NOVA Online | Mysteries of the Nile | Karnak Temple: Great Hypostyle Hall (N side)

Karnak Temple: Great Hypostyle Hall (N side)
(click and drag in image, left or right, up or down)

The Great Hypostyle Hall is one of the most spectacular monuments of ancient Egypt. Possibly begun by Amenophis III, this veritable forest of soaring pillars was continued by Seti I and finished by Ramses II. Covering an area of 7,200 square yards, it is large enough to contain Notre Dame Cathedral.

The north wall of the Great Hypostyle Hall dwarfs an Egyptian laborer.

At the start, you're facing south towards the heart of the temple. In the background center of the image, outlined against the sky, stands one of the soaring central columns. Two rows of these massive, 69-foot-tall columns range east-to-west down the central gallery. All the other pillars you see as you rotate around comprise some of the Hall's 122 lower columns. Look for the sun discs, depicted by a circle, carved into many of the columns.

Beautifully carved hieroglyphics and designs cover the Hall's columns.