Architecture: Requirements of the Rulers - Essay Example

? ARCHITECTURE: REQUIREMENTS OF THE RULERS ID Number: of of School Estimated Word Count: 2,115 Date of Submission: January 05, 2012 Architecture – Requirements of the Rulers Introduction Architecture is the process of planning, designing and constructing permanent structures from the simplest abode of ancient times to the most elaborate skycrapers of modern society. As a distinct profession, it encompasses the various elements required to make a structure habitable and useful in terms of its intended functions such as utility, durability and beauty. However, there are also other purposes of constructing a building like cultural manifestations, political symbols and as works of art. The architectural works of ancient civilizations reflect these varied aims to a certain degree. Many historical buildings of ancient Rome, Greece, Egypt, China and India have survived to this day because they were designed to last for ages as intended by their rulers. These buildings symbolized political might and an attempt at immortality, structures that can withstand the tests of time and the natural elements of rain, frost and other extreme weather conditions. It is indeed quite amazing how early architects were able to use their imagination and creative talents to manipulate the various elements of proportion, light, shadow and materials to build edifices that inspire awe and wonder by using only crude tools and simple technologies. It is a testament to their creative imagination to be able to utilize the materials available to them at that time and build magnificent structures that served the triple purposes of durability, utility and beauty and at the same time satisfy their ruling masters with regards to their ambitions to let the structures record the accomplishments of their reigns. This paper examines and discusses some of the so-called extraneous requirements of ancient buildings other than being durable and easily habitable to include the political agenda of the rulers at that time to control and manipulate their subjects or citizens. Ancient structures were often used as a form of propaganda at certain times. Discussion Ancient societies were subject to various threats to their precarious existence. It was a period when people were at risk not only from the natural calamities that can strike from time to time but also from enemies of neighboring towns and tribes. It was therefore a requirement for the rulers to construct their towns with safety and security in mind to assure their survival. Most ancient towns and cities were constructed along trade routes and in places where the geography was favourable to them, such as near water sources where irrigation is possible for agriculture; a primary consideration, nonetheless, was to choose a location that are protected and defensible. As ancient civilizations developed economically and gained political stability, their building structures were designed not just for the primary purpose of habitation but now included the other requirements of their existing rulers with the primary aim of perpetuating their rule. An existing dynasty, for example, would try to cement its hold on the people and neighboring tribes by impressing these people how great their powers are by showing off impressive structures as a good example of their political capabilities, technological might and economic power. Along this line of argument, building structures became potent symbols of their dynastic rule. Indeed, these structures were designed and built for both internal and external people so that the subjects being ruled will not question the authority of their rulers while those people from neighboring places will not attempt to attack. The structures had intentionally become tools for political and propaganda purposes, to proclaim to all and sundry that a civilization is strong enough to withstand any attempts to subjugate it. There could be other propaganda purposes as well, and this will be discussed in greater detail in the following, succeeding paragraphs. Ancient Egypt – this country had one of the world’s oldest civilizations and it was able to attain a period of prosperity and stability through the judicious use and management of the waters of the mighty Nile River. This incredibly fertile valley produced surplus crops from a well-managed irrigation system which in turn enabled the country to have a very sophisticated social culture that was the envy of its neighbours. It attained a high level of mastery in sciences such as astronomy, mathematics, constructions, engineering and architecture. The social hierarchy of ancient Egypt was structured and based on an elaborate kind of religious beliefs, anchored on the ruler, the Pharaoh, as a person of divine provenance. Some of the most outstanding achievements of this civilization can be found in its cultural legacy that is manifested in literature, medicine, shipbuilding, agriculture but most of all, in the ancient ruins of its architecture composed mainly of pyramids, obelisks, palaces and temples. Egyptian ruling dynasties ensured their hold on power by exploiting this system of religious beliefs by building elaborate structures which had withstood throughout the ages and still stand, although in ruins. Its art and architecture were widely copied by other nations with its artifacts highly coveted by collectors of antiquities. Perhaps its lasting legacy is in the form of monuments to the achievements of its various rulers throughout the ages and recorded in pyramids and obelisks. It is generally conceded that its architectural achievements were mainly to proclaim how the rulers achieved new heights in good governance; incidentally, the built structures were designed also to reinforce the power of the pharaoh and his family to rule Egypt. A palace, temple or tomb built by a particular pharaoh is to ensure his dynasty’s legitimacy in perpetuity as Egypt’s ruler.1 Ancient Greece – majority of the Greek structures were built for a similar purpose as the structures of ancient Egypt, which was to celebrate ancient life dominated mainly by religion. The Greeks were largely superstitious, relying on priests and oracles to foretell their future and so they also built elaborate temples to offer thanksgiving to a particular deity of their city-state. Prominent examples of Greek architecture are the Parthenon, the Acropolis of Athens (there are many other smaller acropolises within Greece) and the temples dedicated to Apollo and Athena. Ancient Greece included the period known in history as classical Greece during the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. This was the time when Athens successfully defeated a Persian invasion and then saw the rise of Alexander the Great. He was primarily responsible for spreading Greek culture to Central Asia and most parts of the Mediterranean region and portions of Europe. Ancient Greece can be characterized as a period of warring city-states. In this regard, its architecture was influenced to a large extent