22/50.- Luxor, Karnak Temple, pillars
We are now at the heart of the temple, the hypostyle
hall. This is the most astonishing part of the temple
(and one of the most beautiful ruins in Egypt). This part of
the temple, that occupies the space between the 3rd and 2nd
pylons, was commissioned by Ramses I (129290).
Twelve enormous columns, nearly 24 meters (80 feet) high, supported
the 5,000 square meters (54,000 square feet) ceiling of the
hall. Light entered through holes on the roof and illuminated
the huge room. Seven lateral aisles on either side brought the
number of pillars to 134. The hall was completed during the
reigns of Seti I (129079)
and Ramses II (127913).
I hope you can appreciate the actual size of these column. They
are really amazing. And here they are standing after three millenniums!
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