Third Session

It was once believed that the Nile River in Egypt was first invaded by the Mesopotamians, however this theory was later dropped when further investigation on the emergence of life in the Nile continued. Ancient Egypt is one of the earliest civilization with records of existence.

The way Egyptians represented their art was by following a strict code of rules and meanings, and is known for being highly symbolic. Their pyramids and tombs are a distinct form of art from Egypt, as well as their paintings and sculptures. Their art is linked to the representation of Gods and pharaohs. Both animals and colors were incorporated into their art, and played an important role in their symbolism. (Ex: blue and gold represented divinity. The falcon represented Horus, the sky god.) From sculptures to paintings, all of their form of art had as a purpose to represent man, nature, and the environment.

Egyptian sculpture played an important role in Egyptian symbolizing. It represented Egyptian gods, Pharaohs, and kings and queens. This symbolism was more direct than using colors and animals, because it was a physical representation of the being. Statues were created with the finality of giving eternal life to the kings and queens. The rules applied to the sculptures were more strict; male statues were darker, hands were placed specifically. They are known to be hierarchic and have little to no movement. Its structure is both symmetric and geometric. Because of these specifications the appearance of statues hardly ever changed, which was part of the intention.


Hyroglyphics are the writing system that the ancient Egyptians followed. More than 700 pictures and symbols make up the alphabet.