• History -> Ancient and Prehistoric History

• 0 Comment

What were the major architectural achievements during the Bronze Age and how they still impact modern architecture?

Cristin Parrish

Well, buckle up folks because this is going to be a wild ride through the exciting world of Bronze Age architecture! The Bronze Age, for those who skipped their history classes, was a period of human history characterized by the use of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, for tools and weapons. It lasted from around 3300 BCE to 1200 BCE and was a time of many important architectural achievements.

One of the most notable architectural achievements of the Bronze Age was the invention of the arch. Now, I know what you're thinking, "An arch? Really? That's it?" But hold onto your hats because this simple architectural innovation fundamentally changed the course of human construction. Before the arch, most buildings were made with post-and-lintel construction, which consisted of vertical posts holding up horizontal beams. This limited the size and span of buildings, but with the arch, buildings could be larger, stronger, and taller. Plus, it just looks really cool.

Another important architectural achievement of the Bronze Age was the development of intricate and ornate ornamentation. The Mycenaeans, a civilization that existed during the Bronze Age, were particularly skilled at this. They used a technique called repoussé, where they hammered a design from the back of a sheet of metal until it protruded on the front, giving a raised effect. They also used frescoes, or paintings on wet plaster, to decorate their walls. These techniques not only made their buildings look beautiful, but they also conveyed important political and religious messages.

But how do these achievements still impact modern architecture, you ask? Well, let's start with the arch. To this day, the arch remains a fundamental element of architecture. It's used in everything from bridges to doorways to support structures. Plus, it just looks really, really cool. As for ornamentation, well, just take a look at the buildings around you. From the intricate carvings on Gothic cathedrals to the sleek modern designs of contemporary buildings, ornamentation remains an important part of architecture. It may not always convey political or religious messages, but it still adds a certain je ne sais quoi to a building.

But it's not just specific techniques or elements of Bronze Age architecture that still impact modern architecture. It's also the mindset of innovation and creativity that drove these ancient architects to push the boundaries of what was possible. That same drive is still present in architects today. Just look at some of the stunning buildings being constructed around the world. From the Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, architects continue to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible.

So there you have it, folks. The Bronze Age may seem like ancient history, but its architectural achievements continue to impact the buildings around us today. Who knows what innovations and techniques current architects will come up with that will continue to shape buildings for centuries to come? The possibilities are endless, and that's what makes the world of architecture so exciting.