DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.25500#0031
EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE.
7
faced with some harder material. We may also note the
absence of wood of a kind suitable for building, for we find
only small forests of palm and acacia existed.
iii. Climate.—-The climate is equable and of even tem-
perature, snow and frost are whollyunknown, while storm, fog,
and even rain are rare, which accounts to a large extent for
the good preservation of the temples. The climate was thus
of importance in developing the qualities of the architecture,
admitting of simplicity of construction, for though it de-
manded some protection against heat there was no neces-
sity to provide against inclement weather. Egypt has been
said to have but two seasons, spring and summer.
iv. Religion.—A close connection between religion
and architecture is everywhere manifest at this epoch. The
priesthood was powerful, possessed of almost unlimited
authority, and equipped with all the learning of the age.
The religious rites were traditional, unchangeable, and mys-
terious. A tinge of mystery is one of the great characteristics
of the Egyptian architecture as well in its tombs as in its
temples. The Egyptians attained to a very high degree
of learning in astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy; the
remains of their literature have been preserved to us in the
papyri, or MSS. written on paper made from the pith of the
papyrus. In theory the religion was monotheistic, but in
practice it became polytheistic, a multiplicity of gods was
created by personifying natural phenomena, such as the
sun, moon, stars, etc., as well as the brute creation. The
Egyptians were strong believers in a future state; hence
their care in the preservation of their dead, and the erection
of such everlasting monuments as the Pyramids. Herodotus
informs us that the dwelling-house was looked upon by
them as a mere temporary lodging, the tomb being the
permanent abode.
‘ ‘ What availed thee thy other buildings ?
Of thy tomb alone thou art sure.
On the earth thou hast nought beside ;
Nought of thee else is remaining.”
v. Social and Political.—Under this heading we find
that a dense population was employed on public works, for
which they probably received no other pay but their food;
7
faced with some harder material. We may also note the
absence of wood of a kind suitable for building, for we find
only small forests of palm and acacia existed.
iii. Climate.—-The climate is equable and of even tem-
perature, snow and frost are whollyunknown, while storm, fog,
and even rain are rare, which accounts to a large extent for
the good preservation of the temples. The climate was thus
of importance in developing the qualities of the architecture,
admitting of simplicity of construction, for though it de-
manded some protection against heat there was no neces-
sity to provide against inclement weather. Egypt has been
said to have but two seasons, spring and summer.
iv. Religion.—A close connection between religion
and architecture is everywhere manifest at this epoch. The
priesthood was powerful, possessed of almost unlimited
authority, and equipped with all the learning of the age.
The religious rites were traditional, unchangeable, and mys-
terious. A tinge of mystery is one of the great characteristics
of the Egyptian architecture as well in its tombs as in its
temples. The Egyptians attained to a very high degree
of learning in astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy; the
remains of their literature have been preserved to us in the
papyri, or MSS. written on paper made from the pith of the
papyrus. In theory the religion was monotheistic, but in
practice it became polytheistic, a multiplicity of gods was
created by personifying natural phenomena, such as the
sun, moon, stars, etc., as well as the brute creation. The
Egyptians were strong believers in a future state; hence
their care in the preservation of their dead, and the erection
of such everlasting monuments as the Pyramids. Herodotus
informs us that the dwelling-house was looked upon by
them as a mere temporary lodging, the tomb being the
permanent abode.
‘ ‘ What availed thee thy other buildings ?
Of thy tomb alone thou art sure.
On the earth thou hast nought beside ;
Nought of thee else is remaining.”
v. Social and Political.—Under this heading we find
that a dense population was employed on public works, for
which they probably received no other pay but their food;