Origin of the Geometrical Pattern in the Royal Architecture of Ancient Egypt during the Thinite Age and Old Kingdom

Abstract

The royal architecture of Ancient Egypt is one of the greatest exponents of that civilization's knowledge. Unfortunately, documentary sources with constructive designs or architectural projects have not been preserved, with the exception of some sketches or details. The only source of information remaining is the archaeology of these buildings themselves. The study of the origins of ancient Egyptian civilization focuses on archaeological, philological and religious studies; however, the origin of the geometrical rationale for its royal architectural designs has not been fully explained. These royal architecture designs, developed over three thousand years of pharaonic culture, would have recalled a certain link between the earthly and divine worlds. This article analyses the design principles pertaining to the main royal buildings during the Thinite Age and Old Kingdom; it thereby aims to propose a geometrical pattern that would explain the architectural design of the ancient Egyptian royal buildings throughout their history.