Temples of the Nile: Luxor and Karnak

Question 1

Mentuhotep’s mortuary temple

Deir‐el‐Bahari, Egypt

c. 2061‐2010 BC

Answer 1

• Processional space
  
  • Light open space
  • To darker, enclosed space
• Chamber at the back
  
  • Carved from rock formation
• Series of open and closed spaces
• Clear sense of axiality
  
  • Unusual for temple complex
  • Guided by hypostyle hall

Question 2

Mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut,

Deir‐el‐Bhari, Egypt, Senmut

c. 1473‐1458 BC

Answer 2

• Trabeated architecture
• Reminiscent of ziggurat
  
  • Sloped ramps
  • Idea of ascension
  • Ruler has access to the sun
• Uses immensity of the lanscape
• Axiality
  
  • East-West
• Square cut columns on the outside
  
  • Almost like Greek flutes

Question 3

Temple of Amun

Luxor, Egypt

c. 1400‐1350 BC

Answer 3

• Ceremonial function
• Back is most private again
• Hypostyle hallway
• General east-west axis
• Obelisks at the front
• Pylons signify entrance
  
  • Passage for rising/setting of sun
• Columns as representation of natural form
  
  • Capitals like budding papyrus
  • Rich decoration + hyrogliphic incisions

Question 4

Great Temple of Amun

Karnak, Egypt

c. 1390‐1224 BC

Answer 4

• Papyrus bud and flower capitals
• Hypostyle hall
• clerestory windows
• Immense scale, emphasis on axiality and verticality
• Series of enclosed spaces

Question 5

Key dates + locations of capitals

Answer 5

• Old Kingdom (2920-2134 BC)
  
  • Memphis
  • Saqqara
  • Giza
• Middle Kingdom (2040-1640 BC)
  
  • Thebes Deir-el-Bhari
• New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC)
  
  • Thebes
  • Luxor
  • Karnak