The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt

The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt

The temples of ancient Egypt include the largest and perhaps most impressive religious monuments the world has ever known. Mansions of the gods, models of Egypt and of the universe, focal points of worship, great treasure houses and islands of order in a cosmic sea of chaos--the temples were all these things and more. This book traces their development from the earliest times, looking at every aspect of their construction, decoration, symbolism and function. All of Egypt's surviving temples--from the gargantuan temple of Amun at Karnak, to minuscule shrines such as the oasis Oracle of Siwa, where Alexander went to hear himself proclaimed god--are discussed and illustrated. "Houses of Eternity" considers the historical origin and evolution of Egyptian temples, their growth and decline, and their modern rediscovery.--From publisher description.

Richard H. Wilkinson

New York : Thames & Hudson

2000

Introduction : temple, land and cosmos -- Map -- Chronology of the temple builders -- Houses of eternity : development, glory and decline -- Buildings fit for gods : construction, growth and change -- Worlds within worlds : the parts of the temple and their meaning -- Between heaven and earth : the religious functions of the temple -- Temples of gods and kings : a journey up the Nile -- Epilogue : exploration and conservation today -- Visiting the temples.

Introduction: Temple, Land and Cosmos -- Chronology of the Temple Builders -- I. Houses of Eternity: Development, Glory and Decline. Temple Origins. Old and Middle Kingdom Development. New Kingdom Temples. A Glorious Decline. Early Travellers and Modern Rediscovery -- II. Buildings Fit For Gods: Construction, Growth and Change. Selecting the Sacred Space. Rituals of Foundation. Building the 'God's House'. Decorating the Temple. Growth, Enhancement and Change -- III. Worlds Within Worlds: The Parts of the Temple and their Meaning. The Temple Entrance. The Outer Courts. The Inner Halls and Sanctuaries. Other Temple Structures. Temple Symbolism -- IV. Between Heaven and Earth: The Religious Functions of the Temple. The Egyptian Gods and their Cults. The Role of the King. Priests and Temple Personnel. Temple Feasts and Festivals -- V. Temples of Gods and Kings: A Journey up the Nile. From the Mediterranean to Memphis. From Memphis to Asyut. From Asyut to Thebes. Karnak and Luxor. Western Thebes. From Thebes to Aswan. From Aswan to Gebel Barkal. Oases and Outposts -- Epilogue: Exploration and Conservation Today -- Visiting the Temples.

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