DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6551#0093
62 OPERATIONS CARRIED ON AT GIZEII.
Simbel, and at other places. The edifices on this island
were however the productions of a much later period;
they are exceedingly beautiful, are decorated in every part
with hieroglyphics, and, together with their propylaaa,
colonnades, obelisks, and ascents from the water have
a very striking effect notwithstanding their ruined con-
dition, and their comparatively new appearance; indeed
the island is nearly covered with them, and with mounds
of rubbish. These noble objects have been so fully and
minutely described by preceding travellers, that I shall
not enter into any detailed account, which from the
short visit I paid them I am by no means quali-
fied to offer, but I shall conclude with a few cursory
observations.
The Great Temple and the principal propylaea6 front
the south-east; the other propylasa, south-south-east.
The colonnade and steps leading from the water are also
in another direction, which the form of the island most
probably determined. The masonry of these edifices is
very fine, and in many places holes apparently for
metallic fastenings may be observed at the angles of the
blocks. The hieroglyphics in the interior of the temple
have been painted upon plaster. In the chamber, where
the apotheosis of Osiris is supposed to be represented,
the left leg of the principal figure, laid on his back for
the purpose of embalmment, is stretched out in the same
position, as that in which the Colossi are frequently
sculptured; and the protecting genius appears in a
• The lofty portals seem to have been intended for treasuries or for
places of security, as their internal construction is well adapted for
defence.
Simbel, and at other places. The edifices on this island
were however the productions of a much later period;
they are exceedingly beautiful, are decorated in every part
with hieroglyphics, and, together with their propylaaa,
colonnades, obelisks, and ascents from the water have
a very striking effect notwithstanding their ruined con-
dition, and their comparatively new appearance; indeed
the island is nearly covered with them, and with mounds
of rubbish. These noble objects have been so fully and
minutely described by preceding travellers, that I shall
not enter into any detailed account, which from the
short visit I paid them I am by no means quali-
fied to offer, but I shall conclude with a few cursory
observations.
The Great Temple and the principal propylaea6 front
the south-east; the other propylasa, south-south-east.
The colonnade and steps leading from the water are also
in another direction, which the form of the island most
probably determined. The masonry of these edifices is
very fine, and in many places holes apparently for
metallic fastenings may be observed at the angles of the
blocks. The hieroglyphics in the interior of the temple
have been painted upon plaster. In the chamber, where
the apotheosis of Osiris is supposed to be represented,
the left leg of the principal figure, laid on his back for
the purpose of embalmment, is stretched out in the same
position, as that in which the Colossi are frequently
sculptured; and the protecting genius appears in a
• The lofty portals seem to have been intended for treasuries or for
places of security, as their internal construction is well adapted for
defence.