Throughout this quarter we have learned about and studied many different types of historical art, all the way from painting to architecture. Most of the pieces we examined I found to be interesting and fun to learn about. But the type of art I particularly enjoyed studying about was the Egyptian Pyramids. They are a work of art miraculous not only when it was built, but still to this day a piece we stand in awe of thinking about the work and design put into them. Not only that but as well the durability for a structure from such an old time period surviving in the form it did even to this day. In particular I enjoyed studying about the Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Taking some twenty years to be completed this 480 foot masterpiece made from 2.3 million limestone bricks which were made and placed by hand, the pyramid was completed around 2560 BC.
I see these Pyramids, like most pieces of art, being built in some type of religious manner. The Great Pyramid of Giza, like many others, was used as a temple and burial site for the kings and a way to offer their lives to the gods. Not only were there buried kings and pharos, but treasures as well. The Egyptians believed in giving offerings of gold and expensive items to the gods they would not only be accepted into the afterlife, but they also believed they could bring these riches with them and continue to be rich in the afterlife.
The sheer size and construction of this great pyramid is what really interested me. I think that you have to be crazy if you don’t enjoy the history and footprint this structure has had on our earth.
I like the Great Pyramid of Khufu, too. It sounds like you were more-so interested in the construction and ideas surrounding the pyramids (as opposed to visual details), is that right?
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoyed this course! I enjoyed teaching you and your classmates.
-Prof. Bowen
I chose the same section of the book as the most interesting to me as well, though the piece I chose was different. I think it's so fascinating that so much effort was put into pieces for their rulers and gods. Really, how much effort they put into all their pieces is incredible. I think that if we were able to stand next to the great pyramids, the size alone would be overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me how unique the Egyptian pyramids are, because you cannot observe this anywhere else in the world! My favorite part about the pyramids are learning how they were built, of course we talked about slaves laboring, but I was really intrigued to learn the interesting and dynamic ways in which they were built on my own. Did you have any particular interests in the process of building or purpose of these pyramids?
ReplyDeleteI also liked the Egyptian art the best. I like how you see the religious perspective of the Great Pyramids. I agree, I also think the fact that they were buried with their tools of trade had religious significance because they believed that they would need them in the afterlife.
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