Ancient Egypt
“ Concerning Egypt…there is no country that possesses so many wonders, nor that has such a number of works
that defy description…they are religious to excess, far beyond any other race or men.” Herodotus (Greek
historian)
 Egypt was not well understood until
modern Europe rediscovers it at the end
of 18th century.

1799-Rosetta Stone is discovered! The same
writing in Greek, Demotic (Late Egyptian) and
hieroglyphics
Ancient Egypt
Great Pyramids of Gizeh: Menkaure, Khafre, Khufu circa 2600-2475 BCE
• tomb for a Pharaoh –God King
• 3 pyramids were made to honor the Sun God whose
object was a pyramidal stone
• Kufru is the oldest and largest..it is almost solid
limestone
• Polished limestone used to cover the whole surface,
making it shine in the sunlight
• Each side faces the directions of the compass
• Unfortunately the huge pyramids advertised their
treasure and were soon robbed.
Egyptian Statue

An image of the deceased could serve as a
home for the “Ka” should the mummy be
destroyed

Pharaoh and his Queen-her arm around
him.

TRADITIONAL POSE: arms at
sides, hands in fists, one foot forward,
unnatural weight looking forward:
FRONTAL
Menkaure and His Queen
2548-2530 BCE
4 feet 67/8 inches
King Tutankhamen
Death Mask-1325 BCE Gold , lapis and
stones

Covering the head and shoulders -solid
gold death mask.

the head-dress of striped gold
interspersed with lapis lazuli.

false beard of the gods; and a broad,
intricately-decorated collar

Forehead- gods who protect the
Pharaoh:

vulture, symbol of Upper Egypt -cobra
who spits at the Pharaoh's enemies,
while also representing Lower Egypt, Death Mask of
guides the deceased Pharaoh on his1325 BCE
journey through the underworld.
Tutankhamen