ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

The second chapter of our book discusses three ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Nubia. The difference between the architecture of the prehistoric era and these ancient civilizations is monumental. Also, these three civilizations interacted and influenced one another greatly.

The first of these civilizations is Mesopotamian, also referred to as Assyrian, located in the geographic area of modern-day Iraq. During this time period major advancements such as the wheel have been developed along with writing and record keeping.

The architecture has advanced to a state where large-scale buildings are constructed and ornamentation is being used. Finishes are applied to walls, such as skim coats of mud or plaster, which are then painted or carved with reliefs. The differences in finishes are used to distinguish between quarters of different classes.They also highlighted prominent points and entryways with differently colored bricks or a change in finish.

They used wall ornamentation to proclaim wealth and as a form of visual communication. These images were intended to impress and intimidate viewers, often to instill a sense of decorum. These images also show furniture such as chairs, table, couches, thrones, and footrests. 

The ancient Egyptians had lots of stone in their environment, unlike the Assyrians, and with a strong centralized power they were able achieve architecture on a scale that had not been seen before. 

Furnishings were preserved in the tombs of pyramids and demonstrated a box-like conception of the world. Furnishings would start off with a grid or boxlike shape, then as an early example of ergonomics, they would modify these shapes to better fit the human form.

The Nubian civilization was located at the headwaters of the Nile river in modern-day Sudan and Ethiopia. They had abundance of natural resources such as metals which they traded with Egypt. The Egyptian and Nubian cultures were heavily intermixed and even with the influence of Egyptian style, the Nubian style was very clearly African. 

Influence on Modern Design

Each of these ancient civilizations has influenced modern culture. One example would be the large-scale interiors meant to impress and even intimidate on occasion. Two examples are below.

Also, we still see large art installations or murals that seek to send a message - a story about the history of a place or a commentary on a culture.