The Ancient Civilization

Resource 1: Stonehenge; Wiltshire, England

This attraction is an example of ancient civilization. The time of its construction is estimated around 3100 BC.  The official website is http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/about.php

• Features post and lintel design
• Used as worship place

Photo taken at Stonehenge, Wiltshire. 07-18-13. Partial Formation of Stonehenge. 3100 BC.

Photo taken at Stonehenge, Wiltshire. 07-18-13. Entire Formation of Stonehenge. 3100 BC.

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Resource 2: The British Museum; London, England

Over two million artifacts from the collection are archived online at http://www.britishmuseum.org/.  Aside from the extensive collection within the museum, the Museum also offers a range of courses and events for teachers exploring the permanent collection and the special exhibitions.  There is also a plethora of activities and resources for students online, categorized by culture, by subject, and by age group.  This particular museum is so vast and varied that spending a day there wouldn't be enough. The collection ranges from Egyptian to Roman to Greek artifacts and more, with great information about culture, lifestyle, religious life, and more.

This is a wonderful resource for props, set design, actors (as far as viewpoint/background information on the life of characters, and even costuming.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Upper Part of Colossal Statue of Amenhotep III. 1370 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Statue of Amenhotep I. 1510 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Painted Limestone Funerary Stela. 1400 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Red Granite Standing Figure of a King. 1450 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Red Granite Figure of a Lion. 1400 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Statue of King Amenhotep III. 1400 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Ramesses II. 1270 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Granite Sarcophagus of Hapmen: Inside. 600 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Granite Sarcophagus of Hapmen: Outside. 600 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Column. BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Egyptian Collar. 1345 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Ivory and Wood Handled Ceremonial Fan. (1300?) BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Wooden Flutes. (1300?) BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Egyptian Headrests. (1300?) BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Egyptian X-Frame Stools. (1300?) BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Egyptian Bronze Fish-Hooks and Harpoon Heads. (1300?) BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Egyptian Bronze Mummified Cat. 664-305 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Limestone Stela of Sabu. 1985-1795 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Painted Wooden Inner Coffin of the Prophet of Montu Hor. 700 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Painted Wooden Inner Coffin of the Prophet of Montu Hor. 700 BC.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Burial Group of the Priest Hornedjitef. 246-222 BC.

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Resource 3: Book Period Style for the Theatre, by Douglas A. Russell

This book is the most useful, well-laid out book that covers a span of time from the ancient world all the way up to the modern world. Sections within each time period include costuming and accessories, acting and movement, directing information, information on the theatre itself, world/history events that were going on at the time, art and sculpture, how to design for that time, and specific plays of the time.

General Ancient World Info:

• First attempt to domesticate animals
• Ceremonial rituals by medicine man or priest vs. actual theatre: Not entertainment!
• Ceremony included dance, masks, costumes and vocal chanting or storytelling
• Architecture had post and lintel form (Stonehenge)

 

General Egyptian Information:

• Focus on continuity of life: Focus on life and procreation

 

Egyptian Costume & Accessories:

• Egyptian collar: decorated with stones and scarab (beetle)
• Ankh: Key of life
• Keyton: Over wrap, sheer linen, thin, transparent
• Pectorals: necklaces of semi precious stones
• pleated lightweight linen--pleats out from crotch (focus on procreation)
• loincloth for slaves
• Shenti: Longer skirt
• Postiche: Fake beard, represents the one in charge. Worn by men and women pharoahs
• Klaft: Pharaoh's headdress. Sides are startched
• Men and women both wore wigs, took the hair from their slaves

Egyptian Movement:

• Stiff and formal