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The Ramesseum is the memorial temple (or mortuary temple) of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Labels in this diagram: a, sanctuary; b, Hypostyle; c, second court; d, entrance court; e, pylons.

Plan of the Ramasseum

The Ramesseum is the memorial temple (or mortuary temple) of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Labels in this diagram:…

The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in the city of Edfu which was known in Greco-Roman times as Apollonopolis Magna, after the chief god Horus-Apollo. It is the second largest temple in Egypt after Karnak and one of the best preserved. The temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, was built in the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BCE.

Temple of Edfu Plan

The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in the city of…

The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in the city of Edfu which was known in Greco-Roman times as Apollonopolis Magna, after the chief god Horus-Apollo. It is the second largest temple in Egypt after Karnak and one of the best preserved. The temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, was built in the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BCE.

Temple of Edfu Section

The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in the city of…

The Karnak temple complex, universally known only as Karnak, describes a vast conglomeration of ruined temples, chapels, pylons and other buildings. It is located near Luxor in Egypt. This was ancient Egyptian Ipet-isut ("The Most Selected of Places"), the main place of worship of the Theban Triad with Amun as its head, in the monumental city of Thebes.

Temple of Karnak

The Karnak temple complex, universally known only as Karnak, describes a vast conglomeration of ruined…

Piers and columns sustained the roofs for chambers that were too wide for single lintels, and produced, in halls like those of Karnak, of the Ramesseum, or of Denderah, a stupendous effect by their height, massiveness, number, and color decoration. The simplest piers were plain square shafts. The most striking were those against whose front faces were coarved colossal figures of Osiris, as at Luxor, Medinet Habu, and Karnak.

Osiris Pier, Medinet Habu

Piers and columns sustained the roofs for chambers that were too wide for single lintels, and produced,…

a, campaniform; b, clustered lotus column; c, simple lotus column; d, palm column; e, Hathor-headed column.

Types of Columns

a, campaniform; b, clustered lotus column; c, simple lotus column; d, palm column; e, Hathor-headed…

Externally the temples presented only masses of unbroken wall; but these, as well as the pylons, were covered with huge pictures of a historical character. Only in the tombs do we find painted ornament of a purely conventional sort. Rosettes, diaper patterns, spirals, and checkers are to be met with in them; but many of these can be traced to symbolic origins.

Egyptian Floral Ornament Form

Externally the temples presented only masses of unbroken wall; but these, as well as the pylons, were…

The purely conventional ornaments — the rosette, guilloche, and lotus-flower, and probably also the palmette — were derived from Egyptian originals. They were treated, however, in a quite new spirit and adapted to the special materials and uses of their environment. Thes the form of the palmette, even if derived, as is not likely, from the Egyptian lotus-motive, was assimilated to the more familiar palm-forms of Assyria.

Assyrian Ornament

The purely conventional ornaments — the rosette, guilloche, and lotus-flower, and probably also…

An illustration of an Egyptian hieroglyphic panel with a cartouche. In Egyptian hieroglyphs, a cartouche is an oblong enclosure with a horizontal line at one end, indicating that the text enclosed is a royal name, coming into use during the beginning of the Fourth Dynasty under Pharaoh Sneferu.

Hieroglyphic Panel

An illustration of an Egyptian hieroglyphic panel with a cartouche. In Egyptian hieroglyphs, a cartouche…

An illustration of an Egyptian diadem. A diadem is a type of crown, specifically an ornamental headband.

Egyptian Diadem

An illustration of an Egyptian diadem. A diadem is a type of crown, specifically an ornamental headband.

An illustration of a mechanical kettledrum showing the system of cords inside. Timpani (also known colloquially as kettledrums or kettle drums) are musical instruments in the percussion family. A type of drum, they consist of a skin called a head stretched over a large bowl commonly made of copper. They are played by striking the head with a specialized drum stick called a timpani stick or timpani mallet. Unlike most drums, they produce a definite pitch when struck, and can be tuned, often with the use of a pedal. Timpani evolved from military drums to become a staple of the classical orchestra by the last third of the 18th century. Today, they are used in many types of musical ensembles including concert, marching, and even some rock bands.

