4.4 Cultural achievements in art, literature, and science
4 min read•july 19, 2024
The in ancient Egypt was a time of artistic innovation and cultural flourishing. Artists developed more realistic styles, creating lifelike sculptures and intricate wall reliefs. Massive temple complexes and rock-cut tombs showcased Egypt's architectural prowess and religious devotion.
Literature evolved too, with autobiographical tales like exploring themes of loyalty and foreign lands. Science and technology advanced, improving timekeeping, medicine, and metallurgy. These developments left a lasting legacy, shaping Egypt's cultural identity for generations to come.
Art and Architecture of the New Kingdom
Features of New Kingdom art
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- Increased realism and attention to detail in sculpture and painting
- More naturalistic depictions of the human form with proportional features and musculature
- Finer details in clothing, jewelry, and facial features conveying individual characteristics and emotions
- Development of the
- Carved deeper into the stone surface than raised relief
- Allowed for greater depth and dimension in wall carvings creating more lifelike scenes
- Expansion of temple complexes to monumental scales
- Larger and more elaborate temples built (, ) as eternal homes for the gods
- Hypostyle halls with massive columns and intricate reliefs depicting religious scenes and pharaonic achievements
- Introduction of the rock-cut tomb in the
- Tombs carved directly into the mountainside instead of built as separate structures
- Elaborate wall paintings and reliefs depicting the pharaoh's journey to the afterlife and scenes from the
Literature of the New Kingdom
Themes in New Kingdom literature
- Autobiographical style in the Tale of Sinuhe
- Narrated in the first person giving insight into the protagonist's thoughts, feelings, and motivations
- Presents a personal account of events and experiences rather than an objective narrative
- Theme of loyalty to the pharaoh as a central virtue
- Sinuhe's journey and ultimate return to Egypt emphasize the importance of loyalty to the ruler
- Serves as a reminder of the duties and obligations of Egyptian subjects to their king
- Exploration of foreign lands and cultures beyond Egypt's borders
- Sinuhe's travels provide a glimpse into the world beyond Egypt's borders (Syria, Lebanon, Palestine)
- Highlights the cultural differences and challenges faced by Egyptians in foreign environments
- Use of vivid imagery and poetic language to convey emotions
- Descriptive passages evoke the beauty and danger of the landscapes Sinuhe encounters
- Metaphors and similes create a rich, evocative style that engages the reader's imagination
Science, Medicine, and Technology in the New Kingdom
Advancements in science and technology
- Innovations in mathematics and astronomy for timekeeping and construction
- Development of the based on solar observations and the rising of Sirius
- Use of advanced mathematical techniques () for surveying, accounting, and engineering
- Advancements in medical knowledge and practices
- Specialization of physicians in different areas of medicine (surgery, gynecology, dentistry)
- Use of surgical techniques (suturing, setting broken bones) and dental practices (drilling, filling cavities)
- Development of and medicinal preparations for various ailments
- Improvements in metallurgy and craftsmanship
- Increased skill in working with precious metals (gold, silver) and alloys (bronze) for decorative arts
- Creation of intricate jewelry, weapons, and tools with advanced techniques (, inlaying)
- Advancements in agriculture and irrigation to support growing population
- Expansion of the irrigation system with canals and dams to control Nile flooding and support larger agricultural yields
- Introduction of the , a counterweighted device for lifting water from the Nile for irrigation purposes
Cultural legacy of New Kingdom
- Enduring architectural achievements as testaments to power and skill
- Monuments (temples at Karnak, Luxor) continue to inspire awe and admiration for their scale and detail
- The rock-cut tombs in the Valley of the Kings remain a testament to the New Kingdom's architectural prowess and beliefs about the afterlife
- Influence on later Egyptian art and literature
- The realistic style and themes of New Kingdom art set a standard for future generations of Egyptian artists to emulate or react against
- Literary works (Tale of Sinuhe) continued to be copied and studied for centuries as classic examples of Egyptian storytelling and values
- Contributions to the fields of science, medicine, and technology
- The advancements made during the New Kingdom laid the foundation for further developments in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and engineering
- The 365-day calendar and mathematical techniques remained in use throughout Egyptian history and influenced other cultures
- Lasting impact on Egypt's cultural identity and heritage
- The New Kingdom marked a period of great prosperity, power, and cultural achievement that Egyptians looked back on with pride
- The legacy of this era helped shape Egypt's enduring sense of cultural identity and its place in the ancient world
Key Terms to Review (12)
365-day calendar: The 365-day calendar is a system used to measure time, dividing the year into 12 months, totaling 365 days, with a leap year every four years to account for the additional quarter day. This calendar system significantly influenced various cultures' agricultural practices, religious observances, and daily life, linking timekeeping to both natural cycles and societal organization.
