Ancient Egyptian Architecture in Fifteen Monuments

Architect and archeologist Felix Arnold traces how ancient Egyptian architecture evolved over three millennia (3000–100 BCE) by focusing on 15 monuments, ranging from the lesser-known Fifth Dynasty temple of Sahure at Abusir (2490–2475 BCE), in Memphis, just along the Nile, to the renowned Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak, further south, constructed during the Nineteenth Dynasty reign of Seti I (1294–1279 BCE). Illustrated with crisp black-and-white photographs and architectural renderings, Arnold puts each monument into historical context, analyzing how structure and function ultimately reflected Egyptian society to itself. He reserves some of his highest praise for the pyramids constructed during Snefru’s Fourth Dynasty reign (2575–2465 BCE). The Red and Bent pyramids at Dahshur and the Meidum pyramid, both south of Cairo, Arnold writes, “are not imitations or models of anything other than themselves; they are pure architecture.” This compact volume offers readers a deeper appreciation for ancient Egyptian architecture and the world that created it.