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How to use this content:
As listed on the “Start Here” page for this unit, one of the unit objectives is “Identify Key Historical Facts” This objective will be assessed by the unit quiz. While reading and watching the content in the following links and videos, make note of historical facts and information so you can return to them as needed when working on the unit quiz. Be on the lookout for names of artists, influential people, artworks, important events, trends and values in the culture.
EGYPTIAN ART
The great Egyptian civilization was unrivaled in its duration and grandeur. While some cultures flourished for a few hundred years, Egyptians enjoyed an incredible 3000+ years of continuous culture. This is by no means an overview or summary of Egyptian art — you would need a whole semester to get an accurate overview of Egyptian art! This is just a selection of a few areas of Egyptian art to get us acquainted with some of its aspects and a few famous artworks.
Overview
Link #1: Ancient Egyptian Art
Link #2: Egyptian Symbols
Human Form
Ever wonder why the Egyptian’s version of the human form looked so funky? (be sure to click through images 1-6 at the top)
Link #3: Egyptian Bodies
Early Standards
Link #4: Palette of Narmer
The Pyramids
Link #5: Pyramid of Khafre
The Amarna Period
Link #6: Amarna Period
Link #7: Nefertiti
Link #8: Discovery of Tut’s tomb
Link #9: The Mummy A description of the many layers of Tutankhamen’s sarcophagus.
Using Symbols and Iconography
Egyptians had a complex system of symbols. Using symbols in a systematic way to communicate is called iconography. Learn more about Egyptian iconography here:
Link #10: Iconography in ancient Egypt
More Learning Resources
Remember, since we can’t cover everything about art in this class, these reading assignments are based on the choices I have made for what to include, but there is much more that has not been included. If you are interested in learning more, please remember that our primary source, the Khan Academy, has lots of other videos and articles that explore this time and culture even further. You can explore them at Khan Academy (Egyptian) or SmartHistory (Egyptian).
These links are not required reading for this unit, but if you are interested in learning more, you might enjoy exploring these resources