by Brooke Wolfe

Created on: April 08, 2009   Last Updated: April 11, 2009

Buildings act as Books in Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptians, just as people of many other cultures, used architecture for shelter, places of public and private worship, and funerary homes for the dead. However, Egyptians took their architecture to the next level. These buildings were not merely physical structures in which people worshipped or were buried. Tombs did not exist unless they were covered with hieroglyphs and other artistic depictions, and, therefore, it is almost as if these buildings acted as books in ancient Egypt, conveying stories, messages, and illustrations to their people. A prime example of being able to "read" architecture in the New Kingdom can be found at Saqqara, considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Egypt (Pemberton 36.) One tomb stands out in particular. The Memphite tomb of commander-in-chief Horemheb is one of the most well-known sources of information on Egyptian art and history. According to archaeologist and discoverer, Geoffrey Thorndike Martin, Horemheb's tomb contains some of the best examples of New Kingdom inscription.

The observer who stands in awe of this Egyptian art can read buildings as though they were books through close examination of the placement and symbolism of the various reliefs and hieroglyphs. Due to the high importance the Egyptian people placed on their religious beliefs about the afterlife, tombs were some of the most highly regarded buildings in ancient times. The mass, solidity, and grandeur of Egyptian buildings represented unlimited security and indestructibility. Just as each aspect of a temple represented a different aspect of Egyptian life, so tomb architecture hid meaning behind the construction. With this architectural symbolism in mind, it is important to also consider the artwork which decorates the entirety of the temple. The artwork was more important to Egyptians than even the strength of the building, which they viewed as symbol, not as materials (Smith 249.) Though, unfortunately, the average modern viewer finds Egyptian habits and thoughts very difficult to decipher, it is nonetheless beautiful and indicative of their culture.

In order for such emphasis to be placed on the inscriptions of Horemheb's tomb, this military-man gone king played a big role in the history of Egyptian politics and the army. Nothing is known about Horemheb before the reign of Tutankhamen. After the king's death, his appointed successor, King Ay, reigned a brief four years before dying without

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