Summary of the Great Temples
Uncover the ancient secrets behind the majestic Great Temples.
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the Great Temples in 10 Minutes
Introduction
King Ramses II
Chief Architect Imhotep
Skilled Stonecutters and Laborers
Priests and Priestesses
1. The Vision for the Great Temples
2. Selection of Sacred Sites
3. Gathering of Resources
4. Design and Planning
5. Foundation and Groundwork
6. Construction of Walls and Columns
7. Roofing and Decorations
8. Interior Design and Furnishings
9. Final Touches and Blessing
10. Legacy of the Great Temples
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: The construction of the Great Temples
- When: Around 3000 BCE to 1500 CE
- Who: Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Mayans
- Outcome: The creation of monumental structures dedicated to religious worship and cultural significance
Famous Figures in the the Great Temples
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Imhotep
Imhotep was an Egyptian architect, engineer, and physician who is credited with designing the Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the earliest large-scale stone buildings in history.
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Phidias
Phidias was a Greek sculptor, painter, and architect who oversaw the construction of the Parthenon in Athens, one of the most famous temples in the world.
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Suryavarman II
Suryavarman II was a Khmer king who commissioned the construction of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Shibata Zeshin
Shibata Zeshin was a Japanese artist and lacquerer who was involved in the restoration and preservation of historic temples in Japan, including the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto.
Timeline of the Great Temples
Construction of the Temple of Karnak in Egypt begins
Construction of the Temple of Luxor in Egypt begins
Construction of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece begins
Construction of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey begins
Construction of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece begins
Construction of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, Greece begins
Construction of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, Greece begins
Construction of the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Egypt begins
Construction of the Temple of Hatshepsut in Egypt begins
Construction of the Temple of Philae in Egypt begins
Construction of the Temple of Karnak in Egypt is completed
Construction of the Temple of Luxor in Egypt is completed
Construction of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece is completed
Construction of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey is completed
Construction of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece is completed
Construction of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, Greece is completed
Construction of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, Greece is completed
Construction of the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Egypt is completed
Construction of the Temple of Hatshepsut in Egypt is completed
Construction of the Temple of Philae in Egypt is completed
Vocabulary List
- Foundation
- The construction crew had to dig deep to create a stable foundation for the temple.
- Architect
- The architect meticulously planned every detail of the temple's design.
- Construction
- The construction of the temple took several years to complete.
- Carving
- Skilled artisans spent hours carving intricate designs into the temple walls.
- Pillar
- The temple was supported by massive stone pillars.
- Decoration
- Elaborate decorations adorned the walls and ceilings of the temple.
- Engineering
- The engineering techniques used in the construction of the temple were ahead of their time.
- Reinforcement
- Steel reinforcement was added to the temple's structure to ensure its stability.
- Restoration
- A team of experts was brought in to oversee the restoration of the temple's crumbling walls.
- Scaffolding
- The workers used scaffolding to reach the highest parts of the temple during construction.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- The Great Temples were constructed using a technique called post-and-lintel construction, where horizontal beams (lintels) are supported by vertical columns (posts).
- The Great Temples were often built using massive stones that were quarried and transported over long distances.
- The construction of the Great Temples required skilled laborers, engineers, and architects to plan and execute the building process.
- Many Great Temples were built as religious or ceremonial structures, dedicated to gods or rulers.
- The construction of the Great Temples often involved intricate carvings, paintings, and decorations to adorn the walls and columns.
- The Great Temples were designed to be visually striking and impressive, serving as symbols of power and authority.
- The construction of the Great Temples required a significant amount of resources, including labor, materials, and time.
- Some Great Temples were aligned with astronomical phenomena, such as solstices or equinoxes, to mark important dates or events.
- The construction of the Great Temples often involved religious rituals and ceremonies to bless the site and ensure its success.
- The Great Temples were important centers of worship, pilgrimage, and community gatherings, serving as focal points for religious and social activities.
- The construction of the Great Temples required precise measurements and calculations to ensure structural stability and alignment.
- Some Great Temples were constructed on raised platforms or terraces to elevate them above the surrounding landscape and provide a sense of grandeur.
- The construction of the Great Temples often incorporated symbolism and iconography to convey spiritual or political messages.
- The Great Temples were often built in stages over many years or even centuries, with later additions and renovations expanding upon the original design.
- The construction of the Great Temples required the coordination of laborers, craftsmen, and artisans from various disciplines to work together towards a common goal.
- Some Great Temples were constructed using a corbel arch or corbel vault technique, where stones are stacked in a staggered pattern to create an arched or domed roof.
- The construction of the Great Temples often involved the use of ramps, sledges, and pulleys to transport and position heavy stones during the building process.
- Some Great Temples were built using a combination of mud brick, stone, wood, and other materials to create a durable and aesthetically pleasing structure.
- The construction of the Great Temples was a collaborative effort that brought together people from different social classes and backgrounds to work towards a common goal.
- The Great Temples were often built in strategic locations, such as near rivers, mountains, or other natural features, to enhance their visual impact and spiritual significance.
Analysis & Significance
Immediate Consequences
The construction of the Great Temples led to economic prosperity in the region as it created jobs for laborers, artisans, and architects. It also attracted pilgrims and tourists, boosting local businesses and trade.
Long-Term Impact
The Great Temples became architectural marvels and symbols of power and religious devotion. They influenced future temple construction and set a standard for grandeur and intricacy in design. The temples also served as centers of learning and cultural exchange, shaping the development of art, religion, and society.
Cultural Significance Today
The legacy of the Great Temples lives on in our appreciation for ancient architecture and religious practices. They continue to inspire awe and wonder, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at their beauty and significance. The temples also serve as reminders of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and traditions for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
the Great Temples Games
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