"Temples in Egypt" Personal Page by edinka

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View over the Temple of Komo Ombo from the Nile

Temples were one of the most mysterious places in ancient Egypt. They were considered to be the homes of the gods and godnesses and therefore only a few people could step inside them.
The temples were made of stone so that they would last forever. Their walls were covered with scenes that were carved onto the stone then brightly painted. These scenes showed the pharaoh fighting in battles and performing rituals with the gods and goddesses.
All temples were built according to the same structure and so they are looking quite similar to a today`s visitor.

The Pylons

Pylon and Entrance to Philae Temple

The front of the temple was always built to look impressive as most of the Egyptians could see only that and the temples were built for the gods so they must have been the most attractive too. The pylon of a temple could reach 60 meters high.

Pylon of the Horus Temple

The walls of the pylon were decorated with carved and painted scenes of the pharaoh, gods and goddesses. In front of the pylon were obelisks and large statues of the pharaoh.

The Courtyard

Me in the courtyard of Horus Temple at Edfu

After the pylon there was a great courtyard which led to the sacred chambers.
Palm shaped colums surround the courtyard and a smaller pylon leds to the sanctuary.
The outer walls showed scenes of the pharaoh in battle. The inner walls showed the pharaoh making offerings to the gods and goddesses.

Me in the great court at Karnak Temples

Ordinary people could enter the courtyard on festive occasions.

The Hypostyle Hall

Hypostyle hall at Temples of Karnak

Beyond the great courts there was a huge hall of papyrus shaped columns called the hypostyle hall.
Generally these were quite darkened places with roof on that where only a few windows were cut letting some sunshine through to the main aisle. This gave the hall a quite mysterious look.
This hall represented a marsh in the beginning of time. Scenes of religious rituals were carved into the walls. This room would have been used for performing religious rituals.

The Second Hall

second hall at Luxor temple

The second hall was the entrance to the sanctuary. They were quite dark and only special priests could enter it.
The walls of the second hall were decorated with carved and painted scenes showing the pharaoh with gods and goddesses.

The Sanctuary

Sanctaury at Horus Temple

The sanctuary was the most sacred place in each temple where the statue of a god or goddess was held and taken care of.
Only the high priests and the pharaoh could ever enter the sanctuary.

Page Updated Mar 25, 2006
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Comments (31)

halikowski Aug 8, 2008 at 2:43 AM Report Abuse

Yes, Orseg is a special part of Hungary, and would like to explore it further, especially in late summer. Thank you for informing me about Vendvidek.
Laura_Mexico May 21, 2008 at 10:39 AM Report Abuse

Happy birthday!! Wish you a happy day and lots of travels! Cheers from Mexico :)
croisbeauty Feb 24, 2008 at 11:12 AM Report Abuse

thnaks, aren't we neighbours, lol
engeluna May 21, 2007 at 10:59 AM Report Abuse

Happy Birthay from North Carolina!
ghibli88 May 21, 2007 at 4:10 AM Report Abuse

A warm happy birthday to you Edina,greetings from sunny Italy.
vpeter May 21, 2007 at 2:47 AM Report Abuse

Hi Edina, happy birthday. Greetings from the Netherlands.
mary2u99 May 20, 2007 at 11:05 PM Report Abuse

Hey Edina, Hope you have a fantastic day & Happy birthday to you :-)
Vulindlela Jan 12, 2007 at 2:44 PM Report Abuse

Wow, that is a beautiful picture of the beach in Egypt! Happy New Year! Jeremy
boban011 May 21, 2006 at 2:24 PM Report Abuse

Hi neighbour!Happy birthday and best wishes fromBelgrade!
heliopinto May 21, 2006 at 2:24 PM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday!! Greetings from Portugal...