Architecture and mathematics in ancient Egypt / Corinna Rossi.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rossi, Corinna, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Architecture, Ancient--Egypt.

Architecture, Ancient.

Architecture--Egypt--Mathematics.

Architecture.

Pyramids--Egypt.

Pyramids.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xxii, 280 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Other Title:

Architecture & Mathematics in Ancient Egypt

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2004.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In this fascinating study, architect and Egyptologist Corinna Rossi analyses the relationship between mathematics and architecture in ancient Egypt by exploring the use of numbers and geometrical figures in ancient architectural projects and buildings. While previous architectural studies have searched for abstract 'universal rules' to explain the history of Egyptian architecture, Rossi attempts to reconcile the different approaches of archaeologists, architects and historians of mathematics into a single coherent picture. Using a study of a specific group of monuments, the pyramids, and placing them in the context of their cultural and historical background, Rossi argues that theory and practice of construction must be considered as a continuum, not as two separated fields, in order to allow the original planning process of a building to re-emerge. Highly illustrated with plans, diagrams and figures, this book is essential reading for all scholars of Ancient Egypt and the architecture of ancient cultures.

Contents:

Part I: Proportions in ancient Egyptian architecture. Introduction to Part I : Harmony and proportions in architecture

1. In search of "the rule" for ancient Egyptian architecture

2. Mathematics and architecture in ancient Egypt

Part II: Ancient Egyptian sources : construction and representation of space. Introduction to Part II : tradition and variations in ancient Egyptian art and architecture

3. Documents on the planning and building process

4. Foundation rituals

Part III: The geometry of pyramids. Introduction to Part III : combining the knowledge

5. Symbolic shape and constructional problems

6. The proportions of pyramids

7. Pyramids and triangles

An overview

Appendix: List of Old and Middle Kingdom true pyramids.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-139-81005-7

1-107-14785-9

1-107-32171-9

1-107-31728-2

1-107-31632-4

1-107-31813-0

0-511-55072-3

1-299-39942-8

1-107-31534-4

OCLC:

776946579