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Art of Ancient Egypt and the Ancient Near East

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• Unit 1
• Unit 2
• Final Exam
• All Units

Unit Outline show close

Unit 1: The Art of Ancient Egypt  

This unit focuses on the art, architecture, and archaeology of ancient Egypt from the Early Dynastic (c. 3100-2650 BCE)through the Roman (30 BCE- 4^th century CE) periods.  It begins with an overview of the major characteristics of Egyptian art, mythology, and beliefs about the afterlife, and ancient Egyptian conceptions of kingship all of which remained amazingly stable for three millennia.  The unit then focuses on major Egyptian monuments, tombs, and artistic developments, following the chronology established by the reign of Egyptian kings.

After completing this unit, you will be able to identify the major characteristics of ancient Egyptian art and architecture and the most important ancient Egyptian monuments, tombs, and art objects.  You will also be able to tell how famous sites, such as the Great Temple at Karnak, and more common objects, such as the thousands of coffins recovered from Egyptian tombs, can be used to examine ancient Egyptian history and culture.

Unit 1 Time Advisory   show close


Unit 1 Learning Outcomes   show close


1.1 Major Themes in Egyptian Art  

• Reading: The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s The Arts of Ancient Egypt: A Resource for Educators (PDF)

  Link: The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s The Arts of Ancient Egypt: A Resource for Educators (PDF)
   
  Instructions:  Please note that this reading will cover the material you need to know for subunits 1.1.1-1.1.7.  Please download this resource by clicking on the hyperlink labeled “Download the Resource (PDF)” at the bottom of the page.  Then, read the sections: “Summary of Ancient Egyptian History,” “Egyptian Art: Function,” “Egyptian Art: Form,” “Egyptian Art: Hieroglyphs,” and “Egyptian Art: Artists and Materials” on pages 7-57 of the PDF file.  Please note that this resource also includes a useful glossary on pages 127-132, so you may consider saving the file.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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1.1.1 Overview of Egyptian History  

Note: This subunit is covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.1.  Focus specifically on “Summary of Ancient Egyptian History,” pp. 7–18.

1.1.2 Function of Egyptian Art  

Note: This subunit is covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.1.  Focus specifically on “Egyptian Art: Function,” p. 19.

1.1.3 Basic Characteristics of Egyptian Art  

Note: This subunit is also covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.1.  Focus specifically on “Egyptian Art: Form,” pp. 37–46.

• Reading: Brooklyn Museum of Art: Signs of the Afterlife’s “Striking Poses”

  Link: Brooklyn Museum of Art: Signs of the Afterlife’s “Striking Poses” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: Read this webpage of the “Summary of This Activity” as an introduction to the most common poses found in Egyptian statuary.  You may also click on “Enter Activity” for an interactive experience; please note that this web media requires Flash Player 6.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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1.1.4 Egyptian Mythology  

Note: This subunit is also covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.1.  Focus specifically on “Cycles of Life,” “The Role of the Gods,” “Common Forms of Major Deities,” and “Representation of Deities in Art,” pp. 19–27.

• Web Media: The British Museum’s “Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt” and “Picture List”

  Link: The British Museum’s “Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt” (PDF) and “Picture List” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Read the first page as an introduction to Ancient Egyptian deities.  On the second page, click on each of the Egyptian gods and goddesses and read about each individual deity.  Do you notice any commonalities in how they are depicted, the roles they perform, and/or their powers?
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  It can be viewed in its original form here and here (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.1.5 Egyptian View of the Afterlife  

Note: This subunit is also covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.1.  Focus specifically on “Life after Death,” pp. 27–29.

• Web Media: BBC: Ancient History-in-Depth’s “The Mummy Maker”

  Link: BBC: Ancient History-in-Depth’s “The Mummy Maker” (Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: Please note that playing this game is optional.  Prepare the body of a royal official for the afterlife by clicking on “Launch the game.” 
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.1.6 Role of and Representation of the King and Queen in Egyptian Art  

Note: This subunit is covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.1.  Focus specifically on “Order Over Chaos: The Role of the King,” “The King in Art,” “The Queen,” “Symbols of Upper and Lower Egypt,” and “Royal Regalia of Ancient Egypt,” pp. 29–35.

1.1.7 Hieroglyphs and Egyptian Art  

Note: This subunit is covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.1.  Focus specifically on “Hieroglyphics and Egyptian Art,” pp. 47–52.

1.1.8 Egyptology  

• Reading: The Saylor Foundation's “Egyptology”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

  Submit Materials

• Reading: Theban Mapping Project’s “Becoming an Egyptologist”

  Link: Theban Mapping Project’s “Becoming an Egyptologist” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read the above webpage for basic information on how to become an Egyptologist.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.2 Art and Architecture of the Early Dynastic or Archaic Period (c. 3100-2650 BCE)  

1.2.1 Overview of the Early Dynastic Period  

• Reading: Jacques Kinnaer’s The Ancient Egypt Site: “The Early Dynastic Period”

  Link: Jacques Kinnaer’s The Ancient Egypt Site: “The Early Dynastic Period”  and "Narmer Palette" (PDF)
  
  Instructions: Please note that this reading will cover the material you need to know for subunits 1.2.1 and 1.2.2.  Please read both documents in full.  This reading discusses some of the issues involved in which dynasties fall under the Early Dynastic or Old Kingdom periods.  The Step Pyramids, created during the Third Dynasty (c. 2650 – 2575 BCE),are discussed in section 1.3.2.1 to provide a more coherent examination of the development of Egyptian pyramids.
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for noncommercial use by Jacques Kinnaer. It can be viewed in its original form here.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Lecture: iTunes U: Pennsylvania State University: College of Art and Architecture: Art History 111: Heather C. McCune Bruhn’s “Early Dynastic Egypt”

  Link: iTunes U: Pennsylvania State University: College of Art and Architecture: Art History 111: Heather C. McCune Bruhn’s “Early Dynastic Egypt” (iTunes U)
   
  Instructions: This lecture covers materials for subunits 1.2.1-1.2.3.  Please watch the video lecture “Early Dynastic Egypt” in its entirety (30:46 minutes).
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

  Submit Materials

1.2.2 The Narmer Palette  

Note: This subunit is covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.2.1.  Focus specifically on the “Narmer Palette” webpage.

1.2.3 Hierakonpolis  

• Reading: Archaeology’s Interactive Dig: Excavating Hierakonpolis: Renée Friedman’s “Narmer’s Temple: Introduction,” “Narmer’s Temple: Week 1,” “Narmer’s Temple: Week 2,” “Narmer’s Temple: Week 3,” and “Narmer’s Temple: Week 4”

  Links: Archaeology’s Interactive Dig: Excavating Hierakonpolis: Renée Friedman’s “Narmer’s Temple: Introduction,” “Narmer’s Temple: Week 1,” “Narmer’s Temple: Week 2,” “Narmer’s Temple: Week 3,” and “Narmer’s Temple: Week 4” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read the above webpages as an introduction to the archaeological excavations of Hierakonpolis, the largest Pre-Dynastic and Early Dynastic archaeological site in Egypt, and to get an idea of some of the day-to-day workings of an archaeological site.  These webpages report some of the excavations at Hierakonpolis conducted in 2002 byDr. Renée Friedman.  For coverage of what Dr. Friedman’s team has recovered more recently please visit Archaeology’s Interactive Dig: Hierakonpolis.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpages above.

