Egyptian Achievements, Advancements, and Architecture
Achievements and Advancements
- Hieroglyphs were the first writing system with over 600 symbols
- Papyrus which was the equivalent of our paper was made by pressing layers of reeds together
- Most historical documents and religious texts survived because they were made of papyrus
- Paintings had colorful scenes with pharaohs drawn larger than others, but animals were drawn more realistically than humans
- Skilled stoneworkers created beautiful jewelery
Architecture
- Egyptians built massive temple complexes filled with colorful and detailed art work
- Sphinxes and obelisks dominated the interiors of these gorgeous monuments
- These temples were the home of the gods
- The first pyramids built during the Old Kingdom for their rulers
- Many Egyptian pyramids still stand today with the largest one being the Great Pyramid of Khufu
- Around 2700 BC, Egyptians started building step pyramids that were filled and covered with limestone
- At least 10,000 people were required to build these massive monuments