Question

What is the term for the type of masonry technique used in Egyptian buildings like Zoser's mortuary complex? ("Masonry" means building with stone or brick.)

1) Irregular
2) Adobe
3) Ashlar
4) Buttressed

Answer 1

The masonry technique used in Egyptian buildings like Zoser's mortuary complex is called ashlar masonry, where cut stones form a uniform appearance.Option 3) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of masonry technique used in Egyptian buildings like Zoser's mortuary complex is known as ashlar masonry.

This form of stone construction involves cutting and placing stones to create a rectilinear grid, typically with little or no mortar. The term ashlar denotes finely dressed (cut, worked) stone, either an individual stone that has been worked until squared or the masonry built of such stone.

In the context of the ancient Egyptian architecture, such as in the step pyramid complex built by the architect Imhotep for Pharaoh Djoser, ashlar masonry provided a refined and monumental appearance, distinct from the earlier use of mudbrick or smaller, irregular stone pieces.