Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (19.2007(2010))

MARINA EL-ALAMEIN

EGYPT

two pilaster bases and one full set of
a column capital [Fig. 11]. Part of the west
wall of the room was built up behind the
monument to support the cornice, but also
to create a good architectural backdrop.
Authentic limestone blocks were used for
the purpose. All the original architectural
elements were conserved and completed as
required before anastylosis (by restorer
P. Zambrzycki). The most evident work was
the recreation of the missing corner volutes
of the pilaster capital [Fig. 10].
Two complete columns and a pilaster
were erected at the southern end of the
monument, balanced on the opposite end
by only part of a column and a reconstruct-
ed base to suggest the position of the
pilaster. The spacing of the columns in the
front portico followed the theoretical
reconstruction calling for a wider central(?)
space (5.5 column diameters) and narrower
lateral ones (2 diameters). The column and
pilaster height were reconstructed as 17


Fig. 10. Capital of the square pilaster after
conservation (Photo R. Czerner)

modules, in keeping with the analysis
presented in the analysis above, that is,
about 267.75 cm, which is equal to about
5 royal elbows.
The condition of the two pseudo-
Corinthian capitals (of the pilaster and
capital), while not the same, was sufficient
for a satisfactory determination of both its


Fig. 11. Upper part of the commemorative monwnent in 2007, following partial anastylosis; note the
original column capital and reconstruction patterned after the original (Photo R. Czerner j

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Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 19, Reports 2007