These would have had a much better shot of surviving in the drier north Kharid climate than in the swampy south - which may be why we don't see this elsewhere.
The Uzer Mastaba represents a large jump forward in architectural sophistication, with its corinthian columns, stone mouldings, stucco work (I'm assuming from crushed lime), and, of course, its brick construction. As a tomb for the pharaoh, this is probably far more excessive than most contemporary architecture.
Menaphos/Sophanem was a fresh, tiny settlement in Senliten's time, I'm guessing with wood construction. It soon became a metropolis, though, with its widespread limestone brick construction and pyramids. Since one of these was for Osmumten (who was presumably pharaoh during the Zarosian-Kharidian war), I'd place this in the early-mid 2nd Age, maybe shortly after Tumeken 'sploded.
The Duel Arena is 2nd Age, and dedicated to Het. That said, I'd guess it was built
before
the Zarosian-Kharidian war, and rededicated some time later. It's primarily limestone brick, but also displays column work, woodframes, and elaborate stone lintels. I see it as a bridge between the old Kharidian style of Ullek, and the more modern style of Menaphos. Limestone brick as a material would facilitate faster, cheaper construction than fully hewn sandstone, but would also require much stronger and more precise tools.
At some point tool materials and availability must have advanced enough that granite became a viable material - which I believe is first used in Enakhra's Temple and Jaldraocht - 3rd Age structures. Nardah, another 3rd Age settlement, may be constructed of limestone or granite brick - perhaps a combination. The destruction of the forests made wood unviable as a construction material, and likely provided impetus for a stronger move towards brickwork.
06-Apr-2017 10:05:42
