DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4372#0094
78
The goddess to whom this temple is erected appears in the
most conspicuous part of the inner walls, seated on a throne sup-
ported on a lotus flower. Priests crowned with the same plant
are presenting to her offerings of various kinds. The cornice of
the great temple was, when entire, 49 feet above the ground: the
columns are 30 feet high; their circumference at the ground is 20
feet;—these arc the common proportions of Egyptian buildings,
wherein the height of the columns is in general equal to eight or
nine radii. The front of the portico is 83 feet in length, and the
depth of the whole building 120 feet. Some of the hierogly-
phics of this interesting monument serve to explain the deities
which were worshipped within its walls—the Crocodile and the
Sun ; or, more properly speaking, the Sun under the mysterious
emblems of the Crocodile and the Beetle. This latter animal,
with the ball or circle within its claws, is frequently represented
on the most conspicuous parts of the building, and the former is
generally seen couchunt on an altar or table, receiving the adora-
tions and offerings of his votaries. His head too is frequently
given to Osiris.
We did not, however, observe any of* these figures ornamented
in the way described by Herodotus, with necklaces of gold or
artificial stone, nor with bracelets on their fore feet. Jt is well
known that the antient Ornbites were remarkable for the atten-
tion and veneration they paid to this animal. It were perhaps
needless to suggest any probable cause of this singular worship,
so much at variance with the idea universally entertained of the
ferocious and murderous crocodile; but as Egypt has long been
the theatre of conjecture and enigma, wc may endeavour to ac-
count for it in sonic manner by the local characteristics of the
vicinity of Ombos :—The country on both sides of the Nile is here
low and marshy : the river expands itself into two very distant
branches.
The goddess to whom this temple is erected appears in the
most conspicuous part of the inner walls, seated on a throne sup-
ported on a lotus flower. Priests crowned with the same plant
are presenting to her offerings of various kinds. The cornice of
the great temple was, when entire, 49 feet above the ground: the
columns are 30 feet high; their circumference at the ground is 20
feet;—these arc the common proportions of Egyptian buildings,
wherein the height of the columns is in general equal to eight or
nine radii. The front of the portico is 83 feet in length, and the
depth of the whole building 120 feet. Some of the hierogly-
phics of this interesting monument serve to explain the deities
which were worshipped within its walls—the Crocodile and the
Sun ; or, more properly speaking, the Sun under the mysterious
emblems of the Crocodile and the Beetle. This latter animal,
with the ball or circle within its claws, is frequently represented
on the most conspicuous parts of the building, and the former is
generally seen couchunt on an altar or table, receiving the adora-
tions and offerings of his votaries. His head too is frequently
given to Osiris.
We did not, however, observe any of* these figures ornamented
in the way described by Herodotus, with necklaces of gold or
artificial stone, nor with bracelets on their fore feet. Jt is well
known that the antient Ornbites were remarkable for the atten-
tion and veneration they paid to this animal. It were perhaps
needless to suggest any probable cause of this singular worship,
so much at variance with the idea universally entertained of the
ferocious and murderous crocodile; but as Egypt has long been
the theatre of conjecture and enigma, wc may endeavour to ac-
count for it in sonic manner by the local characteristics of the
vicinity of Ombos :—The country on both sides of the Nile is here
low and marshy : the river expands itself into two very distant
branches.