Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/68

 10 COMPARATIVE ARCHITECTURE. account of its value as a trade route, and as a means of communi- cation, but also because its waters were the fertilizing agents that made desert sands into fruitful fields. It was on the banks of this ancient river that from time immemorial the cities of the Egyptians were naturally placed ; here, therefore, are found the chief remains of the Tombs, Temples, and Pyramids. ii. Geological. — In this section throughout the volume an endeavour will be made to trace that influence on architectural style which the materials at hand in each country had in its development. The natural products of a country such as wood, brick, or stone, determine to a large extent its style of art. In Egypt there existed an abundance of limestone in the north, of sandstone in the central region, and of granite in the south. The latter is principally found near Assuan (Syene), and is called Syenite. This hard and lasting building material largely influenced the architecture of the country, and to its durable qualities is due the fact that there are so many remains. Bricks were also employed, but were generally faced with some harder material. 'ood of a kind suitable for building was not available, only small forests of palm and acacia existing. iii. Climate. — The climate is equable and of warm temperature, snow and frost being wholly unknown, while storm, fog, and even rain are rare, which accounts to a large extent for the good preservation of the temples. Egypt has been said to have but two seasons, spring and summer. The climate was thus of importance in developing the qualities of the architecture, admit- ting of simplicity in construction, for though it demanded some protection against heat there was no necessity to provide against inclement weather. iv. Religion. — A close connection between religion and archi- tecture is everywhere manifest at this epoch. The priesthood was powerful, possessed of almost unlimited authority, and equipped with all the learning of the age. The religious rites were traditional, unchangeable, and mysterious. A tinge of mystery is one of the great characteristics of the Egyptian archi- tecture as well in its tombs as in its temples. The Egyptians attained to a very high degree of learning in astronomy, mathe- matics, and philosophy ; the remains of their literature have been preserved to us in the papyri, or MSS. written on paper made from the pith of the papyrus. In theory the religion was mono- theistic, but in practice it became polytheistic ; a multiplicity of gods was created by personifying natural phenomena, such as the sun, moon, and stars, as well as the brute creation. The Egyptians were strong believers in a future state ; hence their care in the preservation of their dead, and the erection of such everlasting monuments as the Pyramids. Herodotus mentions