Pre-Historic

Architecture
Early humans created a form of architecture using large stone blocks
called megaliths. The word "megalith" comes from the Greek words
"lithos," which means "stone," and "megas," which means "big." These
megalithic structures were often used for burial purposes.
The Mystery of Megaliths
1 Ancient Wonder 2 Divine Connection 3 Enduring Legacy
These ancient stone In prehistoric times, stones This connection to the divine
monuments have always and rocks were often seen as is one of the reasons why
fascinated people. They have sacred or divine. People megalithic monuments hold
inspired many myths and believed that these massive such a strong place in our
superstitions over the stones had special powers or imagination today.
centuries. were connected to their gods.
Types of Megalithic
Structures
Menhirs
Menhirs are tall, upright stones that are set into the ground. They can
be found standing alone or in groups. These stones were likely used
to mark important places or events. Some believe they were also
used for rituals or as symbols of status.

Dolmens
Dolmens are like small rooms made of large flat stones. They have a
big, horizontal stone on top, supported by several vertical stones.
Dolmens were mostly used as tombs or burial places. They were
often covered with dirt to create a mound or hill over the tomb.

Stone Circles
Stone circles are arrangements of upright stones set in a circular
pattern. These circles were often used for ceremonies, festivals, or as
a way to track the movements of the sun and stars. They were
important for religious and cultural activities.
Famous Megalithic Sites
Carnac, France Cotswolds, England Stonehenge, England

One famous example is the group The dolmens found in the Stonehenge in England and the
of menhirs at Carnac in France. Cotswolds in England are well- Ring of Brodgar in Scotland are
known examples. famous stone circles.
Egyptian Architecture
Dynastic Period 1
This Architectural was Developed during the-
Dynastic period around 4,000 BC or 6,000
years Ago. 2 Stability and Strength
The structure has thick sloping walls with few
openings to obtain stability.
Ornamental Detail 3
The exterior and interior walls along with
columns and piers were covered with
hieroglyphics and pictorial frescoes and Symbolic Motifs
carvings painted in brilliant colors.
4
Ornamentations were symbolic including
scarab (sacred beetle), solar disk, vulture, and

Astronomical Alignment common motifs (palm leaves, buds, flower of

5 lotus, and papyrus plants)
Temples were aligned with astronomically
significant events like solstices (comes from
the Latin word Sol, meaning "sun" and stitium
meaning "stoppage," as the sun appears to
stand still on the first day of winter) and
equinox (a time or date when day and night
are of equal length) with precise
measurements required in determining the
moment of that particular event.
The Pyramids of Giza
1 The Great Pyramid of Giza
Also known as: The Pyramid of Khufu or Cheops. Details: The
largest and oldest of the three, built for Pharaoh Khufu around
2580–2560 BCE. It was originally about 146.6 meters (481 feet) tall.

2 The Pyramid of Khafre

Also known as: The Pyramid of Chephren. Details: Slightly smaller
than the Great Pyramid, built for Khufu’s son, Pharaoh Khafre,
around 2570 BCE. It stands about 143.5 meters (471 feet) tall and is
associated with the Great Sphinx.

3 The Pyramid of Menkaure

Also known as: The smallest of the three. Details: Built for Pharaoh
Menkaure around 2510 BCE. It is about 65 meters (213 feet) tall.
Egyptian Temples
Egyptian Temples were built to serve as places of residence for the gods.
They also served as key centers for economic activity. Ancient temples
were made of perishable materials like wood, reed matting, and mud
brick. Their walls were covered with scenes that were carved onto the
stone then brightly painted. Pharaoh fighting in the battles and
performing rituals with the gods were the scenes found on the walls.
Greek Architecture
Doric Ionic Corinthian