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1.3 Art and Architecture of the Old Kingdom (c. 2650-2150 BCE)  

1.3.1 Overview of the Old Kingdom Period  

• Reading: The British Museum: Explore/Online Tours’s “Egypt in the Old Kingdom”

  Link: The British Museum: Explore/Online Tours’s “Egypt in the Old Kingdom” (PDF)
   
  Instructions:  Please read this text in its entirety. 
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  It can be viewed in its original form here (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation’s “Old Kingdom Art and Architecture”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

  Submit Materials

1.3.2 The Pyramids  

• Reading: Jacques Kinnaer’s The Ancient Egypt Site: “Mastaba,” “Saqarra,” “Meidum,” “Dashar” and “Giza”

  Link: Jacques Kinnaer’s The Ancient Egypt Site:  “Mastaba,” “Saqarra,”  “Meidum,” “Dashar” and “Giza” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: While reading though the following pages, please open the resource below, The Saylor Foundation’s “ARTH201: Image Guide for Subunit 1.3.2” in a separate tab or window to look at the images associated with these readings.  First click on the link “A to Z,” then click on “M” on the alphabetical list at the top of the page, and finally click on “Mastaba.”  Read the page about mastabas, the burial chambers of Old Kingdom civil servants.  When you are finished, click on “Monuments” on the left side of the page and then click on “Saqarra.”  Read the entire page, then click on the link “Djoser’s Step Pyramd” in the second paragraph.  After reading this page, click on “Step Pyramid” in the box at the bottom of the page.  Then once again click on “Monuments” on the left side of the page and then click on and read the following pages:  “Meidum,” “Dashar,” and “Giza.”  After reading about Giza, click on “Pyramid of Cheops” at the bottom of the page and read this page as well.  Finally, after reading this page, click on “Pyramid” at the bottom of the page and read this page in its entirety.  These readings serve as an introduction to the development of pyramids in Ancient Egypt.  
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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• Web Media: The Saylor Foundation’s “ARTH201: Image Guide for Subunit 1.3.2”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

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1.3.2.1 Step Pyramid of King Djoser at Saqqara  

Note: This subunit is covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.3.2.  Focus specifically on the “Djoser’s Step Pyramid” webpage.

1.3.2.2 Meidum Pyramid  

Note: This subunit is covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.3.2.  Focus specifically on the “Meidum Pyramid” webpage.

1.3.2.3 Bent Pyramid of Dashur  

Note: This subunit is covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.3.2.  Focus specifically on the “Bent Pyramid of Dashur” webpage.

1.3.2.4 Pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx  

Note: This subunit is also covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.3.2.  Focus specifically on the “The Great Pyramid” and “Khaefre’s Pyramid and Sphinx” webpages.

• Reading: BBC: Ancient History-in-Depth: Dr. Ian Shaw’s “Building the Great Pyramid” and Dr. Aidan Dodson’s “The Great Pyramid: Gateway to Eternity

  Links: BBC: Ancient History-in-Depth: Dr. Ian Shaw’s “Building the Great Pyramid” (HTML) and Dr. Aidan Dodson’s “The Great Pyramid: Gateway to Eternity” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read the above webpages as an introduction to how and why the Great Pyramids were built.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: PBS: Nova: The Pyramids: “Explore the Pyramids: Khufu”: “Enter Here”

  Link: PBS: Nova: The Pyramids: “Explore the Pyramids: Khufu”: “Enter Here” (HTML and Quicktime)
   
  Instructions: Follow the directions on the webpage.  First, click on which part of the interior of Khufu’s Pyramid that you would like to explore on the pyramid’s blueprint.  This will redirect you to a webpage for the part of the pyramid’s interior you chose.  Read the text on this webpage.  Then, continue exploring other parts of the pyramid’s interior.  Please note you may need to download the QuickTime plugin.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: BBC: Ancient History-in-Depth’s “Pyramid Challenge”

  Link: BBC: Ancient History-in-Depth’s “Pyramid Challenge” (Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: Please note that playing this game is optional.  Do you have what it takes to build an ancient pyramid?  Click on “Launch this game,” and find out. 
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.3.2.5 Mastabas at Saqqara  

Note: This subunit is covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.3.2.  Focus specifically on the “Mastaba Tomb, Saqqara” webpage.

1.4 The First Intermediate Period (c.2150-2030 BCE)  

• Reading: Jacques Kinnaer’s The Ancient Egypt Site: “The First Intermediate Period”

  Link: Jacques Kinnaer’s The Ancient Egypt Site: “The First Intermediate Period” (PDF)
  
  Instructions: Read this text as an introduction to the period between the Old and Middle Kingdoms.  For HTML:  On the sidebar click on “History” and then “First Intermediate Period.”  
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for noncommercial use by Jacques Kinnaer. It can be viewed in its original form here.
  

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Stela of Inheretnakht” and “Limestone Stela of Tjetji”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Stela of Inheretnakht” (PDF) and “Limestone Stela of Tjetji” (PDF)
  
  Instructions: Please read these two webpages about examples of the First Intermediate Period Egyptian Art.
   
  Terms of Use:  The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum. It can be viewed in its original form here (Stela of Inheretnakht) and here (Limestone of Stela of Tjeti).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: Brooklyn Museum of Art: Signs of the Afterlife’s “Back in Time,” “Big Picture,” and “Behind the Scenes”

  Links: Brooklyn Museum of Art: Signs of the Afterlife’s “Back in Time,” (HTML and Adobe Flash) “Big Picture” (HTML and Adobe Flash) and “Behind the Scenes” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: Read these webpages for an in-depth look at and analysis of an Eleventh Dynasty funerary stele in the Brooklyn Museum of Art.  You may also click on “Enter Activity” for an interactive experience; please note that this web media requires Flash Player 6.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpages above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation's "Art and Architecture of the First Intermediate Period"

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

  Submit Materials

1.5 Art and Architecture of the Middle Kingdom (c. 2040-1640 BCE)  

1.5.1 Overview of the Middle Kingdom  

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Egypt in the Middle Kingdom (2030–1640 B.C.),” “Quartzite statue of Senebtyfy, called Ptahemsaf,” “Model showing brewing, baking and butchery,” and “Wooden model of a granary with figure”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Egypt in the Middle Kingdom (2030–1640 B.C.),” “Quartzite statue of Senebtyfy, called Ptahemsaf,” “Model showing brewing, baking and butchery,” and “Wooden model of a granary with figure” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Please read the above articles as an introduction to Egyptian art during the Middle Kingdom.  What are some of the ways that the art of the Middle Kingdom is different from that of the Old Kingdom?
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Egypt in the Middle Kingdom (2030–1640 B.C.),” “Quartzite statue of Senebtyfy, called Ptahemsaf,” “Model showing brewing, baking and butchery,” and “Wooden model of a granary with figure” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Wooden model of a man ploughing with oxen,” “Painted wooden model boat,” “Model of a female servant,” “Inner coffin of Gua,” “Outer coffin of Gua,” “Scarab pendant,” and “Gold shell amulet in with the name of Senwosret I”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Wooden model of a man ploughing with oxen,” “Painted wooden model boat,” “Model of a female servant,” “Inner coffin of Gua,” “Outer coffin of Gua,” “Scarab pendant,” and “Gold shell amulet in with the name of Senwosret I” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Please read the above articles as an introduction to Egyptian art during the Middle Kingdom.  What are some of the ways that the art of the Middle Kingdom is different from that of the Old Kingdom?
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Wooden model of a man ploughing with oxen,” “Painted wooden model boat,” “Model of a female servant,” “Inner coffin of Gua,” “Outer coffin of Gua,” “Scarab pendant,” and “Gold shell amulet in with the name of Senwosret I” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Early shabti figure in a model coffin,” “Limestone statue of the steward Mery,” “Quartzite statue of Ankhrekhu,” “Granite head of Amenemhat III,” and “Fragment of painted limestone relief from the tomb of Kemsit”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Early shabti figure in a model coffin,” “Limestone statue of the steward Mery,” “Quartzite statue of Ankhrekhu,” “Granite head of Amenemhat III,” and “Fragment of painted limestone relief from the tomb of Kemsit” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Please read the above articles as an introduction to Egyptian art during the Middle Kingdom.  What are some of the ways that the art of the Middle Kingdom is different from that of the Old Kingdom?
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Early shabti figure in a model coffin,” “Limestone statue of the steward Mery,” “Quartzite statue of Ankhrekhu,” “Granite head of Amenemhat III,” and “Fragment of painted limestone relief from the tomb of Kemsit” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation’s “Middle Kingdom Art and Architecture”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

  Submit Materials

1.5.2 Mentuhotep II’s Mortuary Complex and Related Tombs  

• Reading: Tour Egypt: Mark Andrews’ “The Mortuary Temple of Mentuhotep II on the West Bank at Luxor”

  Link: Tour Egypt: Mark Andrews’ “The Mortuary Temple of Mentuhotep II on the West Bank at Luxor” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read this webpage as introduction to the mortuary complex of Mentuhotep II.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: The British Museum: Explore/Highlight’s “Model from the Tomb of Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II,” “Fragment of Painted Limestone Relief from the Tomb of Kemsit,” and “Limestone Relief Showing Mentuhotep II Embraced by Montu”

