Art+and+Architecture+-+The+Nile+River+Valley

In the Nile River Valley the architecture was structurally sound due to the use of bedrock brought from quarries by the slaves. These slaves also built the tombs and temples the Pharaoh wanted them to build. These projects were organized by the rulers for religious and ceremonial uses, such as a tomb for the Pharaoh of Egypt. The Pharaohs of Egypt spent most of their rule building the elaborate tomb they were to be buried in. These tombs were built to last forever, whereas the peasants and the middle and lower class lived in mud brick houses that didn't last nearly as long. Their tombs had false burial chambers and treasure rooms lined with traps. The Pharaoh's servants were typically poisoned and then laid to rest in a burial chamber near the Pharaoh to serve him in the afterlife. As time moved on, the Pharaohs moved away from big elaborate tombs and moved towards discreet tombs carved in solid rock which were then sealed and buried so grave robbers could not find them.



The Eyptians used paints made from iron, copper, limestone and charcoal to decorate the homes of the Pharaoh, priests and merchants. The artisans carved statues out of stone and also out of wood. The Pharaohs used art to depict scenes of battle and victories, and the merchants used it to keep record of trade. The temple's walls were covered in paintings showing the gods, what happens in the afterlife and what the gods roles are in the afterlife.