TEMPLES OF ANCIENT EGYPT

This post will focus on the structure and features of Ancient Egyptian temples while future posts will be dedicated to specific temples and their respective purpose and corresponding gods and goddesses. 

The Ancient Egyptians were builders as evidenced by the plethora of temples, tombs, colossi, obelisks, and other structures found throughout Egypt. They were also pious individuals that worshiped a myriad of gods and goddesses with each deity corresponding to an aspect of nature and life. This penchant for building combined with the importance of gods and goddesses led the Ancient Egyptians to construct hundreds of temples from the Nile Delta to the Nubian border. The temples were a place where the pharaohs and priests could connect with the gods and goddesses by leaving offerings and burning incense in the sanctuary, a room that housed a statue of the god inside a shrine. These temples were not public venues; only pharaohs and priests were allowed to enter except during certain occasions when citizens could gather in the courtyard.

STRUCTURE

The majority of temples in Ancient Egypt followed a pattern in regards to the layout which included high wall enclosures, towering pylons, courtyards with colonnades, hypostyle halls, and sanctuaries. The pylons were gateways and hypostyle halls were 'rooms' filled with columns that supported a roof.

The visitor center at the Karnak complex has a wonderful model that showcases many of the key structural elements of Ancient Egyptian temples. In order, on the far left, we can see the following: Avenue of the Sphinxes; first pylon, which was never completed; first courtyard; second pylon; great hypostyle hall; several additional pylons and and temples. In the middle of the model, we see more pylons with a sacred lake in the background. On the right, towards the front, there is a replica of a smaller temple that contained a colonnade.  

Pylon at the Temple of Edfu, one of the best preserved temples of Ancient Egypt. 

The courtyard at Luxor Temple surrounded by columns.

The great hypostyle hall at Karnak can best be described as a forest of columns. In ancient times, the hall was covered in a brightly colored stone roof of which only parts survive today. 

A sanctuary at the Temple of Edfu shows the shrine where the statue of the god would have been placed as well as the ark that would have carried said statue during ceremonial processions.  

The columns found at the various temples are among the most beautiful form of art and architecture produced by the Ancient Egyptians. The shafts are covered in intricate carvings and the capitals sport a multitude of designs such as the lotus flower or papyrus bud.

Pictures: Top Row, hypostyle hall at Karnak and Temple of Luxor courtyard; Middle Row, vestibule at Temple of Hathor and courtyard at the Temple of Edfu; Bottom Row, hypostyle hall at Kom Ombo and courtyard at the Temple of Philae 

TOURS AND TEMPLES

I have had the opportunity to visit 8 temples with the Temple of Hathor at Dendera being my favorite. I absolutely loved the design, colors, and rooftop access plus lack of crowds. This temple was part of the Trafalgar 12 day tour and it is about 2 hours north of Luxor. I also enjoyed my visits to Karnak and Temple of Philae. 

In researching tours, it seems that most incorporate Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Abu Simbel into the itinerary either as an included excursion or an optional trip. Some companies that offer longer tours add Dendera, Philae, and the Temple of Hatshepsut to the itinerary. For my third trip to Egypt, I would like to visit the temples at Abydos and Tell el-Armana, two cities that are rarely visited by tourists but contain amazing temples and tombs. 

In future posts focusing on specific temples, I will provide ticket prices, tips on how to make the most of your visit, and information on accessibility for those with mobility issues.