  Links: The British Museum: Explore/Highlights’ “Model from the Tomb of Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II,” “Fragment of Painted Limestone Relief from the Tomb of Kemsit,” and “Limestone Relief Showing Mentuhotep II Embraced by Montu” (All PDF)
   
  Instructions: Read each webpage about fragments of three different reliefs associated with the burial of Mentuhotep II.
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum. It can be viewed in its original form here (Model from the Tomb of Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II), here (Fragment of Painted Limestone Relief from the Tomb of Kemsit) and here (Limestone Relief Showing Mentuhotep II Embraced by Montu) (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: The Saylor Foundation’s “Tomb of Meketre”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

  Submit Materials

1.5.3 Art and Architecture of the Twelfth Dynasty (1991-1783)  

• Reading: Jacques Kinnaer’s The Ancient Egypt Site: “The Twelfth Dynasty,” “El-Lisht,” “Hawara,” and “Illahun”

  Link: Jacques Kinnaer’s The Ancient Egypt Site: “The Twelfth Dynasty,” “El-Lisht,” “Hawara,” and “Illahun” (PDF)
  
  Instructions: Please read the above text.  For HTML:  Please click on the above link.  On the sidebar, click on the links to “History,” then “Middle Kingdom,” and then “Twelfth Dynasty.”   Read the text on this webpage.  After reading this text, click on the hyperlinks titled “El-Lisht,” “Hawara,” and “Illahun” in the “More” box at the end of the webpage.  Read the text on each of these webpages as well. 
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for noncommercial use by Jacques Kinnaer. It can be viewed in its original form here.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.5.4 Tombs at Beni-Hassen  

Note: This subunit is covered in the lecture assigned beneath subunit 1.5.1.  How do these tombs compare to the Old Kingdom tombs of officials buried at Saqqara?

1.6 Art and Architecture of the Second Intermediate Period (c.1640-1550 BCE)  

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: 2nd Intermediate Period,” “Red Granite Statue of Sobekemzafl,” “Coffin of King Nubkheperra Intef,” “Green Jasper Heart Scarab of King Sobekemsaf,” “Limestone Shabti of the Official Escort Renseneb,” and “Limestone Shabti Figure of King Ahmose”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: 2nd Intermediate Period,” “Red Granite Statue of Sobekemzafl,” “Coffin of King Nubkheperra Intef,” “Green Jasper Heart Scarab of King Sobekemsaf,” “Limestone Shabti of the Official Escort Renseneb,” and “Limestone Shabti Figure of King Ahmose” (All PDF)
  
  Instructions: Please read the above webpages about the Second Intermediate Period and examples of Second Intermediate Period Art in the British Museum in their entirety.
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Musem. It can be viewed in its original form here: “Ancient Egypt: 2nd Intermediate Period,” “Red Granite Statue of Sobekemzafl,” “Coffin of King Nubkheperra Intef,” “Green Jasper Heart Scarab of King Sobekemsaf,” “Limestone Shabti of the Official Escort Renseneb,” and “Limestone Shabti Figure of King Ahmose”  (All HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation's "Art and Architecture of the Second Intermediate Period"

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

  Submit Materials

1.7 Art and Architecture of the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 B.C.)  

1.7.1 Overview of the New Kingdom  

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: The New Kingdom,” “Scene from the Great Harris Papyrus: Ramesses III before the gods of Memphis,” and “Magic bricks of Henutmehyt”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: The New Kingdom,” “Scene from the Great Harris Papyrus: Ramesses III before the gods of Memphis,” and “Magic bricks of Henutmehyt” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Please read the above articles as an introduction to the art of New Kingdom Egypt.  Based on these examples, how do you think art from this period builds upon and/or reinterprets art from earlier periods?
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Ancient Egypt: The New Kingdom,” “Scene from the Great Harris Papyrus: Ramesses III before the gods of Memphis,” and “Magic bricks of Henutmehyt” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Canopic chest and jars of Henutmehyt,” “Mummy board of Henutmehyt,” “Inner coffin of Henutmehyt,” “Shabti of Qeniherkhepeshef,” and “Limestone headrest of Qeniherkhepeshef”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Canopic chest and jars of Henutmehyt,” “Mummy board of Henutmehyt,” “Inner coffin of Henutmehyt,” “Shabti of Qeniherkhepeshef,” and “Limestone headrest of Qeniherkhepeshef” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Please read the above articles as an introduction to the art of New Kingdom Egypt.  Based on these examples, how do you think art from this period builds upon and/or reinterprets art from earlier periods?
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Canopic chest and jars of Henutmehyt,” “Mummy board of Henutmehyt,” “Inner coffin of Henutmehyt,” “Shabti of Qeniherkhepeshef,” and “Limestone headrest of Qeniherkhepeshef” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Head of a figure of the cow of Hathor,” “Black granite statues of Sekhmet,” “Block statue of Sennefer,” and “Offerings for Nebamun, fragment of a scene from the tomb-chapel of Nebamun”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Head of a figure of the cow of Hathor,” “Black granite statues of Sekhmet,” “Block statue of Sennefer,” and “Offerings for Nebamun, fragment of a scene from the tomb-chapel of Nebamun” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Please read the above articles as an introduction to the art of New Kingdom Egypt.  Based on these examples, how do you think art from this period builds upon and/or reinterprets art from earlier periods?
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Head of a figure of the cow of Hathor,” “Black granite statues of Sekhmet,” “Block statue of Sennefer,” and “Offerings for Nebamun, fragment of a scene from the tomb-chapel of Nebamun” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation’s “New Kingdom Art and Architecture”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

  Submit Materials

1.7.2 New Kingdom Temples  

• Reading: The Saylor Foundation’s “New Kingdom Temples”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

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1.7.2.1 Luxor Temple  

• Reading: Tour Egypt: Mark Andrew’s “Luxor Temple of Thebes in Egypt, Part I: An Introduction,” “Luxor Temple of Thebes in Egypt, Part IV: The Great Colonnade of Amenhotep III,” “Luxor Temple of Thebes in Egypt, Part V: The Sun Court and Hypostyle Hall of Amenhotep,” and “Luxor Temple of Thebes in Egypt, Part III: The First Pylon and the Peristyle Courtyard of Ramses”

  Links: Tour Egypt: Mark Andrew’s “Luxor Temple of Thebes in Egypt, Part I: An Introduction,” “Luxor Temple of Thebes in Egypt, Part IV: The Great Colonnade of Amenhotep III,” “Luxor Temple of Thebes in Egypt, Part V: The Sun Court and Hypostyle Hall of Amenhotep,” and “Luxor Temple of Thebes in Egypt, Part III: The First Pylon and the Peristyle Courtyard of Ramses” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read these webpages as an introduction to the Luxor Temple in Thebes in their entirety.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpages above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.7.2.2 Karnak  

• Reading: Tour Egypt: Marie Parsons’ “Karnak”

  Link: Tour Egypt: Marie Parsons’ “Karnak” (HTML)
             
  Instructions: Please read this webpage as an introduction to the temple complex of Karnak.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: University of Memphis, Tennessee: Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology: The Karnak Hypostyle Hall Project’s “Historical Background,” “Dimensions,” and “Function and Meaning of the Hypostyle Hall”

  Links: University of Memphis, Tennessee: Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology: The Karnak Hypostyle Hall Project’s “Historical Background,” (HTML) “Dimensions,” (HTML) and “Function and Meaning of the Hypostyle Hall” (HTML)
  
  Instructions: Read these webpages about the Hypostyle Hall of Karnak.  Make sure to click on “Next Page” until you are redirected to the main menu.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpages above.
  

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: University of Memphis, Tennessee: Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology: The Karnak Hypostyle Hall Project’s “A Historical Tour of the Hypostyle Hall”

  Link: University of Memphis, Tennessee: Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology: The Karnak Hypostyle Hall Project’s “A Historical Tour of the Hypostyle Hall” (HTML)
  
  Instructions: Click on the above link.  Then, “tour” the Hypostyle Hall of Karnak by clicking on each of the numbered hyperlinks.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.7.2.3 Abu Simbel  

Note: This subunit is covered in the lecture, “Ramses II and Late Egyptian Art,” assigned beneath subunit 1.7.1.