Mechanical Kettledrum

An illustration of a mechanical kettledrum showing the system of cords inside. Timpani (also known colloquially…

An illustration of medieval kettledrums in the 14th century. Timpani (also known colloquially as kettledrums or kettle drums) are musical instruments in the percussion family. A type of drum, they consist of a skin called a head stretched over a large bowl commonly made of copper. They are played by striking the head with a specialized drum stick called a timpani stick or timpani mallet. Unlike most drums, they produce a definite pitch when struck, and can be tuned, often with the use of a pedal. Timpani evolved from military drums to become a staple of the classical orchestra by the last third of the 18th century. Today, they are used in many types of musical ensembles including concert, marching, and even some rock bands.

Medieval Kettledrum

An illustration of medieval kettledrums in the 14th century. Timpani (also known colloquially as kettledrums…

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also called Khufu's Pyramid or the Pyramid of Khufu, and Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis bordering what is now Cairo, Egypt, and is the only remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also called Khufu's Pyramid or the Pyramid of Khufu, and Pyramid of Cheops,…

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also called Khufu's Pyramid or the Pyramid of Khufu, and Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis bordering what is now Cairo, Egypt, and is the only remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramid is the only pyramid known to contain both ascending and descending passages. There are three known chambers inside the Great Pyramid. These are arranged centrally, on the vertical axis of the pyramid.

Great Pyramid of Giza, Cross Section

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also called Khufu's Pyramid or the Pyramid of Khufu, and Pyramid of Cheops,…

The Grand Gallery features a corbel haloed design and several cut "sockets" spaced at regular intervals along the length of each side of its raised base with a "trench" running along its center length at floor level. What purpose these sockets served is unknown. An antechamber leads from the Grand Gallery to the King's Chamber.

Great Pyramid of Giza, Section of the Grand Gallery

The Grand Gallery features a corbel haloed design and several cut "sockets" spaced at regular…

The King's Chamber is lined with red granite brought from Aswan 935 km (580 miles) to the south, of which the blocks used for the roof are estimated to weigh 50 to 80 tons. Egyptologists believe they were transported on barges down the Nile river.

Great Pyramid of Giza, King's Chamber

The King's Chamber is lined with red granite brought from Aswan 935 km (580 miles) to the south, of…

The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in the city of Edfu which was known in Greco-Roman times as Apollonopolis Magna, after the chief god Horus-Apollo. It is the second largest temple in Egypt after Karnak and one of the best preserved. The temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, was built in the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 <small>BCE</small>. A, pylon; B, obelisks; C, entrance; D, temple courts; E, porticus; F, pronaos (court with colonnades); G, naos; H, sanctarium.

Temple of Edfu, Floor Plan

The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in the city of…

Nine hundred sphinx's with rams' heads, representing Amon, were built in Thebes, where his cult was strongest.

Sphinx at Thebes

Nine hundred sphinx's with rams' heads, representing Amon, were built in Thebes, where his cult was…

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in the city today known as Luxor (ancient Thebes) and was founded in 1400 <small>BC</small>. The temple properly begins with the 24 meter (79 ft) high First Pylon, built by Ramesses II. The pylon was decorated with scenes of Ramesses's military triumphs (particularly the Battle of Kadesh). Pylon is the Greek term for a monumental gateway of an Egyptian temple. It consists of two tapering towers, each surmounted by a cornice, joined by a less elevated section which enclosed the entrance between them.

Pylon at the Palace at Luxor

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in…

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in the city today known as Luxor (ancient Thebes) and was founded in 1400 <small>BC</small>. The temple properly begins with the 24 meter (79 ft) high First Pylon, built by Ramesses II. The pylon was decorated with scenes of Ramesses's military triumphs (particularly the Battle of Kadesh). Pylon is the Greek term for a monumental gateway of an Egyptian temple. It consists of two tapering towers, each surmounted by a cornice, joined by a less elevated section which enclosed the entrance between them.

Pylon at the Palace at Luxor, Profile with Colossal Statue and Obelisk

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in…

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns, resting on their capitals. Entablatures are major elements of classical architecture, and are commonly divided into the architrave, frieze, and the cornice. The architrave (also called epistyle or door frame) is a moulded or ornamental band framing a rectangular opening. It is the lintel or beam that rests on the capitals of the columns.

