Lecture-04-History of Urban Planning in Ancient Egypt.pptx

Ancient Egyptian architecture and planning are marvelous and still astonishing.

1. Dr. Eng. Ismail .I. Hajani Date : 15 TH October 2024 th Sept. 2024 1 History of Urban Planning in Ancient Egypt Course name: HISTORY OF CITY PLANNING & DESIGN Semester: 3

2. 2 Course Learning Objectives: To understand the emergency and trend of urban planning in ancient Egypt. To understand the growing complexity of urban problems within time change. To identify the planning efforts, tools and indigenous practices used during that time.

3. The Ancient Egyptian Civilization's history was divided in 3 main periods; The Old Kingdom, The Middle Kingdom and The New Kingdom. There were a couple of intermediate periods in between. The Old Kingdom lasted from 2649 BC to 2152 BC. The Middle Kingdom lasted from 2040 BC to 1640 BC. The New Kingdom lasted from 1550 BC to 1070 BC. 3 The Ancient Egyptian Civilization's history

4. 4 The Ancient Egyptian Civilization's history ` The planning of a town had was based on two main factors – The nearness to a water source and the height it was built above Nile to make sure the flooding didn’t affect the city. Towns generally had a boundary wall with only one or two entrances through the wall. The main street was normally placed through the centre of the town with smaller streets coming off the main one. Houses were built on the edge of the streets with and the houses share walls with their neighboring houses. The streets were normally very narrow. The Ancient Egyptians built canals, dams and dug wells to collect water. Some of the Ancient Egyptian towns were not well planned

5. The planning of Egyptian architect and stone-mason was meticulous. Some of the identical elements of the period were: Cities as ceremonial cities centers, Pyramid Cities, Monumental Avenues, Colossal temple plazas, Compact city, Town classification-sacred towns, trading towns, Capitals…etc. 5 Planning elements of ancient Egypt

6. The ancient Egyptians were pioneers in urban planning, designing cities that were both functional and visually stunning. Their approach to city development was deeply influenced by the Nile River and their rich religious and cultural traditions. Their innovative approach to city design laid the foundation for the architectural marvels and sophisticated infrastructure that defined the civilization. 6

7. Factors affected urban planning in Egypt 1 Proximity to the Nile Egyptian cities were built along the Nile River, taking advantage of its fertile floodplains and providing easy access to transportation and trade. 2 Flood Cycles Urban planners accounted for the Nile's annual flooding cycles, designing cities that could withstand the rising waters and still function effectively. 3 Water Management Sophisticated irrigation systems and canals were developed to distribute the Nile's water resources throughout the cities, ensuring a reliable water supply. 7 4 Centralized Governance The need to manage the Nile's water distribution and control agricultural production led to the development of a centralized political authority in ancient Egypt.

8. Early Settlements and Town Planning Specialized Zones Distinct residential, commercial, and administrative districts were established, each with their own unique architectural styles and functions. Monumental Architecture Large-scale temples, palaces, and other important structures were prominently placed, serving as visual anchors and showcasing the power of the ruling class. 8

9. Early Settlements and Town Planning Planned Grid Systems Egyptian cities were often laid out in organized grid patterns, with straight streets and rectangular blocks, creating a sense of order and efficiency. 9

10. 10 Emergence of the Pharaonic State: Centralized Planning 1 Unified Kingdom The unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under a single pharaonic rule allowed for the systematic planning and development of urban centers. 2 Centralized Administration The pharaohs and their bureaucrats oversaw the construction of cities, monuments, and infrastructure, ensuring a cohesive and coordinated approach. 3 Hierarchical Society Egyptian cities were organized around a rigid social hierarchy, with the pharaoh and nobility occupying the most prestigious locations and lesser classes residing in designated quarters.

