EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
Pylon Gates: Massive Open Courtyards: Hypostyle Hall: These
stone gates flanked by These large, open enclosed areas, filled
towers marked the spaces allowed for with rows of massive
entrance to the temple processions and rituals. columns, led
complex, symbolizing They were surrounded worshippers into the
the horizon where the by colonnades and deeper, more sacred
gods and the king decorated with statues, parts of the temple
connected. obelisks, and offering
tables.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

MORTUARY OF HATSEPSUT
❑ Purpose: Built for Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of
Egypt’s few female pharaohs, this mortuary
temple was intended to honor her reign and to
serve as a place for posthumous worship. It
was dedicated to the god Amun-Ra and other
deities associated with the afterlife.
❑ Location: Deir el-Bahari, West Bank of the
Nile.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

MORTUARY TEMPLE OF RAMESSES II

❑ Purpose: The Ramesseum was intended
to immortalize Ramesses II as a living
god. Its grand scale and elaborate
decoration made it a center of royal
propaganda, where Ramesses’
achievements and divine nature were
celebrated.

❑ Location: Thebes (modern Luxor), West

Bank of the Nile.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

MORTUARY TEMPLE OF AMENHOTEP III

❑ Purpose: Amenhotep III’s temple was a
monumental structure meant to glorify the
pharaoh’s reign. The Colossi of Memnon
have survived the test of time and remain
iconic symbols of his mortuary complex,
although the temple itself was heavily
damaged over the centuries by
earthquakes and flooding.

❑ Location: Thebes, West Bank of the Nile.

❑ Colossi of Memnon: These massive

statues, each standing about 18 meters
(60 feet) tall, were placed at the entrance
to the temple. They are representations of
Amenhotep III seated on his throne.
 CASE STUDY

TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE

2. CULT TEMPLE
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

CULT TEMPLE
❑ The cult temples of ancient Egyptian
architecture were monumental structures
dedicated to the gods and served as religious,
political, and social centers of Egypt.

❑ These temples played a crucial role in ancient

Egyptian society, with elaborate ceremonies,
rituals, and offerings conducted to honor the
gods.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

KARNAK TEMPLE
❑ Karnak was the largest religious complex in ancient Egypt, symbolizing the power of the
god Amun and the pharaohs who built it.
❑ It hosted major religious festivals, most notably the Opet Festival, during which the statues
of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu were carried in a sacred procession from Karnak to Luxor.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

KARNAK TEMPLE
❑ Deity: Primarily dedicated to Amun, the king of
the gods, but also includes temples for his wife
Mut and their son Khonsu.
❑ Avenue of Sphinxes: A 2.5 km-long road lined
with sphinx statues connected the Karnak and
Luxor temples. The sphinxes are depicted with
ram heads, representing Amun.
❑ Sacred Lake: Located within the complex, this
man-made lake symbolized the primeval waters
of creation, and priests used it for purification
rituals.
❑ Obelisks: Several obelisks once stood at
Karnak, the most famous being those of
Hatshepsut and Thutmose III, symbolizing rays
of the sun and honoring the god Amun-Ra.
•The temple was part of a larger religious complex in Thebes, connected to the Karnak Temple via the Avenue of Sphinxes.

EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

LUXOR TEMPLE
❑ Luxor Temple was closely linked to the Opet Festival, an annual celebration of the renewal
of kingship and the rejuvenation of the pharaoh's divine power. The festival reinforced the
pharaoh's role as both a divine figure and a mediator between the gods and people.
❑ The temple was part of a larger religious complex in Thebes, connected to the Karnak
Temple via the Avenue of Sphinxes.
•The temple was part of a larger religious complex in Thebes, connected to the Karnak Temple via the Avenue of Sphinxes.

EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

LUXOR TEMPLE
❑ Deity: Also primarily dedicated to Amun,
but unlike Karnak, Luxor was more
intimately associated with the divine
aspect of the pharaoh and his role in
religious rites.
❑ Colonnade of Amenhotep III: A stunning
100-meter-long corridor lined with 14
massive papyrus columns. The colonnade
represents the grand processional way
leading to the inner sanctuaries of the
temple.
❑ Pylons of Ramses II: The entrance to the
temple is marked by two massive pylons,
originally flanked by six colossal statues of
Ramses II, symbolizing the pharaoh’s
divine authority. An obelisk from this site
now stands at the Place de la Concorde in
Paris.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

TEMPLE OF HORUS
❑ The temple is one of the best-preserved examples of Egyptian cult architecture. Completed
during the Ptolemaic period, it was a major center for worship and provided insight into the
lasting influence of traditional Egyptian religion under Greek rule.
❑ It played an essential role in the Horus myth, symbolizing his triumph over Set, the god of
chaos, and reinforcing the concept of kingship as a force for maintaining order in the
universe
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

TEMPLE OF HORUS
❑ Deity: Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-
headed god, who was worshipped as the
avenger of his father Osiris and protector of
the pharaohs.
❑ Pylons: The entrance to the temple is
dominated by two towering pylons, standing
36 meters tall and decorated with scenes
depicting Horus and the king smiting their
enemies.
❑ Hypostyle Hall: Like other temples, Edfu
features a large hypostyle hall supported by
beautifully carved columns leading to
smaller inner chambers.
❑ Reliefs and Hieroglyphs: Edfu is known for
its well-preserved reliefs depicting scenes
from the myth of Horus avenging his father,
Osiris. These scenes, along with the
inscriptions, provide valuable insights into
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

TEMPLE OF HORUS
❑ The Temple of Hathor was a major center for religious festivals, particularly those
celebrating fertility and renewal. The "Feast of the Beautiful Meeting" was a festival where
the statues of Hathor and Horus (from the Temple of Horus at Edfu) were brought together,
symbolizing their union.
❑ Dendera is noted for its preservation and unique artwork, including representations of
Cleopatra, making it an essential site for studying the influence of Hellenistic culture on
traditional Egyptian religious practices.
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

TEMPLE OF HORUS
❑ Deity: Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-
headed god, who was worshipped as the
avenger of his father Osiris and protector
of the pharaohs
❑ Pylons: The entrance to the temple is
dominated by two towering pylons,
standing 36 meters tall and decorated with
scenes depicting Horus and the king
smiting their enemies.
❑ Hypostyle Hall: Like other temples, Edfu
features a large hypostyle hall supported
by beautifully carved columns leading to
smaller inner chambers.
❑ Inner Sanctuary: At the heart of the temple
is the sanctuary where a statue of Horus
once stood. It housed the sacred barque
(boat) used during religious ceremonies.
 CASE STUDY

ARCHITECTURAL ORNAMENTS AND SYMBOLISM

RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL

SYMBOLS
AR.CHRISTIAN MAGAT
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

SYMBOLS
❑ Scarab: Symbol of resurrection and eternal life.

❑ Lotus and Papyrus: Represented fertility, creation, and rebirth.

❑ Uraeus: The cobra motif, symbolizing protection and sovereignty.

EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE

SYMBOLS
❑ Vulture: A protective symbol associated with the goddess Nekhbet.

❑ Solar Disc: A representation of the sun god Ra, often seen atop temple gateways
and columns. These symbols were integrated into the architecture, ensuring that the
structures themselves acted as sacred spaces infused with divine meaning.