This architectural and decorative arts style is among the most easily identifiable of all revivalist styles. Early Egyptian architecture has been studied, admired, and emulated throughout time. The arch was used in ancient Egypt for what is believed to be the first time, and the ancient Greeks considered Egypt the source of all civilizations. During the Renaissance, Egyptian motifs were incorporated into the decorative arts, and many architectural and decorative traditions to follow were influenced by Egyptian ornament. For centuries, Egypt was inaccessible to foreigners because of its relative isolation and strict religious and political restrictions. Early examples of the style were fanciful and Entries A–F 737 highly interpretive, with no effort made for accuracy until the 19th century, when archaeological discoveries in Egypt captured the popular imagination. In 1798, Napoleon initiated a military campaign into Egypt and sent numerous scholars and researchers to excavate archaeolog...