Part IV

Interpreting Egyptian Art and Architecture

In this part . . .

Egyptologists are lucky because so many texts, tombs, and temples survive, giving a rounded view of the whole of ancient Egyptian culture. The major breakthrough in Egyptology as a discipline was deciphering hieroglyphs in the early 19th century. Prior to this, explorers could only look on in wonder with no real insight into the Egyptian’s culture and beliefs.

The monuments of the ancient Egyptians are closely tied in with religion, and all architectural elements of a temple have a purpose. However, the development of tombs from holes in the ground to pyramids, and back to holes in the ground again has more to do with security than religion. As the tombs became more secretive they became more elaborately decorated; almost as compensation. This part takes you there.