1.7.2.4 Mortuary Temples  

1.7.2.4.1 Hatshepsut’s (1508–1458 BC) Mortuary Temple  

• Reading: Tour Egypt: Marie Parsons’ “Deir-el Bahri”

  Link: Tour Egypt: Marie Parsons’ “Deir-el Bahri” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read the above webpage as an introduction to Eighteenth Dynasty construction at Deir-el Bahri and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: Marie Parson’s “Deir el-Bahri, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut”

  Link: Marie Parson’s “Deir el-Bahri, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read the above text about Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple paying close attention to the different reliefs that decorate the complex.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.7.2.4.2 The Memorial Temple of Seti I (1290/1294-1279 BCE) at Abydos  

• Reading: Peter Rome’s “The Temple of Seti I and the Osireion at Abydos”

  Link: Peter Rome’s “The Temple of Seti I and the Osireion at Abydos” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read this text as an introduction to the Temple of Seti I at Abydos.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.7.3 New Kingdom Tombs  

1.7.3.1 The Valley of the Kings  

• Reading: The British Museum’s “The Valley of the Kings,” “Faience shabti of Sety I,” “Gold earring of Tawosret,” and “Wooden statue from the tomb of Ramesses I”

  Links: The British Museum’s “The Valley of the Kings,” “Faience shabti of Sety I,” “Gold earring of Tawosret,” and “Wooden statue from the tomb of Ramesses I” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Please read the first article as an introduction to the Valley of the Kings, the New Kingdom royal necropolis.  Then read the three following articles about objects from the Valley of the Kings in the collection of the British Museum.
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “The Valley of the Kings,” “Faience shabti of Sety I,” “Gold earring of Tawosret,” and “Wooden statue from the tomb of Ramesses I” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: Theban Mapping Project’s “Atlas of the Valley of the Kings”

  Link: Theban Mapping Project’s “Atlas of the Valley of the Kings” (Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: First, click “Start Movie.”  Watch the short movie about the Valley of the Kings.  Then, run your cursor over the map and click on the different highlighted tombs.  Watch the short movies about the ones you are interested in.  For further information about these tombs and more images click on link at the top labeled “Description.”
  
  Note on the Media: The Theban Mapping Project was started in 1978 and is now based at the American University in Cairo.  The TMP believes that the first and most essential step in preserving Theban heritage is a detailed map and database of all of its archaeological, geological, and ethnographic features.  For the past decade they have focused on creating 3-D computer models of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpages above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.7.3.2 The Tomb of Tutankhamun (Ruled c.1333 BC – 1323 BC)  

Note: This subunit is also covered in the lecture, “Amarna and Tutankhamun,” beneath subunit 1.7.1.

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Tutankhamun, King of Egypt (1336-1327 BC)” and “Granite statue of Tutankhamun as a priest of Hapy”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Tutankhamun, King of Egypt (1336-1327 BC)” and “Granite statue of Tutankhamun as a priest of Hapy” (PDF)  
  
  Instructions: Please read the above two articles in their entirety to learn about the reign of Tutankhamun.
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Tutankhamun, King of Egypt (1336-1327 BC)” and “Granite statue of Tutankhamun as a priest of Hapy” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: Jacques Kinnaer’s The Ancient Egypt Site: Tutankhamun: The Mummy

  Links: Jacques Kinnaer’s The Ancient Egypt Site: Tutankhamun: The Mummy (HTML)
             
  Instructions: While reading though the following pages, please open the resource below, The Saylor Foundation’s “ARTH201: Image Guide for Subunit 1.7.3.2” in a separate tab or window to look at the images associated with this reading.  First click on the link “From A to Z,” then click on “T” at the top of the page and finally, click on “Tutankhamun Mummy.”  Read the entire text about the discovery and examination of the mummy of King Tutankhamun.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: The Saylor Foundation’s “ARTH201: Image Guide for Subunit 1.7.3.2”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

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• Web Media: The Saylor Foundation’s “Tutankhamun’s Tomb (Valley of the Kings KV62) and Its Contents”

   

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1.7.3.3 Deir-el-Medina  

• Reading: Metropolitan Museum of Art: Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: Catharine H. Roehrig’s “An Artisan’s Tomb in New Kingdom Egypt”

  Link: Metropolitan Museum of Art: Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: Catharine H. Roehrig’s “An Artisan’s Tomb in New Kingdom Egypt” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read the text about the tomb of a New Kingdom artisan at Deir-el Medina.  After you have read the text, click on “View Slideshow” to see related examples of New Kingdom art in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.7.4 Art and Architecture of the Amarna Period (1353-1336 BCE)  

Note: This subunit is also covered in the lecture, “Amarna and Tutankhamun,” beneath subunit 1.7.1.

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: Amarna Period,” “Tell el-Amarna (ancient Akhetaten, Egypt),” “Limestone stela with a seated figure of Akhenaten,” and “Shrine stela of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye”

  Links:The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: Amarna Period,” “Tell el-Amarna (ancient Akhetaten, Egypt),” “Limestone stela with a seated figure of Akhenaten,” and “Shrine stela of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye” (PDF)  
  
  Instructions: Please read the above articles as an introduction to the art of the Amarna period.  How is it different from the art of earlier periods?  What is the reason for this?
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Ancient Egypt: Amarna Period,” “Tell el-Amarna (ancient Akhetaten, Egypt),” “Limestone stela with a seated figure of Akhenaten,” and “Shrine stela of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye”(HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation’s “Amarna Period Art and Architecture”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

  Submit Materials

Guided Observation #1  

• Assessment: The Saylor Foundation's "Guided Observation 1: Ancient Egyptian Royal Portraiture"

   

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1.8 Art and Architecture of the Third Intermediate and Late Periods (1070 BCE- 4th century BCE)  

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: 3rd Intermediate Period,” “Ancient Egypt: The Libyan Period,” “Ancient Egypt: The Kushite Period,” “Piye, Kushite king of Egypt (747-716 BC),” and “Shabako, Kushite king of Egypt (716-702 BC)"

  Links: The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: 3rd Intermediate Period,” “Ancient Egypt: The Libyan Period,” “Ancient Egypt: The Kushite Period,”“Piye, Kushite king of Egypt (747-716 BC),” and “Shabako, Kushite king of Egypt (716-702 BC)” (PDF)  
  
  Instructions: Please read these articles as an introduction to the art and architecture of the Third Intermediate period.  How did the art and architecture of this period draw upon and/or reinterpret earlier traditions?
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Ancient Egypt: 3rd Intermediate Period,” “Ancient Egypt: The Libyan Period,” “Ancient Egypt: The Kushite Period,” “Piye, Kushite king of Egypt (747-716 BC),” and “Shabako, Kushite king of Egypt (716-702 BC)” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Mud Shabti Figures,” “Textiles with the Name of King Piye,” “Granite Shabti of King Taharqa,” “Bronze Door Hinge Bearing Names of God's Wives of Amun,” and “Wooden Stela of Tjenetdiashakhet”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Mud Shabti Figures,” “Textiles with the Name of King Piye,” “Granite Shabti of King Taharqa,” “Bronze Door Hinge Bearing Names of God's Wives of Amun,” and “Wooden Stela of Tjenetdiashakhet” (PDF)  
  
  Instructions: Please read these articles as an introduction to the art and architecture of the Third Intermediate period.  How did the art and architecture of this period draw upon and/or reinterpret earlier traditions?
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Mud Shabti Figures,” “Textiles with the Name of King Piye,” “Granite Shabti of King Taharqa,” “Bronze Door Hinge Bearing Names of God's Wives of Amun,” and “Wooden Stela of Tjenetdiashakhet” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Granite Statue of Amun in the Form of a Ram Protecting King Taharqa,” “Painted Wooden Canopic Jars,” “Quartzite Statue of Peshuper,” “The Shabako Stone,” and “Sphinx of Taharqo”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Granite Statue of Amun in the Form of a Ram Protecting King Taharqa,” “Painted Wooden Canopic Jars,” “Quartzite Statue of Peshuper,” “The Shabako Stone,” and “Sphinx of Taharqo” (PDF)  
  
