DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.11715#0099
CAIRO 10 ASSOUAN.
which contended with Philae for the honor of being his place of burial. A donkey-
ride of ten or twelve miles from Girgeh across a plain of extraordinary fertility, brings us
to the edge of the desert. Here are the ruins of two temples, and the mounds which
cover the vast cemetery around the tomb of the deified monarch. A superstitious
feeling, like that which has prevailed in many lands and through successive ages, led
the ancient Egyptians to seek sepulture in or near the sacred spot. The smaller of
the two temples was of extraordinary richness and beauty. It was built of polished
granite, lined with Oriental alabaster, still glowing with the colors which adorned it
nearly four thousand years ago.1
VALLEY OF THE NILE AT BENI HASSAN.
The larger temple, erected by Seti the father of Rameses n., is partly buried in the
sand, which, whilst it conceals, has also preserved from injury so many remains of
ancient magnificence. The colossal walls and columns which have been laid bare are
decorated with sculptures and paintings. They record or depict the exploits of the king.
We see him treading down his enemies at the head of his victorious armies, or worship-
ing the gods, or doing homage to his ancestors. In other parts of the building he is
represented as eagerly engaged in the excitement of the chase, all the incidents of
which are given ; amongst others, a wild bull has been lassoed, whose struggles to get
free are represented with wonderful spirit.
It was from this temple that the famous tablet of Abydos was brought, which forms one of the most valuable treasures of the
British Museum.
95
which contended with Philae for the honor of being his place of burial. A donkey-
ride of ten or twelve miles from Girgeh across a plain of extraordinary fertility, brings us
to the edge of the desert. Here are the ruins of two temples, and the mounds which
cover the vast cemetery around the tomb of the deified monarch. A superstitious
feeling, like that which has prevailed in many lands and through successive ages, led
the ancient Egyptians to seek sepulture in or near the sacred spot. The smaller of
the two temples was of extraordinary richness and beauty. It was built of polished
granite, lined with Oriental alabaster, still glowing with the colors which adorned it
nearly four thousand years ago.1
VALLEY OF THE NILE AT BENI HASSAN.
The larger temple, erected by Seti the father of Rameses n., is partly buried in the
sand, which, whilst it conceals, has also preserved from injury so many remains of
ancient magnificence. The colossal walls and columns which have been laid bare are
decorated with sculptures and paintings. They record or depict the exploits of the king.
We see him treading down his enemies at the head of his victorious armies, or worship-
ing the gods, or doing homage to his ancestors. In other parts of the building he is
represented as eagerly engaged in the excitement of the chase, all the incidents of
which are given ; amongst others, a wild bull has been lassoed, whose struggles to get
free are represented with wonderful spirit.
It was from this temple that the famous tablet of Abydos was brought, which forms one of the most valuable treasures of the
British Museum.
95