Ancient Civilizations

The ancient civilizations that stand out the most include; Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Nubia. All of these empires were able to communicate and trade with each other via the Nile. Rivers were extremely important to the people of this time, it was a life source: a means of transportation, food, and water.
Mesopotamia
Situated in modern day Iraq, Mesopotamia was one of the most productive grain-producing regions of the world. They made great strides in mathematics, writing, time, urban civilization, astronomy, and sailing. The had the wheel and a system of weights and record keeping. Homes were made of timber, mud, and reeds because of the availability. The people sculpted sphinxes with great detail and decorated reliefs in a horizontal motion. Their statues and entry ways were made to cause fear and show their power so no one would want to confront them. Not a lot of Assyrian furniture has survived the way the Egyptian's has, so the information comes from carvings.
Egypt
Egypt flourished as it is situated center on the Nile river. It use of slaves and laborers worked fields and build massive monuments, including the pyramids and the Temple of Amun. There was a strict hierarchy in ancient Egypt. Pharaohs and the top and then priests, and craftsman, and farmers and slaves. Because of the climate and the way the Egyptians buried their possessions with the dead, the furniture and artifacts, even wood, was very well preserved. This is why we know so much more about the Egyptians than the other ancient civilizations. Furniture is more form fitting; the chairs and beds have a curve in the seat. The Egyptians are also credited with inventing folding, portable furniture. Furniture was very ornate with lots of gold plating and detailing.
Nubia
Nubia was situated in what is now modern day Sudan and Ethiopia. Nubia is an African-influenced Egyptian culture. At one point in time Nubia actually controlled Egypt. Nubia had pyramids like the Egyptians as well as ornate sculptures. Nubia is the least studied of the ancient civilizations so it is difficult to construct a good picture of what the furniture and everyday life was like. Pottery that has been found shows geometric shapes like triangles.
Ancient Interiors and Furniture 

Egyptian Chair

Abu Simbel: Small Temple murals 

Great Temple of Amon: hypostyle hall 

Modern Implications
Because King Tut's tomb was found in the 1920's the Art Deco period style has a lot of Egyptian influence in it.
 
Egyptian Room inside the Petersham Masonic Centre

Modern folding chair

Peer Review
Nichole Kopsias; I like how she focuses on the architecture and commented on the impressive nature of them. I also really liked the examples ancient monuments as well as the current applications.
Sammy Vogel: I enjoyed how she talks about why and how the structures were built. I also liked the wide range of current applications she showed.