  Instructions: Please read these articles as an introduction to the art and architecture of the Third Intermediate period.  How did the art and architecture of this period draw upon and/or reinterpret earlier traditions?
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Granite Statue of Amun in the Form of a Ram Protecting King Taharqa,” “Painted Wooden Canopic Jars,” “Quartzite Statue of Peshuper,” “The Shabako Stone,” and “Sphinx of Taharqo” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: The Late Period,” “Ancient Egypt: The Persian Period,” “Stela fragment of Horiraa,” “Bronze statue of Khonsuirdis,” “Kneeling statue of Wahibre offering a shrine,” “Funerary chest of Irthorru,” “Aegis of Isis,” “Bronze figure of Harpokrates,” and “Black siltstone obelisks of Nectanebo II”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: The Late Period,” “Ancient Egypt: The Persian Period,” “Stela fragment of Horiraa,” “Bronze statue of Khonsuirdis,” “Kneeling statue of Wahibre offering a shrine,” “Funerary chest of Irthorru,” “Aegis of Isis,” “Bronze figure of Harpokrates,” and “Black siltstone obelisks of Nectanebo II” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Please read these articles as an introduction to the art and architecture of the Late Period.  How did the art of this period draw upon and/or reinterpret earlier traditions? 
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Ancient Egypt: The Late Period,” “Ancient Egypt: The Persian Period,” “Stela fragment of Horiraa,” “Bronze statue of Khonsuirdis,” “Kneeling statue of Wahibre offering a shrine,” “Funerary chest of Irthorru,” “Aegis of Isis,” “Bronze figure of Harpokrates,” and “Black siltstone obelisks of Nectanebo II” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation’s “Art and Architecture of the Third Intermediate and Late Periods”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

  Submit Materials

1.9 Art and Architecture of the Ptolemaic and Roman Periods (332 BCE- 4th Century CE)  

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation’s “Ptolemaic and Roman Period Art and Architecture”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

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1.9.1 Ptolemaic (332-30 BCE) and Roman Period (303BCE-4th Century CE) Art  

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: The Ptolemaic Period,” “A ‘Queen’s Vase,’” “Limestone Statue of a Female Worshipper Playing a Lyre,” “Gold Octadrachm of Ptolemy II,” “Marble Portrait of Alexander,” “Outer Coffin of the Priest Hornedjitef,” “Hypocephalus of the Temple Musician Neshorpakhered,” “Granite Head of a Bald Man,” “Stela of Taimhotep,” “Stela of Neswy,” “The Rosetta Stone,” and “Mummy

  Links: The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: The Ptolemaic Period,” “A ‘Queen’s Vase,’” “Limestone Statue of a Female Worshipper Playing a Lyre,” “Gold Octadrachm of Ptolemy II,” “Marble Portrait of Alexander the Great,” “Outer Coffin of the Priest Hornedjitef,” “Hypocephalus of the Temple Musician Neshorpakhered,” “Granite Head of a Bald Man,” “Stela of Taimhotep,” “Stela of Neswy,” “The Rosetta Stone,” and “Mummy Mask of Hornedjitef”  (All PDF)
  
  Instructions: Read these webpages as an introduction to the art of the Ptolemaic Period in their entirety.
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original forms here: “Ancient Egypt: The Ptolemaic Period,” “A ‘Queen’s Vase,’” “Limestone Statue of a Female Worshipper Playing a Lyre,” “Gold Octadrachm of Ptolemy II,” “Marble Portrait of Alexander the Great,” “Outer Coffin of the Priest Hornedjitef,” “Hypocephalus of the Temple Musician Neshorpakhered,” “Granite Head of a Bald Man,” “Stela of Taimhotep,” “Stela of Neswy,” “The Rosetta Stone,” and “Mummy Mask of Hornedjitef”

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: The Roman Period,” “The family of Soter, Archon of Thebes,” “Lid of the coffin of Soter,” “Coffin of Cleopatra,” “Mummy of Cleopatra from Thebes,” “Mask of a woman,” “Mummy Portrait of a Man,” “Limestone head of a woman resembling Cleopatra VII,” and “Textile with Erotes figures in a boat”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Ancient Egypt: The Roman Period,” “The family of Soter, Archon of Thebes,” “Lid of the coffin of Soter,” “Coffin of Cleopatra,” “Mummy of Cleopatra from Thebes,” “Mask of a woman,” “Mummy Portrait of a Man,” “Limestone head of a woman resembling Cleopatra VII,” and “Textile with Erotes figures in a boat” (PDF)  
  
  Instructions: Please read these articles as an introduction to the art and architecture of the Roman Period.  How did the art of this period draw upon and/or reinterpret earlier traditions?
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Ancient Egypt: The Roman Period,” “The family of Soter, Archon of Thebes,” “Lid of the coffin of Soter,” “Coffin of Cleopatra,” “Mummy of Cleopatra from Thebes,” “Mask of a woman,” “Mummy Portrait of a Man,” “Limestone head of a woman resembling Cleopatra VII,” and “Textile with Erotes figures in a boat” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.9.2 Fayum Portraits  

• Reading: The British Museum: A.J.N.W Prag’s “Proportion and Personality in the Fayum Portraits”

  Link: The British Museum: A.J.N.W Prag’s “Proportion and Personality in the Fayum Portraits” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire article (7 pages with bibliography and images).
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum. It can be viewed in its original form here.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.9.3 Ptolemaic and Roman Temples  

1.9.3.1 Temple of Hathor at Dendera  

• Reading: Tour Egypt: Mark Andrews’s “Dendera and the Temple of Hathor”

  Link: Tour Egypt: Mark Andrews’s “Dendera and the Temple of Hathor” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read this text as an introduction to the Temple of Hathor at Dendera.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.9.3.2 Temple of Horus at Edfu  

• Reading: University of Memphis: Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology’s “Façade of the Temple of Horus at Edfu”

  Link: University of Memphis: Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology’s “Façade of the Temple of Horus at Edfu” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read this short introduction to the Temple of Horus at Edfu.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: Bluffton College: Egypt Index: Mary Ann Sullivan’s “Temple of Horus at Edfu”

  Link: Bluffton College: Egypt Index: Mary Ann Sullivan’s “Temple of Horus at Edfu” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read this short text, and click on the pictures for larger views of the Temple of Horus at Edfu.  Make sure to also click on the link at the bottom of the page to look at the pictures on the second page.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.9.3.3 Temple Complex at Philae  

• Reading: Tour Egypt: Marie Parsons’ and Jimmy Dunn’s “The Temples of Philae at Agilika Island, Part I: Before the High Dam,” Jimmy Dunn’s “The Temple of Philae in Egypt, Part II: The Approach to the Temple of Isis,” “Philae Temples Part III: The First Great Pylon and the Forecourt of the Temple of Isis,” Marie Parsons’ “Philae Temples Part IV: Temple of Isis Inner Chambers and Structures to the West,” and

  Links: Tour Egypt: Marie Parsons’ and Jimmy Dunn’s “The Temples of Philae at Agilika Island, Part I: Before the High Dam,” Jimmy Dunn’s “The Temple of Philae in Egypt, Part II: The Approach to the Temple of Isis,” “Philae Temples Part III: The First Great Pylon and the Forecourt of the Temple of Isis,” Marie Parsons’ “Philae Temples Part IV: Temple of Isis Inner Chambers and Structures to the West,” and Jimmy Dunn’s “Philae Temples Part V: Other Structures on the Island” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read the above webpages as an introduction to the temple complex at Philae in their entirety.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpages above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

Unit 2: The Art of the Ancient Near East  

This unit focuses on the art, architecture, and archaeology of the Ancient Near East, from the late Neolithic (c. 9500-4500 BCE) until the defeat of the Achaemenid Persian Empire (550–330 BCE) by Alexander the Great.  It begins by examining the art and architecture associated with the urban revolution in Mesopotamia and then focuses on the art and architecture of the various empires and military powers based in Mesopotamia and Anatolia in the third-first millennium BCE.

After completing this unit, you will be able to identify the major characteristics of ancient Near Eastern art and architecture, the important role that city, temple, palace, and monument building played in definitions of ancient Near Eastern kingship, as well as how successive rulers adopted and adapted the art forms and architectural programs of their predecessors.

Unit 2 Time Advisory   show close


Unit 2 Learning Outcomes   show close


2.1 The Neolithic (c. 9500-4500 BCE)  

2.1.1 Overview of the Neolithic Period  

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation’s “The Neolithic Ancient Near East”

   

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2.1.2 Early Settled Communities in the Ancient Near East  

2.1.2.1 Göbekli Tepe  

• Reading: Smithsonian.com: Andrew Curry’s “Göbekli Tepe: The World’s First Temple?”

   Link: Smithsonian.com: Andrew Curry’s “GöbekliTepe: The World’s First Temple?” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read this article in its entirety (3 pages) as an introduction to the site of Göbekli Tepe.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpages above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: Smithsonian.com Berthold Steinhilber’s Photos from “Gobekli Tepe: The World’s First Temple?”

