Volume I Plate 51 - The Temple of Horus at Edfu. ~ Dedicated to Horus, the falcon headed god, this temple was built during the reigns of six Ptolemies. (See Vol I Plate 24). It was begun in 237 BC by Ptolemy III and was finished in 57 BC, a span of 180 years. Most of the work continued throughout this period with a brief interlude of 20 years while there was unrest during the period of Ptolemy IV and Ptolemy V.

It was believed that the temple was built on the site of a great battle between Horus and Seth. The pylons of the main Temple are about 118 feet high with typical scenes of the pharaoh in battle with his enemies. There are also dramatic images depicting the defeat of Seth by Horus. There was an annual ritual practiced here known as the Triumph of Horus which ended in the slaying of a hippopotamus, the symbol of Seth.

Framed 36 1/2 inches x 49 inches ~ SOLD