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Thebes :
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Thebes :
Title:
Thebes : General view of the Temple of Karnak from the South [Graphic]
Year:
[1868-1869].
Creator:
Good, Frank Mason
Category:
Pylons
Obelisks
Object Details:
1 photograph : albumen ; 16 x 9.7 cm (6.25 x 3.75 in).
Notes:
Attached description: "Thebes, i.e. 'The Head or Capital,' was called by Greek writers Diospolis, or Jove's city. Since Ammon there specially worshipped in part corresponds to the Zeus and Jupiter of the Greeks and Latins. The city was founded B.C. 2320. It occupied both sides of the river; the ruins on the east bank are included in Luxor and Karnak, those on the west side comprise the tombs of the kings, the colossal statues, and the Memnonium. The Ptolemies removed the seat of government to Lower Egypt. The city then stood a three years' siege under Lathyrus B.C. 110, and from that time sank into a cluster of villages. Thebes was never a walled town; it was the number and splendour of its temples propyla which gave it the name of the 'City of the Hundred Gates.' The 'palace-temple of Karnak is perhaps the noblest effort of architectural magnificence ever produced by the hand of man.' It covers more than thrice the area of St. Peter's at Rome, even the roofed portion being larger than Cologne Cathedral. Its buildings grew during 1,000 years, the front court (No. 1058) having been added about B.C. 950. This view gives the avenue of ram-headed syphinxes, with their attendant Osirides, leading up to the Pylon, behind which are the first pyramidal towers guarding the court." Series no. 1054
View of the Temple with standing and fallen columns, pylons and an obelisk
Collection:
CAJS Image Collection XAJ GOO 2241 XAJ9
The Lenkin Family Collection of Photography, University of Pennsylvania Libraries