Architrave of Entablature over Doorway at the Great Temple at Philæ

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns,…

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns, resting on their capitals. Entablatures are major elements of classical architecture, and are commonly divided into the architrave, frieze, and the cornice. The term cornice comes from Italian cornice, meaning "ledge." Cornice molding is generally any horizontal decorative molding which crowns any building or furniture element: the cornice over a door or window, for instance, or the cornice around the edge of a pedestal. A simple cornice may be formed just with a crown molding.

Cornice of Entablature over Doorway at the Great Temple at Philæ

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns,…

The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple which was rebuilt in Madrid, Spain. The temple was built originally 15 km south of Aswan in southern Egypt very close to the first cataract of the Nile and to the great religious center dedicated to the goddess Isis, in Phil&aelig;.

Great Temple at the Island of Philæ

The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple which was rebuilt in Madrid, Spain. The temple was…

The columns form three or four rows, the rows which face the court being closed in by walls of about half the height of the columns, and with the upper part crowned in the manner shown here. Molding, or moulding, is a strip of material with various cross sections used to cover transitions between surfaces or for decoration. In classical architecture and sculpture, the molding is often carved in marble or other stones.

Profile of the Moulding of the Walls between the Columns at the Great Temple at Philæ

The columns form three or four rows, the rows which face the court being closed in by walls of about…

Located with the large Precinct of Amun-Re at Karnak, in Luxor, Egypt, the Temple of Khonsu is an example of an almost complete New Kingdom temple, and was originally constructed by Ramesses III, on the site of an earlier temple. The gateway of this temple is at the end of the avenue of syphinxes that ran to the Luxor Temple.

Cross Section of the Temple of Khonsu

Located with the large Precinct of Amun-Re at Karnak, in Luxor, Egypt, the Temple of Khonsu is an example…

Located with the large Precinct of Amun-Re at Karnak, in Luxor, Egypt, the Temple of Khonsu is an example of an almost complete New Kingdom temple, and was originally constructed by Ramesses III, on the site of an earlier temple. The gateway of this temple is at the end of the avenue of syphinxes that ran to the Luxor Temple.

Floor Plan of the Temple of Khonsu

Located with the large Precinct of Amun-Re at Karnak, in Luxor, Egypt, the Temple of Khonsu is an example…

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.

Back View of the Temple of Philæ

The serious, solemn, and awe-inspiring efect which the general arrangement of the temple produces is…

The interior has a richer appearance, chiefly owing to the use of columns of a round cylindrical shape. These are, moreover, of the most varied form, and without exception represent objects drawn from the vegetable world.

Interior of the Temple of Philæ

The interior has a richer appearance, chiefly owing to the use of columns of a round cylindrical shape.…

At the lower part of the capital there frequently occurs an ornament of diminishing triangles, resembling the sheath from which the stalk of a plant springs. The same ornament often occurs at the base of the shaft, and seems to a certain extent borrowed from the shape of the lower portion of the papyrus plant (here). Other capitals imitate an unopened bud or seed-pod.

Pillar at the Temple at Edfu

At the lower part of the capital there frequently occurs an ornament of diminishing triangles, resembling…

At the lower part of the capital there frequently occurs an ornament of diminishing triangles, resembling the sheath from which the stalk of a plant springs. The same ornament often occurs at the base of the shaft, and seems to a certain extent borrowed from the shape of the lower portion of the papyrus plant. Other capitals imitate an unopened bud or seed-pod (here).

Pillar at the Palace at Luxor

At the lower part of the capital there frequently occurs an ornament of diminishing triangles, resembling…

At the lower part of the capital there frequently occurs an ornament of diminishing triangles, resembling the sheath from which the stalk of a plant springs (here). The same ornament often occurs at the base of the shaft, and seems to a certain extent borrowed from the shape of the lower portion of the papyrus plant. Other capitals imitate an unopened bud or seed-pod.

Capital Ornament in the Temple at Edfu

At the lower part of the capital there frequently occurs an ornament of diminishing triangles, resembling…

The capitals of the columns display an immense variety. The most beautiful have a crater-like form, and appear like the projecting bell of a flower, with leaves standing out from the surface (here). In other instances the pillars are imitations of a palm tree, and have a smooth slender shaft, a neck-moulding of several rings, and then, without any intermediate architectural division, a capital formed of the graceful leaves of the palm.

