1786.b.33, 1(26)

Genre: Archaeological Photography

View from the north-west or rear of the Temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu, looking along the axis of the temple complex towards the rear of the first pylon on the skyline. The view is taken from the the area of the first vestibule, with the bases of the columns of the hypostyle hall in the foreground: 'This view, taken from the mounds of rubbish which rise behind the Temple to the height almost of the inner Propylon, gives a good retrospective glance of the various parts represented in the foregoing pictures. Through the vista, formed by the Propyleon Towers, are seen the battlements of Rameses' Pavilion, beneath which the avenue approaches the Temple. The huge masses perforated by windows, intended to admit light to the staircases within, are the foremost Propyla, between which and the nearer is the Outer Court, whose northern side is lined by the Oseiride pillars represented in a preceding Photograph. To this succeeds the peristyle Hall and the Christian Church, the broken columns of which may be seen through the doorways leading into the ruinous Hall in the foreground of the picture. This and its small lateral chambers were devoted exclusively to sacred purposes, as the sculptures on the walls, the pillars, etc., are purely religious; but till the excavations have been carried further and the whole Temple is uncovered, it would be difficult to determine the use to which each portion was put.'