Simplest and most solid of the More slender and elegant The most elaborate and ornate of
three. It features a plain, compared to the Doric. It is the three. It features an ornate
unadorned capital (the top part of characterized by its decorative capital decorated with acanthus
the column) and a fluted shaft (the capital, which includes scroll-like leaves and small floral elements.
column itself) with no base, resting volutes (spiral or scroll shapes). The The columns are similar in shape to
directly on the floor. The columns columns have a base with multiple the Ionic but are topped with a
are sturdy and have a simple, rings and a distinctive capital with highly decorated capital. Example:
rounded capital with no volutes. Example: The Erechtheion The Temple of Zeus in Athens is a
decoration. Example: The on the Acropolis features Ionic notable example of the Corinthian
Parthenon in Athens uses this columns. order.
order for its outer columns.
 Romanesque Architecture
The doorways of Romanesque's churches are often grand sculptured portals. Wood or metal doors are surrounded
by elaborate stone sculptures arranged in zones to fit architectural elements.

Example's of Romanesque Architecture.

1. St. Sernin Basilica in Toulouse, France: A prominent example with its massive
nave, rounded arches, and thick walls.

2. Durham Cathedral in Durham, England: Known for its innovative ribbed vaults and
large, robust design typical of Romanesque architecture.
Gothic Architecture
Pointed Arches
1 A key feature of Gothic architecture, allowing for greater height and structural support. In Paris, France

Flying Buttresses
2 External supports that help distribute the weight of the roof and walls, enabling higher ceilings and
larger windows. Also In Paris, France.

Design Features
3 Has rich architecture and design Splendid stained glass windows Thousands of sculptured figures
Architectural
Styles:

This presentation explores the rich history and visual impact of three
prominent architectural styles: Gothic, Roman, and Byzantine. Each style
boasts unique characteristics, from the soaring heights of Gothic
cathedrals to the grandeur of Roman structures and the intricate mosaics
of Byzantine churches. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of
these architectural masterpieces.

by Kian Masongsong
Gothic Architecture: A
Symphony of Light and
Stone

1 Rich Architecture and Design

Gothic architecture is renowned for its rich and intricate design,
characterized by soaring arches, intricate carvings, and delicate
tracery.

2 Splendid Stained Glass Windows

Stained glass windows are a hallmark of Gothic architecture, filling
the interiors with vibrant colors and ethereal light, creating a sense
of awe and wonder.

3 Thousands of Sculptured Figures

Gothic cathedrals are often adorned with thousands of sculpted
figures, depicting biblical scenes, saints, and other religious figures,
adding to the grandeur and symbolism of the architecture.
Key Features of Gothic Architecture
Pointed Arches Flying Buttresses

Pointed arches are a defining feature of Gothic Flying buttresses are external supports that help
architecture, allowing for greater height and structural distribute the weight of the roof and walls, enabling
support compared to rounded Roman arches. They higher ceilings and larger windows. They are a
create a sense of verticality and aspiration, reaching testament to the ingenuity of Gothic architects and
towards the heavens. engineers.
Roman Architecture: The
Legacy of Strength and
Grandeur
Roman architecture is characterized by its monumental scale, sturdy
construction, and practical functionality. Roman builders mastered the
use of concrete and arches, creating structures that have endured for
centuries.

Purpose Examples

Public Games Colosseum, Circus Maximus

Baths Baths of Caracalla, Baths of

Diocletian

Processions Triumphal Arches, Forums

The Colosseum: A
Monument to Roman
Engineering
The Colosseum, or Flavian Amphitheatre, is a monumental example of
Roman architecture in Rome, completed in AD 80. It features an elliptical
design with a capacity of up to 50,000 spectators and is renowned for its
use of arches and vaults, showcasing advanced Roman engineering.

Constructed from concrete and travertine stone, it reflects the grandeur

and technical expertise of ancient Rome and has influenced architectural
practices throughout history.
Byzantine Architecture: A
Blend of Tradition and
Innovation
Byzantine architecture, influenced by early Christian architecture,
developed its own unique style characterized by the use of domes,
mosaics, and intricate ornamentation.

Example of Byzantine Architecture

- Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia means "Holy Wisdom," it narrates how a magnificent
construction trans- formed from being a church, into a mosque and what
is now known as the Hagia Sophia museum. One of the biggest domes
ever created with 108 feet in diameter. Because of its grand size it can be
seen from miles away.