Capital in the Temple at Edfu

The capitals of the columns display an immense variety. The most beautiful have a crater-like form,…

The capitals of the columns display an immense variety. The most beautiful have a crater-like form, and appear like the projecting bell of a flower, with leaves standing out from the surface. In other instances the pillars are imitations of a palm tree, and have a smooth slender shaft, a neck-moulding of several rings, and then, without any intermediate architectural division, a capital formed of the graceful leaves of the palm (here).

Capital in the Temple at Edfu

The capitals of the columns display an immense variety. The most beautiful have a crater-like form,…

In some temples the pillars have, in lieu of capital, the face of a goddess, probably of Isis, with a drooping sacerdotal hood, and supporting a temple on the head. This face is repeated on four sides of the circular shaft.

Capital in the Temple at Denderah

In some temples the pillars have, in lieu of capital, the face of a goddess, probably of Isis, with…

Instead of columns, square piers are not infrequently introduced in the tombs. In structural buildings they only occur in connection with colossal statues; in which case the pier supports the roof, and the statue, while connected with the pier at the back, has its head free, without supporting anything.

Profile of the Colossal Statue on a Pier at the Luxor Temple

Instead of columns, square piers are not infrequently introduced in the tombs. In structural buildings…

Instead of columns, square piers are not infrequently introduced in the tombs. In structural buildings they only occur in connection with colossal statues; in which case the pier supports the roof, and the statue, while connected with the pier at the back, has its head free, without supporting anything.

Front View of the Colossal Statue on a Pier at the Luxor Temple

Instead of columns, square piers are not infrequently introduced in the tombs. In structural buildings…

They are generally of smaller dimensions in the interior, so that the walls or columns of the same chamber contain several rows of such representations. Between and over them are often found ornamented bands like friezes, and at the bottom of the walls, as in the case of the columns, are introduced more decorations, representing lotus-plants.

Mural Frieze-like Decoration from the Temple of Esneh

They are generally of smaller dimensions in the interior, so that the walls or columns of the same chamber…

Another element in Egyptian monuments which is worthy of study is the hieroglyphics, which mean, literally, sacred sculptures, and that not only because he condition and direction of architecture are thence to be learnt, but because also of the historical disclosures which they bring about.

Mural Decoration with Heiroglyphics from the Great Temple at Philæ

Another element in Egyptian monuments which is worthy of study is the hieroglyphics, which mean, literally,…

They are generally of smaller dimensions in the interior, so that the walls or columns of the same chamber contain several rows of such representations. Between and over them are often found ornamented bands like friezes, and at the bottom of the walls, as in the case of the columns, are introduced more decorations, representing lotus-plants.

Ornament at the foot of the wall from the Great Temple at Philæ

They are generally of smaller dimensions in the interior, so that the walls or columns of the same chamber…

There is another form of Egyptian temples called Typhons. They consist of a simple house in the shape of an oblong square, which has the entrance on the shorter side, and two or three consecutive chambers in the interior; whilst a colonnade surrounds all the four sides of the exterior.

Small Temple on Elephantine Island, Floor Plan

There is another form of Egyptian temples called Typhons. They consist of a simple house in the shape…

In 1959 an international donations campaign to save the monuments of Nubia began: the southernmost relics of this ancient human civilization were under threat from the rising waters of the Nile that were about to result from the construction of the Aswan High Dam. This image gives a perspective view of the entrance hall, in which are seen eight standing colossal statues 33 feet high, supported by square piers.1

Entrance to the Great Temple at Abu Simbel

In 1959 an international donations campaign to save the monuments of Nubia began: the southernmost relics…

In most rock-temples a court, which is sometimes hewn out of the rock, or a covered vestibule forms the entrance, which opens into an entrance-hall, with smaller chamber beyond, in which pillars or columns are introduced according to the exigencies of the case.

Floor Plan of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel

In most rock-temples a court, which is sometimes hewn out of the rock, or a covered vestibule forms…

In most rock-temples a court, which is sometimes hewn out of the rock, or a covered vestibule forms the entrance, which opens into an entrance-hall, with smaller chamber beyond, in which pillars or columns are introduced according to the exigencies of the case.