  Link: Smithsonian.com Berthold Steinhilber’s Photos from “Gobekli Tepe: The World’s First Temple?” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: This link directs you to images from Göbekli Tepe that accompany the above article; click on “Next” to view all the images (13 in total).
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpages above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.1.2.2 Nevali Çori  

• Reading: Ancient Wisdom’s “Nevali Çori”

  Link: Ancient Wisdom’s “Nevali Çori” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read this webpage as an introduction to the site of Nevali Çori.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.1.2.3 ‘Ain Ghazal  

• Reading: The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution: Preserving Ancient Statues from Jordan’s “Introduction to the Statues,” “Discovering the Statues,” “Making the Statues,” “Preserving the Statues,” and “Investigating Art and Ritual”

  Links: The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution: Preserving Ancient Statues from Jordan’s “Introduction to the Statues,” (HTML) “Discovering the Statues,” (HTML) “Making the Statues,” (HTML) and “Preserving the Statues” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read the above webpages as an introduction to the site of ‘Ain Ghazal and the statues found there.  On “Making the Statues” make sure to click on the following hyperlinks: “A Plant Core,” Assembling the Parts,” “Modeling the Head,” and “Making and Using Plaster.”  On the “Preserving the Statues” webpage, make sure to click on the hyperlinks: “Uncovering,” “Examining,” “Piecing Together,” and “Displaying.”
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpages above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.1.2.4 Çatalhöyük  

• Reading: University of California, Berkeley: Remixing Çatalhöyük’s “Welcome to the Çatalhöyük Project” and “Life Histories of Peoples, Places, and Things”

  Links: University of California, Berkeley: Remixing Çatalhöyük’s “Welcome to the Çatalhöyük Project” (Adobe Flash) and “Life Histories of Peoples, Places, and Things” (Adobe Flash)
  
  Instructions: On the first webpage, click on “Learn More” in the bottom left hand corner.  Then, use the arrows on the right to scroll down and read the entire text that introduces you to the site of Çatalhöyük and the excavations conducted there by archaeologists from the University of California, Berkeley.  Please read the entire text on the second webpage as well.  Watching the video which automatically plays on this page is optional.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpages above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.1.2.5 Jericho  

2.2 Art and Architecture of the Uruk and Early Dynastic (c. 4000-2350 BCE) Periods  

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation’s “Uruk and Sumer: Art and Architecture of the First Cities and the Early Dynastic Period”

   

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2.2.1 Uruk: The First City  

• Reading: Smarthistory: Dr. Senta German’s “Uruk 3500-3000 B.C.E.”

  Links: Smarthistory: Dr. Senta German’s “Uruk 3500-3000 B.C.E.” (HTML)
   
  Introduction: Please read this text as an introduction to the city-state of Uruk.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

  Submit Materials

• Web Media: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago: Archaeological Site Photographs: Mesopotamia: Uruk

  Link: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago: Archaeological Site Photographs: Mesopotamia: Uruk (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Tour the ancient city of Uruk through these photos.  Click on “Start slideshow,” and click on “Next” to view each image.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.2.2 Cuneiform  

• Reading: Smarthistory: Dr. Senta German’s “Cuneiform and the Invention of Writing”

  Link: Smarthistory: Dr. Senta German’s “Cuneiform and Invention of Writing” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read this text as an introduction to the origin of writing in Mesopotamia.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: YouTube: UCLA: Erin Flannery‘s “Treasures of the UCLA Library: Cuneiform Tablets (Part 3 of 5)”

  Link: You Tube: UCLA: Erin Flannery’s “Treasures of the UCLA Library: Cuneiform Tablets (Part 3 of 5)” (YouTube)
   
  Instructions: Please watch this video in its entirety (4:01 minutes) to learn more about cuneiform tablets.
   
  Note on the Media: This video was written and directed by Erin Flannery.  This section of the video series features Sara Brumfield, who in 2008 was a PhD candidate in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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2.2.3 Art and Architecture of Early Dynastic Period (c. 2900-2350 BCE)  

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Mesopotamia: Early Dynastic Period,” “Gypsum Statue of a Man,” “Stone bowl,” “Fired steatite cylinder seal,” “‘Scarlet Ware’ jar,” “Stone mace head,” “White calcite (marble) cylinder seal with a combat scene,” “Aragonite (shell) cylinder seal with a contest scene,” “Limestone plaque,” “Stone statue of a man,” and “Chlorite double bowl”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Mesopotamia: Early Dynastic Period,” “Gypsum Statue of a Man,” “Stone bowl,” “Fired steatite cylinder seal,” “‘Scarlet Ware’ jar,” “Stone mace head,” “White calcite (marble) cylinder seal with a combat scene,” “Aragonite (shell) cylinder seal with a contest scene,” “Limestone plaque,” “Stone statue of a man,” and “Chlorite double bowl” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Read these articles as an introduction to the art of the Early Dynastic period.
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Mesopotamia: Early Dynastic Period,” “Gypsum Statue of a Man,” “Stone bowl,” “Fired steatite cylinder seal,” “‘Scarlet Ware’ jar,” “Stone mace head,” “White calcite (marble) cylinder seal with a combat scene,” “Aragonite (shell) cylinder seal with a contest scene,” “Limestone plaque,” “Stone statue of a man,” and “Chlorite double bowl” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.2.3.1 Nippur  

Note: Nippur would continue to be an important religious and political center through the Neo-Assyrian period (934-608 BCE).

• Reading: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago: Professor McGuire Gibson’s “Nippur: Sacred City of Enlil, Supreme God of Sumer and Akkad”

  Link: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago: Professor McGuire Gibson’s “Nippur: Sacred City of Enlil, Supreme God of Sumer and Akkad” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read this text in its entirety as an introduction to the important ancient Mesopotamian city of Nippur.  Make sure to click on the links throughout the text to view the images accompanying this article.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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2.2.3.2 Royal Tombs of Ur  

• Reading: The British Museum: Explore/Highlights’ “The Royal Graves of Ur” and “Related Content for the Article ‘The Royal Graves of Ur’”

  Links: The British Museum: Explore/Highlights’ “The Royal Graves of Ur” (PDF) and “Related Content for the Article ‘The Royal Graves of Ur’” (PDF)
  
  Instructions: Please read both articles above.
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum. It can be viewed in its original form here: “The Royal Graves of Ur” (HTML) and “Related Content for the Article ‘The Royal Graves of Ur’” (HTML)

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: The British Museum: Royal Tombs of Ur: Explore

  Link: The British Museum: Royal Tombs of Ur: Explore (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Click on different parts of the map to explore the Royal Tombs of Ur.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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• Web Media: The British Museum: The Royal Tombs of Ur: Challenge

  Link: The British Museum: The Royal Tombs of Ur: Challenge (HTML, Adobe Shockwave)
   
  Instructions: Please note that playing this game is optional.  Play a board game excavated from the Royal Tombs of Ur by clicking on “Next.” You will need to download an Adobe Shockwave plug-in to play this game; please note that some operating systems do not support this plug-in.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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• Web Media: YouTube: Penn Museum’s “Royal Tombs of Ur”

  Link: You Tube: Penn Museum’s “Royal Tombs of Ur” (YouTube)
                         
  Instructions: Please watch this video about the excavations at the site of the Royal Tombs of Ur in its entirety (7:02 minutes).
             