by requirements of a viable defense of the city from its various enemies. Most of the outstanding and still-existing structures, besides temples, were built to withstand frontal attacks. Greek architects perfected a columnar-type of buildings which is expressive of its high technical standards and also in terms of aesthetics. The beauty of Greek architecture is unmatched even today and can hardly be improved anymore.2 Ancient Greek structures, in view of constant wars and viable city defenses, reflect a more propagandist purpose than merely just for celebrating daily civic and religious life. They were designed to intimidate potential hostile cities to dissuade these cities from attacking them; that an attack would be costly indeed, a pyrrhic victory. The term is indicative of Greek origin. Ancient Rome – most of Roman culture derived its origins from the Greek culture. It is reflected in its arts, literature, religions, customs, beliefs, engineering and architecture. At the height of the power of ancient Rome, its legions controlled vast tracts of land and hence one of its primary requirements in terms of building structures is to hold and defend captured territories. Various nations had to be subdued and so the Roman emperors built structures according to their own requirements for effective governance and putting down constant rebellions in these places. The Roman Empire at its zenith controlled more than 6.5 million square miles of land surface in addition to some overseas possessions. These conquered lands required constant monitoring and the Roman structures were similar to the Greek structures in purpose, designed to impress upon the subjugated subjects the might and power of ancient Rome and its vaunted legions. Both the extent and durability of the Roman Empire can be attributed to its long-lasting structures built in its vast territories that withstood repeated attacks by its various enemies. In this aspect, Roman architecture was primarily intended for propaganda purposes compared to either the Greek or Egyptian structures. Rome was the unchallenged power at the time and its imperial reach is seen in the relics and ancient ruins which survived to this day. It depicted how other tribes and nations were put down by the rapid deployment of its legions. A distinguishing feature of the Roman conquerors was that they also built cities and towns, which meant they intended to stay for the long haul.3 This can be seen in the design of its urban centres, which minimized traffic and maximized speed when travelling through them, a precursor of the modern version of the concept of rapid deployment of its forces whenever and wherever needed. Requirements of the Rulers – the three ancient civilizations mentioned in this paper designed their structures on the three elements of durability, habitability and for beauty in terms of its aesthetics. Additionally, their architecture soon enough reflected the added requirements of the rulers to protect themselves against their actual and perceived enemies; hence their buildings were generally built to last or withstand repeated assaults. For this purpose, preferred materials were stone and bricks, mixed with sand and cement. The structures can withstand the elements of nature as well as fire started by attacking armies to bring the walls down and burn their cities. It soon added the new element of proclaiming the legitimacy of the rulers by reinforcing their hold on power on the local populations. Moreover, these structures were used as means of propaganda to perpetuate themselves in power, to rein in their populace as well as deter their enemies. It was a nice and more permanent way of announcing their achievements to the whole world. In the case of ancient Greece where the people were focused on religion and all other types of philosophical pursuits, the rulers built public structures which celebrated the freedom of the people. Their greatest architectural accomplishments coincided with pure political freedom.4 Appreciation and enthusiasm for architecture and arts were not confined to the ruling elite but to the entire Greek populace. After all, the Greeks were the first to experiment and experience the real meaning of true democracy. In contrast, ancient Roman architectural structures were built or designed for the ruling elite and chosen few; its buildings were for the enjoyment of its emperors and to consolidate their political power. Their buildings were also quite magnificent but built to satisfy an emperor's cravings for power and grandiosity; these can be seen in their triumphal arcs constructed to welcome back the Roman conquering heroes and their victorious armies. In contrast, ancient Egyptian society was built around religion with the pharaohs seen as directly descended from the gods. Hence, the dwellings, temples, pyramids and palaces had to emphasize the importance of religion in virtually every aspect of Egyptian life. Unlike Greece which is an archipelago (consisting of a chain of islands), Egypt is a contiguous land mass and is surrounded mostly by desert beyond the fertile Nile Valley. Its enemies can be seen approaching from afar which gives ample time for warning and preparations in case of an invasion. Obelisks constructed in the desert warn potential enemies of retribution if they ever attempt to attack their Egyptian neighbours. In this regard, Egyptian architecture fulfilled the requirements of the rulers as more of a propaganda mechanism that proclaims the great power of the pharaoh. Enemies of Egypt are rightly forewarned not to venture into such foolish undertakings. Lastly, the society of ancient Egypt relied on religion to prop up its political structure, with its subjects as slaves. In a sense, there were no individual political freedoms in Egypt, unlike in Greece or Rome. The main secret secret of their military successes and staying power was use of propaganda as deterrence. Conclusion Architecture forms part of a nation's culture. Studying these ancient structures gives the studious reader a good indication of how societies at that time configured themselves, what were the threats to their existence, their responses to those threats and in general, their way of living. Egypt had a very close association between architecture and its ruling dynasties; the decline of Egyptian power during the end portion of the Old Kingdom also reflected a marked decline in both art works and architectural undertakings. The erosion of political power of these pharaohs brought about general civil unrest that eventually weakened the kingdom. Reference List Grimal, N, A history of ancient Egypt, Blackwell Publishing Limited, Malden, MA, USA, 1992. Lawrence, AW, Greek architecture, Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, USA, 1996. MacDonald, WL, The architecture of the Roman Empire: an introductory study, vol. 1, Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, USA, 1982. Laxton, W, The civil engineer and architect's journal, The Proprietor Press, London, UK, 1840. (Note: this is a re-print). Read More