Book of the Dead: The Book of the Dead is an ancient Egyptian funerary text consisting of a collection of spells and illustrations intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife. This text reflects the religious beliefs and practices of ancient Egyptians, emphasizing the importance of moral conduct, judgment, and the journey of the soul after death. Its creation and use were particularly prominent during periods of significant religious transformation, notably during times like the Amarna Period, and it also played a crucial role in cultural achievements related to art, literature, and science.
Herbal remedies: Herbal remedies refer to the use of plants and their extracts for medicinal purposes, aiming to promote health and treat various ailments. These natural treatments have been integral to many cultures, especially in the context of ancient medicine, where they were often intertwined with spiritual beliefs and practices. As cultural achievements in art, literature, and science evolved, herbal remedies became documented in texts, illustrating their significance in early healthcare systems and the exchange of knowledge across civilizations.
Karnak: Karnak is an ancient temple complex located in Luxor, Egypt, dedicated primarily to the god Amun-Ra. It represents one of the most significant cultural achievements of ancient Egypt, showcasing advancements in architecture, art, and religious practices that reflect the civilization's values and beliefs.
Lost-wax casting: Lost-wax casting is a metal casting process that involves creating a model in wax, which is then encased in a material to form a mold. Once the mold hardens, the wax is melted and drained away, leaving a cavity that is filled with molten metal. This technique has been pivotal in producing detailed sculptures and intricate artifacts throughout various cultures, showcasing the advancements in art and craftsmanship.
Luxor: Luxor is a city located in southern Egypt, often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum due to its vast array of ancient monuments, temples, and tombs. This city played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian civilization, particularly during the New Kingdom period, showcasing significant cultural achievements in art, literature, and science through its remarkable architecture and archaeological sites.
New Kingdom: The New Kingdom was a period in ancient Egyptian history that lasted from around 1550 to 1070 BCE, marked by the height of Egypt's power, wealth, and cultural achievements. This era is notable for its monumental architecture, advancements in art and literature, and significant developments in science, making it a golden age of Egyptian civilization.
Rhind Mathematical Papyrus: The Rhind Mathematical Papyrus is an ancient Egyptian text dating back to around 1650 BCE, primarily focused on mathematics. This document is one of the earliest known mathematical writings and illustrates the advanced understanding of mathematics in ancient Egypt, showcasing their methods for solving practical problems such as calculations of area, volume, and the handling of fractions.
Shaduf: A shaduf is a traditional irrigation device used in ancient agriculture, consisting of a long beam mounted on a vertical post with a bucket on one end and a counterweight on the other. This ingenious tool allowed farmers to lift water from rivers or wells, facilitating the irrigation of crops in arid regions. The shaduf exemplifies significant advancements in agricultural technology and reflects the cultural achievements of ancient societies in managing water resources effectively.
Sinuhe: Sinuhe is a fictional character from an ancient Egyptian story known as 'The Tale of Sinuhe', which is one of the earliest known works of literature. This narrative details Sinuhe's life, his flight from Egypt, and his eventual return, reflecting themes of identity, exile, and the concept of home. The tale showcases not only literary achievements but also provides insights into the cultural and social values of ancient Egyptian society.
Sunken relief technique: The sunken relief technique is a sculptural method where the design is carved into a surface so that the figures are set below the original plane of the background. This technique was often used in ancient art to create more dynamic and layered visual effects, allowing for intricate storytelling through imagery while preserving the integrity of the overall surface. Sunken reliefs were particularly prominent in the art and architecture of ancient civilizations, where they contributed significantly to cultural expression.
Valley of the Kings: The Valley of the Kings is a burial site in Egypt that served as the final resting place for many pharaohs and powerful nobles during the New Kingdom period, particularly from the 16th to 11th centuries BCE. This area is significant for its elaborate tombs, which reflect the cultural achievements in art, literature, and science of ancient Egypt, showcasing the intricate burial customs and beliefs about the afterlife.