Art & Culture. The greatest painting/sculpture/literary work/philosophy of ancient civilization

            I can’t say that there is one great architectural creation of the ancient civilization. The fact is that there are several that I have learned about, and more that I am still mystified by. The fascination and mystery behind some the worlds greatest creations is what intrigues me. The beauty, skill, time, integrity, precision, and art are all present in these ancient artifacts and they create a window into the past. During my first deployment to the Persian Gulf I endured the excruciating heat, the drier than dry atmosphere, and intense sand storms.              

stepped pyramid

As a result I started learning about the Egyptian civilization, and appreciated it. Because, now I understand how difficult it would have been to try to build and construct the pyramids of Egypt. This means that some, if not all of the workers at some point would die before they would see the completed fruits of their labor. This completely blows my mind considering the dedication, and persistence of these people. I recognize that they were from two different time periods in which these pyramids were built. The old kingdom consisted of pyramid constructions such as; the stepped pyramid, the bent pyramid, the red pyramid, and the pyramids of Giza.

Temple of Amun illustration of what it would have looked like.

Inside Abu Simbel

The other ancient architectural designs in the new kingdom include, Temple of Amun, Temple of Luxor, and Abu Simbel. As time goes on you can see the differences in the two distinctive time periods. The later of the two includes not only elaborate construction, but also very detailed and large statues. This was very incredible for their time not only because of the challenges of the elements, but resources, time, people, and tools.

Abu Simbel

As time progressed, more great architectural feats were created such as, Greek monuments, theaters, and temples. The first one is the Parthenon. The location alone would challenge the strongest of men to develop a method of transporting the stone to the plateau; an almost inconceivable act. The concept that this was built around the God, Athena, shows how deeply they believed in their gods and how much they were willing to give for them.

the Colosseum

While we see this part of the world progressing it is also changing, which brings us to the next period in time. Rome; I can fully understand why the magnitude that some of these structures were built is unbelievable for that period of time. The ingenuity it took to build the Coliseum is amazing. Even more remarkable is that this structure, is still standing.

Hegia Sophia

This brings us to Christian architecture. We see similar techniques in their buildings. There is elaborate adornment on the inside walls and columns. Hegia Irene is a dome-like church with statues and paintings inside. Another is the Hegia Sophia littered with paintings statues and mosaics on the ceilings and walls.

Consequently, I can relate the features of one church or mosque to another. The Dome of the rock is one I did not understand its importance until I was deployed to Kuwait. There I met several individuals who were Muslim and were more than happy to explain to me why this monument is such a commodity for two different religions and cultures. Another Islamic construction is the famous Taj Mahal. Please click on the link below to learn more about what is behind the Taj Mahal and why it is truly an architectural marvel.

     
 Ironically, as I am learning about these cultures and civilizations I have noticed that each one was the reason for it’s own destruction whether it was from political greed, or horrific battles that forced the others out of their country or state. In each one there was plague, war, destruction, or famine; but there was also culture, beauty, loyalty, and commitment, even if it was to a God or to an idea. I just hope that everyone can appreciate the time, commitment, dedication, skill, talent, and human sacrifice thru labor that went into these pieces of history that are still standing today. Whether or not we know the truth or if we have to rely on what is written about them, we can still appreciate what was sacrificed in order to build them. So in my opinion the greatest architectural creation of the ancient civilization is not the buildings themselves but the people who built them, their incredible, talent, skill, workmanship, ingenuity, and perseverance through those times are a great feat in itself. 

By: Jeaniel Image