The New Student's Reference Work/Ramession or Ramesseum

Ramession or Ramesseum. The Ramession was built by Rameses the Great in the 15th century B. C. on the opposite bank of the Nile from Luxor and Karnak, and nearly as large as the former. It is the only temple entirely constructed under the reign of one king. The Ramession is in a bad state of ruin, and very little has been left even of its material; but it still is quite easy to trace the general plan. Two great pylons flank the main entrance; the two are 226 feet wide but the upper part is gone. This opens into a peristylar court which formerly had a double colonnade on two sides at least. A colossal statue, 56 feet high, of Rameses seated is at the further end facing backs of pylons. Another court, grander than the first, with porticos to left and right, each having a double range of columns, is adjoining. The entrance to this is effected through a grand doorway. Osirid figures, 31 feet high, formed a row on each side of the entrance; many still remain. Next to this is a vestibule which is reached by three flights of steps; this is ornamented by two colossal busts of Rameses and a row of columns. From this three large doorways of black granite lead to the hypostyle hall, which measures 136 feet wide and 103 feet long. Forty-eight columns support the roof, with the mode of lighting the same as that at Karnak. The ceiling is painted blue with golden stars. Beyond the hall are wide chambers, each having a roof supported by eight columns. Back of these are smaller chambers with only four columns. Around these are gathered still smaller rooms which have been suggested by some as having been used by students that came to the Ramession to study. There is supposed to have been a library here also.