ANCIENT EGYPT. 29, 



of Osiride figures of gigantic proportions. These represent 

 Thotmes I., with the insignia and attributes of Osiris ; and 

 this pharaoh built most of the section. Fronting the pylon of 

 Thotmes I., numbered 8, are two obelisks of rose granite, one 

 of them, standing in perfect condition, bears the legend of 

 Queen Hatasoo, and the fallen one that of her father 

 Thotmes I. The one remaining upright has stood there for 

 3,500 years, still it is 1,200 years younger than the one at 

 Heliopolis, and that is almost equally perfect. The obelisk 

 of Hatasoo is the largest now left to us, being 108 feet high by 

 8|- feet square at the base. An inscription on the plinth 

 informs us that but seven months were employed to cut it 

 from its native granite, to transport, erect, and inscribe it, and 

 that the apex was sheathed with pure gold, taken from the 

 kings of all lands. It stands in position with absolute 

 accuracy and precision ; and its perfect condition, like a coin 

 fresh from the mint, seems but to accentuate the ruin around. 



Two other obelisks formerly stood in the court beyond; 

 here, again, one is upright and its fellow lies low. The one 

 still erect is smaller than that of Hatasoo — it bears the legend 

 of Thotmes I. This form of monument is purely Egyptian. 



This court divides the temple into two nearly equal 

 portions, and from it, running diagonally towards the south, 

 is a grand avenue of four pylae (marked L.) leading to and 

 connecting the court with the ruined temple dedicated to 

 Maut, the mother. 



To superficial observers the general aspect of the temple 

 east of court seven is simply chaotic, presenting a scene of 

 utter desolation; among the debris lie fallen obelisks, huge 

 masses of masonry, broken statues, and ruined pylons; the 

 single obelisk, still perfect as it left the hands of the sculptor 

 more than 3,600 years ago, looking serenely on it all. 



The propylon D, constituting the east end of the grand hall, 

 was erected by Amenhotep HI., and formed the temple facade 

 in his day. It marks the limit of the buildings of the Middk 

 Empire, and is now in ruins. 



