The Temple under the New Empire.
383
from front to back of the building.
Fig. 223.—Plan of the great Temple at Medinet-Abou. (Communicated by M. Brune.) These columns are smaller in section than those of the peristyles, and the eight which constitute the central nave do not differ from their companions.[1] This hypostyle hall lacks, therefore, some of the distinguishing characteristics of its rivals elsewhere. Its unambitious appearance is all the more surprising after the noble proportions and rich decorations of the two external courts. The effect of the hall is still farther lessened by the fact that it does not occupy the whole width of the build-
- ↑ Here M. Perrot is in error, as may be seen by reference to his own plan. The columns of the central passage of the hypostyle hall are similar in section to those of the two peristyles, except that their bases are flattened laterally in a somewhat unusual fashion. — Ed.