The pillar hall in Edfu

IN EDFU

“Edfu, 18th of Jan. [...] We then went through the main courtyard, the great hypostyle hall with 18 columns, where the ceiling is decorated with astronomical images, the walls have images in hollow relief, rare, depicting such motifs as the ceremonies when the temple's foundations were laid. The chapel, which was used as a library, on the walls there is a catalogue, containing the titles of the books. Above the door to the small hypostyle hall, there is a remarkable image of the sun, surrounded by symbolic images. To the right of the door, there is an altar made of black granite, which according to the inscription was an offering to Horus from a private individual. From the second vestibule, you get to a small courtyard with a delightful open kiosk, the ceiling of which is supported by two columns with floral capitals. On the ceiling is the image of the goddess Nut. The inner sanctum has beautiful reliefs. The walls of the inner passage round the temple are covered in reliefs and inscriptions. The former depicting the King in battle with a hippopotamus; he is accompanied by the god Horus and his companion; the battle ends with the death of the animal. Another image shows the King, the god Khnum with the head of a ram, the god Horus with the head of a sparrowhawk, and the god Thoth with the head of an ibis, all pulling on a net in which they have not only caught marsh birds, fish, a deer and other animals, but also Asians and Negroes, the traditional enemies of the Egyptians.”