Praxis Art Ch. 10: Ancient Egyptian Art & Architecture

What is monumental architecture?

Architecture on a very large scale.

Which of the following Ancient Egyptian art forms became popular during the Middle Kingdom?

Block statues

What type of temple was built to honor Egyptian gods?

Cult

What is one disadvantage of the post-and-lintel system?

Many posts are required to support a large lintel, making the interior space crowded with columns.

What structures preceded pyramids in signifying an underground burial chamber?

Mastabas

Why were temples to the gods important in Egyptian cosmology?

So people could perform rituals and offerings to sustain the gods

What did the pictures and symbols in Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics represent?

Sounds and words

Which type of pyramid construction did not build the tomb of the pharaoh underground?

True Pyramids

What does a post-and-lintel look like in architecture?

Two vertical pillars support a horizontal beam or slab.

What was the purpose of art inside a tomb?

To help the spirit into the afterlife and help it enjoy the afterlife.

What is the estimated time of completion of a single pyramid with 10,000 laborers working?

30 years

Pyramids were constructed during which Egyptian dynasties?

3rd - 4th

How many main parts are contained in the temple complex at Karnak in Egypt?

4

Why did burial tombs in Ancient Egypt contain paintings and reliefs?

To help the dead make the transition to the afterlife

What was the Amarna Period of Ancient Egypt?

An era in the New Kingdom when a religious shift caused a rare change in artistic styles.

What is a hypostyle hall, like the one in the Karnak temple?

An interior space filled with rows of columns.

What is the name of the architect credited with constructing the first pyramid?

Imhotep

During what time period in ancient Egypt did the building of temples become popular?

New Kingdom

What major artistic shift occurred in the Middle Kingdom?

None are correct; the Middle Kingdom was very consistent with the Old Kingdom. (+Block statues)

During what time period in ancient Egypt was the construction of mastabas most prominent?

Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BC. It is also known as the "Age of the Pyramids")

The pyramid of Djoser represents which type of pyramid construction?

Step pyramid

Which of these periods of Ancient Egypt is the oldest?

The Early Dynastic.

What makes the Egyptian use of the post-and-lintel system unique from previous cultures?

The Egyptians used post-and-lintel to build massive structures.

What major artistic innovation was developed during the Old Kingdom?

The development of pyramids.

Why did much of the artwork in Ancient Egyptian tombs survive?

The dry weather and lack of sun preserved the paintings.

What is Ma'at?

The eternal natural order of the universe

How are people and animals often portrayed in Ancient Egyptian art?

The head is looking to the side, but the body faces forward.

What was the role of the pharaoh in the Egyptian religion?

The pharaoh was an intermediary between the gods and the people. The pharaoh built temples that kept the gods in power against forces of disorder. The pharaoh became a god after death.

Why did the pharaoh build temples and tombs for him/herself?

The pharaoh was believed to be able to protect the people as a god after death.

Why do many temples line up with astronomical events, such as the solstice or equinox?

The temples were believed to help maintain natural cycles that protected the natural order.