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: Smarthistory: Ancient Near East: Monica Hahn’s and Brian Seymour’s “Great Lyre’”

  Link: Smarthistory: Ancient Near East: Monica Hahn’s and Brian Seymour’s “Great Lyre’” (YouTube)
   
  Also available in:
  Adobe Flash
   
  Instructions: Please watch this video about a lyre excavated from the Royal Tombs of Ur in its entirety (9:13 minutes).
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.2.3.3 Early Dynastic Sculpture  

• Reading: Metropolitan Museum of Art: Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: The Department of Ancient Near Eastern Art’s “Early Dynastic Sculpture, 2900–2350 B.C”

  Link: Metropolitan Museum of Art: Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: The Department of Ancient Near Eastern Art’s “Early Dynastic Sculpture, 2900–2350 B.C” (HTML)
             
  Instructions: First, read the text as an introduction to Early Dynastic period and Early Dynastic Sculptures.  After you have read the text, click on “View Slideshow” to examine examples of Early Dynastic Sculptures from the late fourth to late third millennium BCE.   Make sure to click on each image, and read the accompanying text.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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2.2.3.4 Ziggurats  

• Reading: The British Museum: Mesopotamia: Sumer: Ziggurats

  Link: The British Museum: Mesopotamia: Sumer: Ziggurats (HTML)
   
  Instructions: First, read the introduction, and then at the bottom of the webpage, click on “Story.”  Next, click on the arrows below the black box to read more about ziggurats.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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• Web Media: The British Museum: Mesopotamia: Sumer: Ziggurats: Explore

  Link: The British Museum: Mesopotamia: Sumer: Ziggurats: Explore (HTML)
  
  Instructions: Click on the pictures to learn about the excavations of the ziggurat of Ur.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

Guided Observation #2  

• Assessment: The Saylor Foundation's "Guided Observation 2: Pyramids vs. Ziggurats”

   

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2.3 Art and Architecture of the Akkadian and Neo-Sumerian Periods (c. 2340 BC - 1932 BCE)  

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation’s “Akkadian, Gudean, and Old Babylonian Art and Architecture”

   

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2.3.1 Historical Overview  

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Agade/ Akkadian Dynasty,” “Sargon, king of Agade (about 2334-2279 BC),” “Greenstone Seal,” “Serpentinite Cylinder Seal,” “Stone mace head,” “Greenstone seal of Adda,” and “Fragments of a carved stone box”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Agade/ Akkadian Dynasty,” “Sargon, king of Agade (about 2334-2279 BC),” “Greenstone Seal,” “Serpentinite Cylinder Seal,” “Stone mace head,” “Greenstone seal of Adda,” “Fragments of a carved stone box” (PDF)  
  
  Instructions: Read these articles as an introduction to the Akkadian period and Akkadian cylinder seals.
   
  Note: This reading covers material for subunits 2.3.1 and 2.3.3.
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Agade/ Akkadian Dynasty,” “Sargon, king of Agade (about 2334-2279 BC),” “Greenstone Seal,” “Serpentinite Cylinder Seal,” “Stone mace head,” “Greenstone seal of Adda,” “Fragments of a carved stone box” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.3.2 Akkadian Sculpture  

2.3.2.1 Bronze Head of an Akkadian Ruler  

• Reading: Learner.org: Art Through Time: Global Perspectives’ “Royal Portrait Head (‘Head of Sargon the Great’)”

  Link: Learner.org: Art Through Time: Global Perspectives’ “Royal Portrait Head (‘Head of Sargon the Great’)” (HTML)
                         
  Instructions: Please read this text about an example of Akkadian sculpture.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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2.3.2.2 Naram-Sin Stele  

• Web Media: Smarthistory: Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker’s “Victory Stele of Naram-Sin”

  Link: Smarthistory: Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker’s “Victory Stele of Naram-Sin” (Flash Video)
   
  Instructions: Please watch this video about the Victory Stele of Naram-Sin in its entirety (3:23 minutes).
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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2.3.3 Akkadian Cylinder Seals  

Note: This subunit is covered by the reading assigned in 2.3.1.

2.3.4 Gudean Sculptures (2150-2100 BCE)  

NOTE: Gudea was a ruler of Lagash, one of the many Mesopotamian city-states after the collapse of the Akkadian Empire during the Neo-Sumerian Period.  Gudean sculptures, which were made either during his or his son Ur-Ningirsu’s reign, are usually contrasted with earlier Akkadian sculpture

• Reading: The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History’s “Seated Statue of Gudea, 2150–2100 B.C.”

  Link: The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History’s “Seated Statue of Gudea, 2150–2100 B.C.” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read the text about this object to learn about Gudean statues created during the Neo-Sumerian Period.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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2.4 Art and Architecture of the Old Babylonian Period (c. 2000-1600 BCE)  

• Reading: The British Museum: Explore/Highlights’ “Old Babylonian Period” and “Related Content for the Article ‘Old Babylonian Period’”

  Links: The British Museum: Explore/Highlights’ “Old Babylonian Period” (PDF) and “Related Content for the Article ‘Old Babylonian Period’” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Please read both articles. 
   
  Terms of Use:  The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum. It can be viewed in its original form here: "Old Babylonian Period” (HTML) and “Related Content for the Article ‘Old Babylonian Period’” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: Louvre: Near Eastern Antiquities: Mesopotamia’s “Law Code of Hammurabi, King of Babylon”

  Link: Louvre: Near Eastern Antiquities: Mesopotamia’s “Law Code of Hammurabi, King of Babylon” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read the text about famous stele with the law code of King Hammurabi.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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2.5 Art and Architecture of the Hittites (c. 1650-1200 BCE)  

2.5.1 Historical Overview  

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Hittites,” “Gold figures of deities,” “Gold figurine of a god,” “Gold necklace,” “Gold ornament,” “Haematite seal,” “Ivory figurine,” “Limestone cylinder seal,” and “Limestone tripod bowl”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Hittites,” “Gold figures of deities,” “Gold figurine of a god,” “Gold necklace,” “Gold ornament,” “Haematite seal,” “Ivory figurine,” “Limestone cylinder seal,” and “Limestone tripod bowl” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Read these articles as an introduction to the Hittite Empire.
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Hittites,” “Gold figures of deities,” “Gold figurine of a god,” “Gold necklace,” “Gold ornament,” “Haematite seal,” “Ivory figurine,” “Limestone cylinder seal,” and “Limestone tripod bowl” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.5.2 The Hittite Capital of Hattusha  

• Reading: German Archaeological Institute: The Excavations at Hattusha’s “A Brief History of Hattusha/Bo?azköy,” “The Lower City,” “Temple 1 and Storerooms,” “The Lion Gate,” “The Temple District in the Upper City,” and “The Royal Citadel of Büyükkale”

  Links: German Archaeological Institute: The Excavations at Hattusha’s “A Brief History of Hattusha/Bo?azköy,” “The Lower City,” “Temple 1 and Storerooms,” “The Lion Gate,” “The Temple District in the Upper City,” and “The Royal Citadel of Büyükkale” (HTML)
  
  Instructions: Please read these webpages as an introduction to the Hittite capital of Hattusha.  For more information and to explore other areas of the excavations conducted there by the German Archaeological Institute please visit “City Tour.”
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpages above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.5.3 Rock-cut Sanctuary at Yazilikaya  

• Reading: German Archaeological Institute: The Excavations of Hattusha’s “The Hittite Rock Sanctuary of Yazilikaya”

  Links: German Archaeological Institute: The Excavations of Hattusha’s “The Hittite Rock Sanctuary of Yazilikaya” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read this webpage about the rock-cut sanctuary of Yazilikaya.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpages above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.5.4 Hittite Ritual Art: Zoomorphic Vessels and Other Ritual Art  

Note: This subunit is covered in the reading assigned beneath 2.5.1.  Focus on the images on this page and their accompanying text.  Please think about how these objects are different from or similar to other Ancient Near Eastern art you have seen.

2.6 Assyrian Art and Architecture (1365–609 BCE)  

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation’s “Neo-Assyrian Art and Architecture”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

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2.6.1 Historical Overview  

• Reading: The British Museum’s “Assyrians,” “Alabaster jar,” “Bronze head of Pazuzu,” “Carnelian cylinder seal of Mushezib-Ninurta,” “Colossal statue of a lion,” “Cuneiform tablet telling the Epic of Creation,” “Garnet cylinder seal showing Ishtar,” “The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III,” and “The Taylor Prism”

  Links: The British Museum’s “Assyrians,” “Alabaster jar,” “Bronze head of Pazuzu,” “Carnelian cylinder seal of Mushezib-Ninurta,” “Colossal statue of a lion,” “Cuneiform tablet telling the Epic of Creation,” “Garnet cylinder seal showing Ishtar,” “The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III,” and “The Taylor Prism” (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Read the above articles as an introduction to the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum.  They can be viewed in their original form here: “Assyrians,” “Alabaster jar,” “Bronze head of Pazuzu,” “Carnelian cylinder seal of Mushezib-Ninurta,” “Colossal statue of a lion,” “Cuneiform tablet telling the Epic of Creation,” “Garnet cylinder seal showing Ishtar,” “The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III,” and “The Taylor Prism” (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.6.2 Neo-Assyrian (934-608 BCE) Cities and Palace Architecture  

• Reading: The British Museum: Explore: Related Content for the Gallery “Room 7-8: Assyria: Nimrud”

  Link: The British Museum: Explore: Related Content for the Gallery “Room 7-8: Assyria: Nimrud” (PDF)
  
  Instructions: Please read the article.
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum. It can be viewed in its original form here.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.6.2.1 Nimrud and Ashurnasirpal II’s Northwest Palace (883–859 BCE)  

• Reading: The Saylor Foundation’s “Ashurnasirpal II’s Northwest Palace”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

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• Web Media: The British Museum: Mesopotamia: Palaces of Assyria: “Explore”

  Link: The British Museum: Mesopotamia: Palaces of Assyria: “Explore” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Click on the different part of the architectural plan to explore the Northwest Palace of Ashurnasirpal II’s Northwest Palace.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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• Web Media: YouTube: metrowestvideos’s “Treasures from Assyria in the British Museum at the MFA”

  Link: You Tube: metrowestvideos’s “Treasures from Assyria in the British Museum at the MFA” (YouTube)
   
  Instructions: Please watch this brief video (4:39 minutes) in its entirety.
   
