De-monumentalising perceptions of ancient architectural practices

Archaeologists often designate certain anthropogenic structures as ‘monumental’, creating an architectural dichotomy that has an ascribed implicit value. This article challenges the usefulness of such differentiation, which, the author argues, does not describe objective characteristics of buildings but rather reflects a social construct rooted in the origins of the modern discipline of architecture. By exploring the assumptions inherent in current three-dimensional views and evolutionary models of architectural development, and employing ancient Egyptian architecture as a pertinent case study, this article aims to open our eyes to fundamental aspects of past architectural practices that are veiled by these frameworks.