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ESNA


Intro

Exterior of the Temple of Khnum

Colourful columns

Decorated ceiling

Wall decorations

The little town

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ESNA /
Decorated ceiling

Ceiling of the Temple of Khnum, Esna, Egypt

There is a great variety of the shapes of the capitals of the columns. Some have shapes of palm leaves, lotus buds, papyrus fans or are completed with a bunch of grapes.
Why the ceiling is so dark is not a reflection of the dark night sky, which may be claimed. Rather it has become black from centuries of wood fires, from the time when local Copts had the Hypostyle Hall incorporated into the village.

Ceiling of the Temple of Khnum, Esna, Egypt

Ceiling of the Temple of Khnum, Esna, Egypt

Ceiling of the Temple of Khnum, Esna, Egypt

Ceiling of the Temple of Khnum, Esna, Egypt

Ceiling of the Temple of Khnum, Esna, Egypt

In the southern part of the hall, the most interesting part of the ceiling decorations can be found. It is a zodiac register, and it is dominated by strange creatures, like snakes with two heads, dogs with wings and best of all: a pregnant hippo, which represents the goddess Tweri.

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