Bibliograph

The complete temples of ancient Egypt, Richard H. Wilkinson

Type

Label

The complete temples of ancient Egypt, Richard H. Wilkinson

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 246-250) and index

Illustrations

illustrationsmaps

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The complete temples of ancient Egypt

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

981743026

Responsibility statement

Richard H. Wilkinson

Summary

The temples of ancient Egypt include the largest and some of the most impressive religious monuments the world has ever known. Mansions of the gods, models of Egypt and of the universe, focal points for worship, great treasure houses and islands of order in a cosmic ocean of chaos - the temples were all these things and more. Richard Wilkinson traces their development from the earliest times, looking at every aspect of their construction, decoration, symbolism and function. From the Delta to Nubia, all of Egypt's surviving temples - ranging from the gargantuan temple of Amun at Karnak, to minuscule shrines such as the oasis Oracle of Siwa, where Alexander went to hear himself proclaimed god - are discussed and illustrated here

Table Of Contents

Part I. Houses of eternity: development, glory and decline -- Temple origins -- Old and middle kingdom development -- New kingdom temples -- A glorious decline -- Early travellers and modern rediscovery -- Part II. Buildings fit for gods: construction, growth and change -- Selecting the sacred space -- Rituals of foundation -- Building the 'God's house' -- Decorating the temple -- Growth, enhancement and change -- Part III. Worlds within worlds: the parts of the temple and their meaning -- The temple entrance -- The outer courts -- The inner halls and sanctuaries -- Other temple structures -- Temple symbolism -- Part IV. Between heaven and earth: the religious functions of the temple -- The Egyptian gods and their cults -- The role of the king -- Priests and temple personnel -- Temple feasts and festivals -- Part V. Temples of gods and kings: a journey up the Nile -- From the Mediterranean to Memphis -- From Memphis to Asyut -- From Asyut to Thebes -- Karnak and Luxor -- Western Thebes -- From Thebes to Aswan -- From Aswan to Gebel Barkal -- Oases and outposts -- Epilogue: exploration and conservation today

Target audience

adult

Classification