  Note on the Media: In this video, Larry Berman, the Senior Curator of Ancient Egyptian, Nubian, and Near Eastern Art at the Museum of Fine Art, Boston examines in detail the stone panel from Ashurnasirpal II’s palace that depicts the Battle of Til-Tuba in 635 BC in which the king defeated the Elamites.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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• Web Media: Smarthistory: Ancient Near East: Monica Hahn and Brian Seymour’s “Neo-Assyrian Art: Human Headed Winged Lion and Bull (Lamassu)”

  Link: Smarthistory: Ancient Near East: Monica Hahn and Brian Seymour’s“Neo-Assyrian Art: Human Headed Winged Lion and Bull (Lamassu)” (YouTube)  
  
  Also available in:
  Adobe Flash
   
  Instructions: Please watch this short video about a Neo-Assyrian lamassu in its entirety (4:34 minutes).
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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2.6.2.2 Sargon II’s Khorsabad (721–705 BCE)  

• Reading: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago’s “Excavations at Khorsabad” and “Highlights from the Collection: Assyria”

  Links: Reading: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago’s “Excavations at Khorsabad” (HTML) and “Highlights from the Collection: Assyria” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read these two webpages as an introduction to Khorsabad and the excavations conducted there by the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpages above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Reading: The British Museum: Explore/Highlight’s “Colossal Winged Bull from the Palace of Sargon II”

  Link: The British Museum: Explore/Highlight’s “Colossal Winged Bull  from  the Palace of Sargon II” (PDF)
  
  Instructions: Please read this page about a lamassu from Khorsabad now in the collection of the British Museum.
   
  Terms of Use:  The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum. It can be viewed in its original form here (HTML).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.6.2.3 Nineveh and Sennacherib’s “Palace without Rival” (704–681 B.C.)  

• Reading: Brown University: Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World: Ömür Harmansah’s “The Archaeology of Mesopotamia: Sennacherib and Nineveh” Lecture Notes

  Link: Brown University: Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World: Ömür Harmansah’s “The Archaeology of Mesopotamia: Sennacherib and Nineveh” Lecture Notes
   
  Instructions: Please read this text about Sennacherib’s urban planning projects at Nineveh.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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• Reading: The British Museum: Explore: Related Content for the Gallery "Room 9: Assyria: Nineveh"

  Link: The British Museum: Explore: Related Content for the Gallery “Room 9: Assyria: Nineveh" (PDF)
   
  Instructions: Please read above text.
   
  Terms of Use: The material above has been reposted with permission for educational use by the British Museum. It can be viewed in its original form here.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.7 Art and Architecture of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (626-539 BCE)  

Note: In this subunit, you will learn about and view images of the Ishtar Gate.  The Ishtar Gate was built by Nebuchadnezzar II around 575 BCE and was the entrance to the city of Babylon via the Processional Way.  The gate was reconstructed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin in the 1930’s using materials from excavations conducted by the German archaeologist Robert Koldewey.  Other pieces of the gate are scattered throughout museums in Turkey, Europe, and North America.

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation’s “Neo-Babylonian Art and Architecture”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

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• Reading: The Saylor Foundation's "Neo-Babylonian Empire"

   

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• Reading: The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Two Panels with Striding Lions”

  Link: The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Two Panels with Striding Lions” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read the text on this webpage about the Ishtar Gate in its entirety.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin: Collections/Institutes: Museum of the Ancient Near East’s “Picture Gallery”

  Link: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin: Collections/Institutes: Museum of the Ancient Near East’s “Picture Gallery” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Click on the hyperlink titled “show big picture” to look at larger views of the reconstructed Ishtar Gate in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

Guided Observation #3  

• Assessment: The Saylor Foundation's "Guided Observation 3: Ancient Near Eastern Depictions of Power”

   

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2.8 Art and Architecture of the Achaemenid Persian Empire (550–330 BCE)  

NOTE: The Achaemenid Empire served as an inspiration for the organization of the Mauryan Empire, and elements of Persian art can be found in Mauryan and Gandharan art and architecture.

• Lecture: YouTube: The Saylor Foundation’s “Achaemenid Art and Architecture”

   

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

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2.8.1 Historical Overview  

• Reading: Metropolitan Museum of Art: Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: The Department of Ancient Near Eastern Art’s “The Achaemenid Persian Empire (550–330 B.C.)”

  Link: Metropolitan Museum of Art: Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: The Department of Ancient Near Eastern Art’s “The Achaemenid Persian Empire (550–330 B.C.)” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read this overview of the Achaemenid Persian Empire.  After you have read the text, click on “View Slideshow” to examine some examples of Achaemenid Persian Art in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Make sure to click on each image, and read the accompanying text.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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2.8.2 Achaemenid Building Projects  

2.8.2.1 Pasargadae  

• Reading: The Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies: David Stronach’s “Pasargadae” and Antigoni Zournatzi’s “The Tomb of Cyrus the Great”

  Links: The Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies: David Stronach’s “Pasargadae” (HTML) and Antigoni Zournatzi’s “The Tomb of Cyrus the Great” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Please read these texts as an introduction to the city of Pasargadae and the tomb of Cyrus the Great (c.600/576-530 BCE).
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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2.8.2.2 Persepolis  

• Web Media: You Tube: Omidir’s “Persepolis Recreated-Part 1 of 5 English Version,” “Persepolis Recreated-Part 2 of 5 English Version,” “Persepolis Recreated-Part 3 of 5 English Version,” and “Persepolis Recreated-Part 4 of 5 English Version”

  Links: YouTube: Omidir’s “Persepolis Recreated-Part 1 of 5 English Version,” “Persepolis Recreated-Part 2 of 5 English Version,” “Persepolis Recreated-Part 3 of 5 English Version,” and “Persepolis Recreated-Part 4 of 5 English Version” (YouTube Videos)
   
  Instructions: Please watch Part 1 (8:37 minutes), Part 2 (9:51 minutes), Part 3 (8:52 minutes), and Part 4 (10:30 minutes) of the documentary “Persepolis Recreated” in their entirety.
   
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

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• Reading: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago: “Persepolis and Ancient Iran”: “Introduction” and “Persepolis Terrace: Architecture, Reliefs, and Finds”

  Links: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago: “Persepolis and Ancient Iran”: “Introduction” (HTML) and “Persepolis Terrace: Architecture, Reliefs, and Finds” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: First, read “Introduction” that provides an overview of the city of Persepolis and the excavations conducted there by the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago.  Then, read the introductory text on “Persepolis Terrace: Architecture, Reliefs, and Finds.”  Click on the hyperlinks for each of the following and read the accompanying text: “Palace Complex: Structures, Reliefs, and Inscriptions,” “The Apadana,” “The Throne Hall,” “The Gate of Xerxes” “The Palace of Darius,” “The Palace of Xerxes,” “The Council Hall,” and “The Royal Tombs and Other Monuments.”  Make sure to click on the links on the bottom of each of these pages, and view the slideshow associated with each.  
  
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Final Exam  

• Final Exam: The Saylor Foundation's "ARTH201 Final Exam"

  Link: The Saylor Foundation's "ARTH201 Final Exam"
  
  Instructions: You must be logged into your Saylor Foundation School account in order to access this exam.  If you do not yet have an account, you will be able to create one, free of charge, after clicking the link.

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