|
Tutmosis III. This Stele displays a typical rendition of the New Kingdom Egyptian pharaoh as an eternally young, invincible warrior, c. 1460 BC.
Hypostyle Hall, Temple of Karnak, New Kingdom Egypt, c. 1575-1086.
View of the Temple of
Amon-Re at Karnak: The Temple of Amon-Re at Karnak was rebuilt during the New Kingdom. Like most of the New
Kingdom temples, it was enclosed by a massive fortification
wall to present a fortress-like appearance. First pylon built to create
an imposing facade along with the erection of towering obelisks. Colossal
statues of Thutmose I flanked approach to temple. The New Kingdom Pharaoh Seti I (1291-1279) constructed a large hypostyle hall at Karnak 335 ft wide, 174 ft long, consisting of 124 gigantic columns. The central
columns stood 75ft tall and were designed with open
papyrus flower capitals measuring 50 ft in
circumference. Along the sides of the central colonnade stood 122 slightly
shorter columns with closed bud capitals. The reliefs here are
generally regarded among the best in Egypt. Additional temples for Mut
and Montu were situated
nearby and a grand avenue of sphinxes lined the procession way from Karnak to Luxor.
Actual State and Virtual Reconstruction of Hypostyle Hall at Karnak.
Views of the Temple of Amon-Re at Luxor
Bearded Bust of Pharaoh Hatshepsut (1479-1458 BC), illustrated by John Smith; at
right, Her Mortuary Temple at Dier El Bahri, Photo by Ryan Childe
Abu Simbel – The architectural feat of
Ramses II at Abu Simbel Two temples were carved directly out of the sandstone
mountains. Facade of great temple is like a large recessed pylon with four
gigantic seated images of Ramses II, 65 ft tall. Its
chambers extend some 200 feet into the mountain, ending in a sanctuary with
statues of four deities cut out of the rock. Twice a year, Feb. 21 and Oct, 21, the rising sun came directly through the entrance
and bathed three of the statues in light -- Ramses II, Amon and Re-Horakhty. The fourth god, Ptah, god of darkness and
underworld, remained in shadow.