Pylon (architecture)

Pylon (architecture)

Pylon is the Greek term for a monumental gateway of an Egyptian temple (Egyptian "bxn.t" in the Manuel de Codage transliteration. [Ermann & Grapow, "Wörterbuch der ägyptischen Sprache", vol.1, 471.9-11] ) It consists of two tapering towers, each surmounted by a cornice, joined by a less elevated section which enclosed the entrance between them. [Toby Wilkinson, The Thames and Hudson Dictionary of Ancient Egypt, Thames 7 Hudson, 2005. p.195] The entrance was generally about half the height of the towers. Contemporary paintings of pylons show them with long poles flying banners.

In ancient Egyptian theology, the Pylon mirrored the hieroglyph for 'horizon' or "akhet", which was a depiction of two hills "between which the sun rose and set." [Wilkinson, op. cit., p.195] Consequently, it played a critical role in the symbolic architecture of a cult building which was associated with the place of recreation and rebirth. Pylons were often decorated with scenes emphasizing a king's authority since it was the public face of a cult building. [Wilkinson, op. cit., p.195] On the first Pylon of the temple of Isis at Philae, the pharaoh is shown slaying his enemies while Isis, Horus and Hathor look on. Other examples of Pylons can be seen in Luxor and Edfu.

Rituals to the god Amun who became identified with the sun god Ra were often carried out on the top of temple pylons. In addition to standard vertical grooves on the exterior face of a pylon wall which was designed to hold flag poles, some pylons also contained internal stairways and rooms. [Wilkinson, op. cit., p.195] The oldest intact pylons belong to mortuary temples from the 13th and 12th century BC Ramessside period. [Wilkinson, op. cit., p.195] A pair of obelisks usually stood in front of a pylon.

ee also

*Obelisk

References and links

* [http://www.eyelid.co.uk/karnakk.htm Second Pylon Karnak]

Pictures


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Pylon (disambiguation) — The term pylon usually refers to a truncated pyramid or an object shaped like one. Specific objects include:* An electricity pylon, part of an electric power transmission network (especially UK usage) * A traffic cone (American usage) * An orange …   Wikipedia

  • Architecture and Civil Engineering — ▪ 2009 Introduction Architecture       For Notable Civil Engineering Projects in work or completed in 2008, see Table (Notable Civil Engineering Projects (in work or completed, 2008)).        Beijing was the centre of the world of architecture… …   Universalium

  • architecture — I (New American Roget s College Thesaurus) Building design Nouns 1. architectural or building design, form; architectural or structural engineering; landscape architecture or gardening; architectonics. See building. 2. (architectural styles) a.… …   English dictionary for students

  • pylon — /puy lon/, n. 1. a marking post or tower for guiding aviators, frequently used in races. 2. a relatively tall structure at the side of a gate, bridge, or avenue, marking an entrance or approach. 3. a monumental tower forming the entrance to an… …   Universalium

  • List of architecture topics — This page aims to list all topics related to architecture. This is so that those interested in the subject can monitor changes to the pages by clicking on Related changes in the sidebar. It is also to see the gaps in Wikipedia s coverage of the… …   Wikipedia

  • art and architecture, Egyptian — Introduction       the ancient architectural monuments, sculptures, paintings, and decorative crafts produced mainly during the dynastic periods of the first three millennia BC in the Nile valley regions of Egypt and Nubia. The course of art in… …   Universalium

  • Ancient Egyptian architecture — The Nile valley has been the site of one of the most influential civilizations which developed a vast array of diverse structures encompassing ancient Egyptian architecture. The architectural monuments, which include the Great Pyramid of Giza and …   Wikipedia

  • ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE —    The architecture of the Ancient Egyptians is traditionally considered only in relation to their elaborate burial rituals and what is called the cult of the dead. This somewhat narrow understanding of Egyptian culture is largely the result of… …   Historical Dictionary of Architecture

  • List of Egypt-related articles — Articles (arranged alphabetically) related to Egypt include:0 9First dynasty of Egypt 1st through 31st Thirty first dynasty of EgyptAAaru Ababda Abbas I of Egypt Abbas II of Egypt Abbasid Fifi Abdou Pope Abraham of Alexandria Abu Gorab Abu Hafs… …   Wikipedia

  • List of modern Egypt-related topics — This page aims to list articles on Wikipedia that are related to Modern Egypt. This is so that those interested in the subject can monitor changes to the pages by clicking on Related changes in the sidebar.The list is not necessarily complete or… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”