11. 11 Architectural Marvels: Pyramids, Temples, and Palaces Pyramids The iconic pyramids of Giza stand as testament to the Egyptians' advanced engineering and construction capabilities, serving as the final resting places for the pharaohs. Temples Elaborately decorated temples, such as the Temple of Karnak, were the centers of religious and cultural life in ancient Egyptian cities. Palaces The grand palaces of the pharaohs, adorned with intricate artwork and sculptures, exemplified the power and wealth of the ruling class.

12. The Role of Religion in Shaping Cities Temple Complexes Sprawling temple complexes were the centerpieces of many Egyptian cities, serving as both religious and civic hubs. Astronomical Alignments The orientation of streets and buildings often followed celestial patterns, reflecting the Egyptians' deep reverence for the cosmos. Ritual Processions Ceremonial routes and processional ways connected major religious sites, facilitating important festivals and pilgrimages. Funerary Architecture Elaborate tombs and necropolises were integrated into the urban fabric, honoring the dead and preserving their memory. 12

13. 13 City Layout and Zoning: Residential, Commercial, and Religious Quarters Residential Areas Ancient Egyptian cities were divided into distinct neighborhoods, with the elite and nobility occupying the most desirable locations near the Nile. Neighborhoods were designed with housing for different social classes, from humble worker's quarters to grand elite estates. Commercial Zones Bustling markets and workshops were strategically placed to facilitate trade and commerce, often near transportation hubs like the Nile River. Religious Quarters Towering temples, shrines, and other sacred structures were situated in prominent locations, serving as the spiritual heart of the city.

14. Innovations in Infrastructure and Transportation Road Networks Well-engineered road systems connected cities to outlying regions, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and resources. Canals and Waterways Extensive canal networks and navigable waterways provided efficient transportation routes, especially for heavy or bulky cargo. Bridges and Causeways Strategically placed bridges and elevated causeways allowed for the traversal of rivers, marshes, and other natural obstacles. 14

15. 15 Water Management: Irrigation, Canals, and Reservoirs Irrigation Sophisticated irrigation systems, including canals and dams, were constructed to distribute the Nile's waters and ensure reliable crop production. Aqueducts Extensive aqueduct networks carried water from the Nile to various parts of the city, providing a reliable supply for domestic use and industrial activities. Reservoirs Large-scale reservoirs were constructed to store excess Nile water during the annual floods, ensuring a steady supply during the dry season.

16. The Influence of Egyptian Urban Planning on Other Civilizations Architectural Styles Egyptian column designs, temple layouts, and monumental structures inspired the urban planning of later civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. Grid Patterns The ordered, grid-like layout of Egyptian cities became a hallmark of urban planning, influencing the development of cities around the Mediterranean. Water Management Egyptian expertise in water infrastructure and distribution systems was widely adopted by other ancient cultures, addressing the challenges of urban water supply. 16 Innovative drainage and waste management systems were implemented to maintain cleanliness and public health in the densely populated urban areas.

17. Lessons from Ancient Egyptian Urban Planning for Modern Cities 1 Adaptability to Natural Environments Integrating urban design with the local geography and climate can create more resilient and sustainable cities. 2 Functional Zoning and Infrastructure Thoughtful organization of land use and investment in transportation networks can improve efficiency and quality of life. 3 Emphasis on Public Spaces Prioritizing shared, communal spaces for religious, cultural, and civic activities can foster a stronger sense of community. 17

18. 18 Societal Organization: Urban Hierarchy and Administrative Centers 1 Hierarchical Structure Egyptian cities were organized around a rigid social hierarchy, with the ruling class and religious elite occupying the most prestigious locations. 2 Administrative Centers Major cities, such as Thebes and Memphis, served as the administrative and political hubs, where the pharaoh's bureaucracy managed the affairs of the kingdom. 3 Specialized Districts Different sectors of the population, including artisans, merchants, and laborers, were often relegated to designated neighborhoods within the city.

19. 19 ANY QUESTION? https://youtu.be/xO7SQwm5W8I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_6inr3KLx0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EabKVN5pAxc