Architecture and Mathematics in Ancient Egypt

Erscheinungsjahr 2011
ISBN: 978-0-521-82954-0
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, 302 Seiten, Format (B × H): 183 mm x 260 mm, Gewicht: 770 g

Short description/annotation
An analysis of the relationship between mathematics and architecture in ancient Egypt.

In this fascinating new 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.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Rossi, Corinna

Fachgebiete

• Mathematik | Informatik Mathematik Mathematik Allgemein Geschichte der Mathematik
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Allgemeines Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften, Formalen Wissenschaften & Technik
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Alte Geschichte & Archäologie Altes Ägypten & Ägyptische Archäologie
• Geisteswissenschaften Architektur Architektur: Allgemeines

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Part I. Proportions in Ancient Egyptian 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: 3. Documents on the planning and building process; 4. Foundation rituals; Part III. The Geometry of Pyramids: 5. Symbolic shape and constructional problems; 6. The proportions of pyramids; 7. Pyramids and triangles; Overview.

Über Autor(innen)

Rossi, Corinna
Dr Corinna Rossi teaches Egyptology at the Circolo Filologico Milanese.

Dr Corinna Rossi is a Junior Research Fellow in Egyptology at Churchill College, Cambridge.