Enrichment Activity

Question

Today, you will research obelisks in Ancient Egypt.

Research the following characteristics:

What is the definition of an obelisk?
What does an obelisk look like?
What tools did the Egyptians use to create an obelisk?
What techniques did the Egyptians use to create an obelisk?
How did the Ancient Egyptians erect an obelisk? What were the challenges of trying to raise an obelisk?
Egyptians erected obelisks in large, open spaces. These monuments change the appearance of the open space. Explain how an obelisk changes or alters a space after it is erected.
Define and describe an obelisk. Convey in 1 to 2 paragraphs what you've learned about obelisks: the connection between tools and techniques used by the ancient Egyptians to create monuments, the human muscle required, and how erecting an obelisk alters/changes/affects a space.

Today, you will research landmarks of the New Kingdom in Ancient Egypt.

Research the following landmarks:

Answer 1

Obelisks in Ancient Egypt

Definition of an Obelisk

An obelisk is a tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument with a pyramidion (a small pyramid-shaped top) at its apex. These structures were often inscribed with hieroglyphs and were typically carved from a single piece of stone, showcasing the magnificence of Egyptian architecture and devotion to their deities.

Appearance of an Obelisk

Obelisks are characterized by their soaring height and smooth, sloped sides, which were often polished to reflect sunlight. They can range from several feet to over 100 feet tall, and they typically have inscriptions along the sides that commemorate pharaohs or deities. The base is usually square, providing a stable foundation for the imposing structure.

Tools Used to Create an Obelisk

The Ancient Egyptians utilized simple yet effective tools to carve obelisks. These included chisels made from copper, bronze, and later iron, as well as wooden mallets for striking the chisels. They also employed wedges made of wood or metal to help split the stone from quarries.

Techniques Used to Create an Obelisk

To carve obelisks, the Egyptians would first locate a suitable granite block and then outline the shape of the obelisk on its surface. They would chip away excess stone using chisels and hammers. Once the basic shape was formed, they would employ finer tools to refine the surfaces and engrave hieroglyphs.

Erecting an Obelisk

Erecting an obelisk involved intricate planning and coordination. The Egyptians created ramps made of stone or mudbrick to facilitate the lifting process. Once the obelisk was hoisted upright, they would use leverage and manpower to tilt and position it onto its base. Challenges during this process included managing the weight of the massive stone, ensuring stability, and achieving the precise vertical alignment.

Alteration of Space by an Obelisk

Upon erection, an obelisk dramatically alters the landscape. It serves as a focal point, drawing the eye upwards and projecting an image of power and divine connection. The tall, slender shape elevates the surrounding area, symbolizing the connection between earth and the heavens. Obelisks often marked sacred spaces, enhanced ceremonial sites, or pointed towards temples, thereby reinforcing a sense of spiritual significance in the environment.

Summary of Findings

Through this exploration, I learned that obelisks are not only monumental achievements of engineering but also profound symbols in Ancient Egyptian culture. The tools and techniques utilized, such as chisels, wooden mallets, and strategic ramps, illustrate the ingenuity and determination of the Egyptians. The process required significant human muscle and coordination, showcasing the collective effort of skilled workers. Once erected, an obelisk transforms its environment, serving as a powerful testament to the civilization's religious beliefs and artistic prowess, effectively altering the spatial dynamics of the landscape it occupies. These structures, with their towering presence, continue to resonate as icons of Ancient Egyptian ingenuity and devotion to the divine.

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Landmarks of the New Kingdom in Ancient Egypt

1. Karnak Temple Complex: Located in Luxor, Karnak is one of the largest religious buildings in the world, dedicated primarily to the god Amun-Ra. The complex features colossal columns, towering obelisks, and beautifully carved reliefs, demonstrating the architectural prowess of the New Kingdom.

2. Luxor Temple: Also situated in Luxor, this temple was built primarily under the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramses II. It is renowned for its impressive statues and pylons, and it served as a center of worship for the divine ruler.

3. The Valley of the Kings: This burial site for pharaohs and powerful nobles features numerous tombs, including that of Tutankhamun. The walls of these tombs are adorned with intricate paintings and inscriptions that reflect the beliefs of the afterlife.

4. Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple: Located at Deir el-Bahari, this temple is dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut and is built into the cliffs overlooking the Nile. Its unique architecture, with terraces and colonnades, is a fine example of New Kingdom design.

5. Ramses II's Abu Simbel Temples: These temples are famous for their massive rock-cut structures featuring colossal statues of Ramses II himself. The temples were relocated to avoid flooding from the Aswan Dam and are a testament to Egypt's architectural engineering.

6. Memnon Colossi: These two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III are situated near Luxor. They once guarded the entrance to his mortuary temple, which has largely disappeared over time.

7. The Temple of Amun at Karnak: This dedicated temple complex housed the main deity of Thebes, Amun. The grandeur of the hypostyle hall, characterized by its towering columns, reflects the wealth and power of the New Kingdom.

Each of these landmarks encapsulates the artistic, architectural, and religious achievements of the New Kingdom, marking it as a period of monumental development and cultural flourishing in Ancient Egypt.