🖼ap art history review

Solar symbolism

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

The use of symbols and architectural forms to represent the sun god and solar beliefs; the pyramids' shape and the layout of the Giza complex embody solar symbolism connecting the pharaoh to the sun god.

AP course connection

Topic 2.1: 2.1 Cultural Contexts of Ancient Mediterranean Art

Unit 2

"Solar symbolism" also found in:

Solar symbolism Definition for AP Art History | Fiveable