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Old Shoes, New Feet, and the Puzzle of the First Square in Ancient Egyptian Architecture

In: Architecture and Mathematics from Antiquity to the Future

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  • Peter Schneider

    (University of Colorado Denver, College of Architecture and Planning)

Abstract

The processes of manipulation of the square that lead to the production of ad quadratum, the golden rectangle, and the sacred cut exploit the properties of the square, but only by virtue of the existence of a primal figure, a first and original square. That ‘first’ square has to be the result of a simple, clear, effective and efficient method of construction: a method that constituted its original geometry and established its perfection as the instrument for all subsequent geometrical and metrological manipulations. The paper deals directly with this puzzle of the first square, tracing its origins to the emergence of the western architectural tradition in ancient Egypt. The question that it will ask and answer is: “how did that original square get there in the first place?” It will do this by showing that there are recurring references to a very specific pair of measurements—the 20-digit remen and the 28-digit cubit—and that there are recurring discussions of techniques for their application.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Schneider, 2015. "Old Shoes, New Feet, and the Puzzle of the First Square in Ancient Egyptian Architecture," Springer Books, in: Kim Williams & Michael J. Ostwald (ed.), Architecture and Mathematics from Antiquity to the Future, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 97-111, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-319-00137-1_7
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-00137-1_7
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