232 ^P RUINS OF EUFOU. 



west angle, and a water entrance called Traitor's Gate ; state prisoners 

 being formerly conveyed through this gate. 



RUINS OF EDFOU, 



The Appollinopolis Magna of the Greeks is one amongst the wonders 

 of Egypt. There are now two temples in a state of great preservation ; 

 one of them consisting of high pyramidal propyla, a prondos, portico, 

 and sekos, the form most generally used in Egypt : the other peripteral, 

 and is at the same time distinguished by having on its several columns 

 the appalling figure of Typhon, the emblem of the Evil Principle. 



The pyramidal propylon, which forms the principal entrance to the 

 greater temple, is one the most imposing monuments extant of Egyptian 

 architecture. Each of the sides is one hundred feet in lengthi thirty 

 wide, and one hundred high. Many of the figures sculptured on it are 

 thirty feet in height, and are executed in so masterly and spirited a style, 

 as to add considerably to the grand effect of the building. In each 

 division there is a staircase of one hundred and fifty or one hundred and 

 sixty steps, which conduct the visitor into spacious apartments at 

 different elevations. The horizontal sections of each wing diminish 

 gradually from one hundred feet by thirty to eighty-three by twenty, as 

 appears to the eye ; although the solidity and height of the propylon give 

 it more the aspect of a fortress or place of defence than of the approach 

 to a religious edifice. As an explanation of this peculiarity we are told 

 that the addition of these gateways to a temple, was permitted as a favor 

 to such of the ancient kings of Egypt as, for their pious and beneficent 

 actions, became entitled to perpetuate their names in the mansions of 

 their gods. The Ptolemies, who claimed the right of sovereignty from 

 conquest, indulged in the same magnificence, and built porticos, propyla, 

 and even temples. Cleopatra in her misfortunes, is said to have removed 

 with the most valuable part of her property to an edifice of very 

 extraordinary size and structure, which she had formerly erected near 

 the fane of Isis. Most probably, as Mr. Hamilton thinks, it was a 

 propylon of the kind just described. Nothing could be better adapted 

 for her purpose; inasmuch as the variety of apartments offered every 

 convenience that could be desired, and when a small door at the bottom 

 of the staircase was closed, it was perfectly inaccessible. 



In no part of Egypt are more colossal sculptures seen on the walls of a 

 public building, than on the larger temple at Edfou. These we are told, 

 are extremely well executed, and in some places the colors are still com- 



