Even a teenager knows what the drawings of the ancient Egyptians look like. Thanks to a great love of creativity, this people managed to convey to contemporaries a lot of interesting facts about their life, culture and religion. Scientists are still studying murals and hieroglyphs that are several thousand years old. And when viewing the drawings, it immediately becomes noticeable that the people depicted on them are rather strange: in profile and not particularly detailed. And this despite the fact that the images of the Egyptian gods are transmitted quite clearly. What is the reason for this?
The existence of ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt was formed 3000 BC King Menes united the Egyptian lands, creating the Ancient Kingdom. And the following years he was engaged in the establishment of structures and the development of cities.
Between 2700 and 2400 BC the first pyramids were built, which are one of the wonders of the world. In those years, Egypt tried to develop its technology and accumulate knowledge. But after 150 years, the country fell apart again. Only in 2040 BC Mentuhotep I united it again, so the Middle Kingdom appeared. It continued to develop in various fields of science, invent useful technologies.
In 1551 BC the New Kingdom appeared. Since that time, Egypt has focused more on military capabilities. For 15 centuries, the state participated in many wars, which greatly weakened its influence. In 30 BC, when Cleopatra lay in the sarcophagus, Rome annexed Ancient Egypt to its possessions.
Why did the ancient Egyptians draw people so strangely?
When the Egyptian artist began to paint a specific mural, he did not set himself the task of creating the most beautiful image possible. Its main purpose was to transmit information and tell about certain events.
Moreover, the Egyptians believed: everything that is transmitted on the frescoes is heavenly affairs associated with the gods. And if a person appears in them, then his role is insignificant and minimal. This was emphasized with careless drawing. People were portrayed in profile (sideways), without going into details and only observing the proportions, so that the head and limbs looked natural relative to the body.
Interesting fact: There is only one recorded case when a person is depicted in full-face on Egyptian frescoes. On the murals of the tomb of Nebamun, a rich nobleman, girls are not painted sideways.
The Egyptians painted people so strangely, because they did not give them a significant role in the fresco. More attention was paid to the gods and important objects. And people served only as a supplement.
