The Ancient Egyptians made a significant contribution to the history of art. Their stone monuments and carvings survive today as some of the oldest artistic artifacts in the world.
Stone carvings were added to the walls and pillars of the temples, and in the large stone sculptures of the Pharaohs and their gods, like the monumental Great Sphinx at Giza. According to Stone Sculpture the purpose of Egyptian stone carvings was manifold. It was used to glorify the gods, to facilitate the pathway into the hereafter and as a propaganda or communication tool to establish and preserve values. Most of the stone carvings of Ancient Egyptians served to reinforce conventional rules, which favored the order of society over individual creativity.
The Ancient Greeks, like the Ancient Egyptians, produced art that withstood the test of time. According to Stone Sculpture, the human form was a major part of Ancient Greek stone carving and sculpture. Sculptures of nudes were the most popular forms of stone carvings, as they embodied the classical principals of proportions, grace and balance. Greek sculptors carved stone statues by hand with metal tools, using large, free standing marble or limestone blocks. According to Stone Sculpture, stone carving evolved under each period of Greek culture, and from the Hellenist Period (321 B.C. to 331 B.C.) made a move toward being more naturalistic. The amazingly life-like stone carvings of this period can be seen in the statues and frescoes of the Acropolis and Parthenon, some of which still remain in Greece. Other statues and frescoes can be viewed at the British Museum in London.
Roman stone art work is influenced by Greek stone carvings, especially those from the Hellenistic period. According to Stone Sculpture, the Romans produced free-standing statues, reliefs, friezes and busts out of stone and other materials. Many Roman stone carvings were designed for the public eye, depicting men of various military ranks and figures of great importance. Statues of the Roman leaders were sent out to different lands over which the Roman Empire ruled as a symbol of Caesar's presence. Roman sculptures also tell the tales of many myths and legends in dramatic pieces like the sculpture of Laocoon battling a sea serpent on display at the Vatican in Rome. Roman artist were also commissioned to carve pieces reflecting everyday life and professions.