Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (16.2004(2005))

MARINA EL-ALAMEIN

EGYPT

Elements of the pseudo-Corinthian
order constituted the setting of all the
discovered architectural niches. Standing
on a projecting sill, supported on a high
sima, were two engaged columns projec-
ting from the wall face. On the inside of
the niche, each engaged column had a flat
pilaster of the same size and proportions,
set perpendicularly to it. The beginnings
of a similar pilaster, but disappearing
almost at once into the wall, stood by each
of the engaged columns also on the op-
posite side, that is, on the outside of the


Fig, 2. Aedicula from House H10. Reconstruc-
tion and inventory drawing of discovered
elements (R. Czerner)

niche. The capitals of the engaged columns
supported the architrave, which encompas-
sed the aedicula in a rectilinear 'horse-
shoe'. There were no friezes above this, the
architrave directly bearing the cornice.
The flat underside of the cornice stone,
which projected beyond the architrave,
bore sculpted decoration in the form of an
offset profile, made up of simplified flat
grooved modillions alternating with
broader square hollow ones. This kind of
architectural decoration was introduced in
the Hellenistic period, around the first half


Fig. 3- Reconstruction of the form of the aedicula
from House H10
(R. Czerner)

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