The grandeur of the old constructions comprises both the historic evolution and the changes of mentality, as the local architecture is one of the most clear evidences on which the history is based. It is also true that it would be impossible to comprehend the architectural evolution without taking into account the events of the past - it is not enough to see an object itself - you must understand its inner sense, the purpose for which it was created, the reflection of the human feelings in the artwork. Without these in-depth findings, one's knowledge would be just superficial. But, if you imagine the thoughts of the artist when creating his work, you will notice the miracle behind the walls, the magic behind the shape... that story that created something monumental.
This is why we should study architecture making connections with history. And this is what this article will depict: arts and moments. Located in the cradle of civilization, the Middle East houses an exquisite collection of outstanding architectural masterpieces, many of them dating back to the ancient times.Let's start, then, the exotic journey, following the caravans, finding an oasis to rest - a photo to admire what is really worth seeing. Welcome in the Middle East!
Prehistoric times
The evolution of architecture started more than 8000 years ago in the Middle East, and then it would have extended in Africa, Europe and Asia by 2000 BC. During these times the constructions were built using stone, wood or adobe. Although there were several types of constructions raised then, by far the most renowned and intriguing are the Egyptian pyramids, whose secrets have not been revealed yet. It seems that the techniques used at building those massive structures were superior to the technology available at that times, so the controversy about their origin is still alive.
Pyramids, the world's greatest burial monuments, prove the existence of specific rituals for the dead. This spiritual civilisation maybe considered the life after death of paramount importance, as the faraons made all the necessary preparations since an early age and the duration of building a pyramid extended to a lifetime.
At first, the Egyptian burial edifices were the mastabas - The earliest known Egyptian pyramids are found at Saqqara, northwest of Memphis.These pyramids were designed by the architect Imhotep who innovative contribution is undeniable: the first one, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, was built of 6 superposed mastabas of size decreasing from the bottom to the top. Moreover, the pyramids from Saqqara are generally considered to be the world's oldest monumental structures constructed of dressed masonry. Such was the importance of Imhotep's achievement that he was deified by later Egyptians.
The most famous Egyptian pyramids are those found at Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo. Several of the Giza pyramids are counted among the largest structures ever built. The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid. It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence.
Admirable in many ways, apart from their particular writing system, the ancient Egyptians will ever remain a symbol of grandeur in the universal architecture - a symbol of the humans exceeding the limits and developing a superior, complex culture.
Resources:
- Arhitectura, stiluri, personalitati, Editura Litera, 2010
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