Temple of Ptah (Karnak)
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The Temple of Ptah is a shrine located within the large Precinct of Amun-Re at Karnak, in Luxor, Egypt. It lies to the north of the main Amun temple, just within the boundary wall. The building was erected by the Pharaoh Thutmose III on the site of an earlier Middle Kingdom temple. The edifice was later enlarged by the Ptolemaic Kingdom.
History
This temple is a shrine located within the large
Gateways
The temple consists of six small gateways built close together. The first, to the west, was constructed by the Ptolemies. The second gateway is a replica of the first but much more enclosed. The third gateway incorporates two engaged columns that connects with the fourth gateway. The fifth gateway serves as the entrance to the portico of four Composite order columns. The sixth gateway crosses through the pylons and runs through directly into the central sanctuary, where the statue of Ptah stands. The sanctuaries of Ptah and Sekhmet are situated here.
Inscriptions and artworks
The first gateway crosses an enclosed cartouche of
The second and fourth gateways contain cartouches in the name of
The sixth gateway is the entrance to the sanctuary. This is where the doorpost of the pylon extends beyond the doors. There is a scene of the king wearing the white crown. On the north side the king wears the red crown. On the south wall of the main central chamber scenes in sunk relief can be seen. On the right is a scene of the scepter of Amun with four vertical lines and more inscriptions.
Inside the sanctuary stand two statues. The sanctuary is the most sacred place in the temple, which is why statues of Ptah and another of Sekhmet stand here. Sekhmet's statue in the chapel is dedicated to the goddess Hathor.
Behind the statue of Ptah,
Renovations and research
Most of the renovations were done under the reigns of
Excavations have found figurines of baboons and the gods
References
- ^ Thiers, Christophe (January 2011). "The Temple of Ptah at Karnak". Egyptian Archaeology 38, P. 20-24. Egyptian Archaeology. Retrieved 30 May 2017.
- ^ Dunn, Jimmy. "Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt; The Temple of Ptah at Karnak in Luxor, Egypt". touregypt.net. Tour Egypt. Retrieved 30 May 2017.
External links
- Excavation program of the temple of Ptah and the southern structures by the Cfeetk (en)
- Report 2009 on the excavation program of the temple of Ptah and the southern structures by the Cfeetk (en)
- Report 2010 on the excavation program of the temple of Ptah and the southern structures by the Cfeetk (en)