Prehistoric Cave Art
What did early cave artists use as paint, made from crushed minerals and charcoal?
Natural pigments
What were pyramids built for in Ancient Egypt?
Tombs for pharaohs
What nickname is often given to Mesopotamia because it was one of the first civilizations?
The Cradle of Civilization
What are petroglyphs?
Rock carvings made by chipping away surfaces
What is it called when images represent deeper meaning?
Symbolism
Name one famous cave where prehistoric paintings have been found.
Lascaux (France) or Altamira (Spain) or Bedrock (The Flintstones)
What type of writing system used pictures to represent words and sounds?
Hieroglyphs
What was the name of the massive stepped temples built in Mesopotamia?
Ziggurats
Where are Indigenous petroglyphs found?
Worldwide (Americas, Australia, etc.)
What role did art serve besides decoration in early cultures?
Storytelling and communication
What animals are most commonly shown in cave paintings?
Bison, horses, deer, or other hunted animals
Egyptian hieroglyphs often showed some people bigger and smaller than others. Why?
To show power, order, and importance
What famous law code was carved into stone with art and writing?
The Code of Hammurabi
What kinds of images are commonly seen in petroglyphs?
Animals, people, and beliefs
What were the foundational materials and supplies of early art?
Natural pigments and tools
Why do historians believe early humans created cave art?
For storytelling of survival
What is the name of the large temple complex built for gods like Amun-Ra?
Karnak Temple
How were Mesopotamian temples different from pyramids?
Their temples had large steps and were flat at the tops.
How are hieroglyphs different from petroglyphs?
Hieroglyphs are a writing system with defined meanings; petroglyphs are symbolic images, open to interpretation
How did ancient cultures use animals, gods, and architecture in symbolism?
Animals = power, gods = protection, architecture = eternity
What tool might early cave artists have used to blow pigment onto walls?
Hollow bone or reed
How did Egyptian art symbolize eternal life?
Through images of gods, burial art, and symbols like the ankh
What key concept does Mesopotamian art represent?
Storytelling and law
Why are petroglyphs considered more symbolic than literal?
They were cultural and spiritual narratives, not structured writing
What common theme connects Cave Art, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Petroglyphs?
They all used art to tell stories and express cultural values