Ancient Egypt: The Magnificence Of Ancient Egyptian Culture

The glory of ancient civilizations is observable through the expansion of territory, cultural influence, and, most importantly, art production. The greatness of a civilization is easily measured by the quantity and quality of its art production. Over the course of history there have been many similarities between seemingly different cultures, and the most striking evidence to support this are the artifacts which remain to this day. Arguably, one of the most important civilizations in the world's history is Ancient Egypt, which greatly impacted many cultures and their art production. The ancient civilization of Etruria was one of the myriad of cultures influenced by Egypt; however, much of the knowledge of Etruscan culture is unknown. The Etruscan
The Egyptians were also responsible for impacting many cultures, including Etruria, well after their epoch in history. Egypt’s long history, features advanced technology, religion, and power. Traditionally, Egypt had been ruled by one Pharaoh, and this system of absolute power had a tremendous impact on the type of art that was made. There was a variety of art produced in Egypt, but the most prominent had been the burial art. Before Egypt’s ascension to greatness and despite the Pharaohs’ efforts, many of the tombs were prey to vandals, and grave robbers. Throughout each dynasty the Pharaohs tried new ways to prevent any defilement, “everything from bolts, to false passageways, sliding trapdoors of stone, and overhead shafts filled with rubble that came crashing down on anyone trying to dig through”, all while establishing their power and relationship with the gods (Time-Life Books Inc.
The first and largest pyramid was constructed by Khufu, and the others were later built by his son Khafre, and grandson Menkaure. These pyramids, which were the tombs of the pharaohs, were designed in such a way so that they would mislead any unwarranted visitors. The Great Sphinx is credited as “the first colossal statue of pharaonic Egypt”, and was built in front of Khafre’s temple, to guard the sacred necropolis (Silverman 186). The specific function of the structure remains a mystery; although the rampancy of grave robbing lends to the theory that the purpose behind its construction was to protect the tombs, and to demonstrate power. The position of the sphinx is in front of the complex, facing the horizon, which may be in recognition of the god Re. Since this creature is a sphinx, its body is that of a feline, and its head is that of a man. The specific identity of the man’s face has not been declared, but it is believed to be “Khafre’s face, complete with his royal headdress and traditional false beard” which has since fallen off (Time-Life Books Inc. 60). Similar to the Etruscans, the Egyptians cherished life and “began to add more elaborate appurtenances and comforts to their burial sites”, which was a reason for the incessant grave robbing (Time-Life Books Inc. 12). However, unlike the