Back View of the Temple of Philæ

The serious, solemn, and awe-inspiring efect which the general arrangement of the temple produces is maintained by the smaller details, while the slanting form of the outer walls gives the temple an appearance of solidity and isolation. On this account, and especially owing to its simple unbroken lines, the exterior although monotonous and heavy, is still imposing. The chief peculiarity in the construction of these buildings is that they produce the effect of being composed of an agglomeration of separate parts, which resemble on another, but become smaller and smaller towards the rear of the structure.