Cross Section of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel

In most rock-temples a court, which is sometimes hewn out of the rock, or a covered vestibule forms…

Four colossal 20 meter statues of the pharaoh with the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt decorate the facade of the temple, which is 35 meters wide and is topped by a frieze with 22 baboons, worshippers of the sun and flank the entrance. The colossal statues were sculptured directly from the rock in which the temple was located before it was moved. All statues represent Ramesses II, seated on a throne and wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. The statue to the left of the entrance was damaged in an earthquake, leaving only the lower part of the statue still intact. The head and torso can still be seen at the statue's feet.

Entrance of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel

Four colossal 20 meter statues of the pharaoh with the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt decorate…

This image shows how the middle passage is made more imposing by the arrangement of elevating the columns in the middle, and how at the same time a means is contrived of lighting the whole hall by the raised side-lights.

Hall Section of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel

This image shows how the middle passage is made more imposing by the arrangement of elevating the columns…

"Scarab, a conventional beetle, which is a common motive in Egyptian art. The more oval form here seen still bears a closer affinity to some Egyptian scarab-borders of the Eighteenth Dynasty." -Whitney, 1911

Scarab

"Scarab, a conventional beetle, which is a common motive in Egyptian art. The more oval form here seen…

This Idealized Lotus and Papyrus comes from an Egyptian mural painting.

Idealized Lotus and Papyrus

This Idealized Lotus and Papyrus comes from an Egyptian mural painting.

The Egyptian Lion is a relief with sunken outlines.

Egyptian Lion

The Egyptian Lion is a relief with sunken outlines.

This Egyptian Lion is found in the Capital of Rome.

Egyptian Lion

This Egyptian Lion is found in the Capital of Rome.

The Crouching Sphinx is a combination of the human bust with the body of the Lion. The Sphinx is an Egyptian invention that was used as the guardian of temples and tombs.

Crouching Sphinx

The Crouching Sphinx is a combination of the human bust with the body of the Lion. The Sphinx is an…

This Crouching Ram Head Sphinx has a head of a ram and the body of a lion. An Egyptian invention, it was used as a guardian of temples and tombs.

Crouching Ram Head Sphinx

This Crouching Ram Head Sphinx has a head of a ram and the body of a lion. An Egyptian invention, it…

This ornament medallion symbol is a symbol of musical instruments that represent the art of singing. Designed by sculptor Lehr of Berlin, Germany.

Ornament Medallion Symbol

This ornament medallion symbol is a symbol of musical instruments that represent the art of singing.…

The Egyptian valence is a hanging textile termination with the lower end ornamentally cut. It is ornamented with cords, tassels and embroidery. The upper edge of the valence is generally fixed to moulding.

Egyptian Valence

The Egyptian valence is a hanging textile termination with the lower end ornamentally cut. It is ornamented…

The Egyptian capital is the upper termination of the column with opened papyrus flowers. It is found in Kom-Ombo an agricultural town in Egypt.

Egyptian Capital

The Egyptian capital is the upper termination of the column with opened papyrus flowers. It is found…

The Egyptian capital is the upper termination of the column with opened papyrus flowers. It is found in Philae an island on the Nile river in Egypt.

Egyptian Capital

The Egyptian capital is the upper termination of the column with opened papyrus flowers. It is found…

This Egyptian capital is the upper termination of the column with cinctured bundles of papyrus stems.

Egyptian Capital

This Egyptian capital is the upper termination of the column with cinctured bundles of papyrus stems.

This Egyptian capital is the upper termination of the column with cinctured bundles of papyrus stems. It is found in Luxor, Egypt.

Egyptian Capital

This Egyptian capital is the upper termination of the column with cinctured bundles of papyrus stems.…

The Egyptian Folding-Chair in the 18th dynasty was found in the tomb of Chambali. This Folding-chair had crossing struts combined to form a ribbed chair.

Egyptian Folding-Chair

The Egyptian Folding-Chair in the 18th dynasty was found in the tomb of Chambali. This Folding-chair…

This Egyptian earring is a ring that is not quite closed.

Egyptian Earring

This Egyptian earring is a ring that is not quite closed.

An illustration of two men playing instruments.

Two Men Playing Instruments

An illustration of two men playing instruments.