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History of Western Architecture

Welcome to the History of Western Architecture! We’re going to be studying the history of architecture, beginning in ancient Egypt and progressing through Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, and even some modern buildings. There will be a lot to watch and do in this class, so be prepared!

Days with an asterisk (*) mean you will have something to print.

Day 1*
1. What is Architecture? Architecture is more than just putting up walls and roofs. It’s the art and science of designing buildings and spaces where people live, work, learn, and play. It combines creativity and practicality to shape the world around us in ways that are both useful and beautiful.
At its core, architecture is about solving problems. Architects ask questions like: How can we make this space comfortable? How will people move through it? How can we make it safe, sustainable, and welcoming? Whether it’s a tiny house or a towering skyscraper, every structure is the result of hundreds of choices about shape, materials, light, air, and movement.
But architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. It influences how we feel and behave. A bright, open classroom can make learning easier. A peaceful park pavilion can bring communities together. A city full of well-designed spaces can inspire pride and creativity. That’s why architecture matters. It touches every part of our lives, even if we don’t always notice it.
Throughout history, architecture has also been a way for societies to express their culture and values. Think of the Egyptian pyramids, the Roman Colosseum, or the Gothic cathedrals of Europe. These structures tell stories about the people who built them and what they believed was important.
In short, architecture is everywhere. It shapes the places we call home, the spaces we gather in, and the landmarks we admire. It’s both functional and artistic, grounded in the present but always reaching toward the future. By learning about architecture, we learn more about the world, and ourselves.
2. Skim this article on Western Architecture. (Don’t try and read the whole thing unless you want to, but go through and look at all the pictures. Be sure to read their captions so you know what you’re looking at!)
*3. Print and complete the following worksheet. (Here is the answer key for when you are finished.) Be sure to record your score.

Day 2

1. Watch the documentary “How Ancient Architects Designed Their World.”

Day 3*

1. Today we’re going to begin a study of ancient Egyptian architecture. In order to understand their architecture, we need to begin with a basic understanding of ancient Egyptian culture. Watch this Crash Course video about ancient Egypt.
2. Read about ancient Egyptian art.
3. Then read about materials and techniques used in ancient Egyptian art.
4. Print and complete the worksheet “Building with a Purpose.” (Here is an answer key.) Record your score.

Day 4*

1. Watch the video “Who Built the Pyramids?
2.The earliest pyramids were not the smooth-sided structures we usually imagine. Instead, the first attempt was the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built around 2670 BCE during the Third Dynasty. Designed by the architect Imhotep, it consisted of several mastabas (flat-roofed tombs) stacked on top of one another. This was the first time Egyptians used stone blocks on a large scale, and it marked the beginning of pyramid construction.
As the centuries passed, pyramid design evolved. The Bent Pyramid, built around 2600 BCE under Pharaoh Sneferu, was an early experiment in creating smooth sides. However, because the angle of the slope was too steep, the upper part had to be adjusted, giving it a bent shape. Sneferu also completed the Red Pyramid in 2590. It is considered the first true smooth-sided pyramid and served as a model for future designs.
The most famous pyramids are those at Giza, built during the Fourth Dynasty. These include the Great Pyramid of Khufu (also called Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. The Great Pyramid, built beginning in 2550 BCE, stood over 480 feet tall and was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. These pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs and were part of a larger mortuary complex, which included temples, causeways, and smaller pyramids for queens.
The construction of pyramids required incredible organization and engineering. Workers used limestone and granite, with copper tools to quarry and shape stones. Massive ramps were likely used to move the stones into place. Contrary to popular belief, these workers were not slaves but well-fed laborers who worked in rotating crews.
Over time, pyramid building declined. By the Middle Kingdom, around 2055 BCE, smaller and less elaborate pyramids were built, often using mudbrick instead of stone. By 1539 BCE, pharaohs began to build hidden tombs in the Valley of the Kings to protect them from tomb robbers, and the golden age of pyramid building had ended.
3. Explore with some digital tours.
4. Print and complete the worksheet “History of the Pyramids.” (Here is an answer key.) Record your score.

Day 5

1. Let’s learn more about pyramids! Read “The Great Pyramids of Giza.”
2. Then read the following:

Day 6

1. Watch the documentary “Discover the Secrets of Egypt: Engineering an Empire.”