No comments The Sanctuary
 |
| The Sanctuary of Philae Temples |
The Sanctuary of the Philae temple is surrounded by small chambers painted with liturgical scenes. Standing in the Sanctuary is the pedestal vase for the statue of Isis. It as placed here by Ptolemy III , Euergetes II and his wife , Berenice leads up the west side to the roof and gives access to the Osiris chambers. These four sunken chambers located at each corner relating to his death . The most interesting reliefs are in the southwest chamber. These show offerings being made to Osiris, Isis and Nephthys spreading their wings, and Isis weeping by the bier of Osiris with Anubis standing by and a hawk hovering above the bier. A second chamber opens out of this one with reliefs showing both the worship of the dead Osiris and his resurrection.
The Hadrian Gateway of Philae Temples
 |
| The Hadrian Gateway |
On the west side of the Philae temple near the second pylon stands a gateway built by the Emperor Hadrian (A.D.117-138) leading to a ruined structure rising above the quay wall. On the lintel of the doorway Hadrian is depicted standing before Osiris m Isis and the child Horus . The reliefs in the passage leading from the gateway are damaged but one near a side door on the south side of of interest. It shows the king, bearing a chest on his shoulder, walking with Thoth and Isis towards temple with two doorway on its west side. Beyond these doorway is a river across which Osiris is being carried in the back of a crocodile towards the rock of the nearby island of Bigeh. In the vestibule , on the north side, is the celebrated representation of the source of the Nile The Nile-god Hapi is encircled b a serpent beneath a cave as he pours water from two vases on which perch a vulture and a falcon. A demotic inscription in thus structure mention Marcus Aurelius, Antonius, Pius and Lucius Verus. To the south of Hadrian’s gateway is another Nilemeter which is now inaccessible. It bears Hieratic, Demotic and Coptic scales.
Pharaoh’s Bed Philae
 |
| Pharaoh’s Bed |
To the southeast of the Temple of Hathor, on the riverbank. rises the beautiful “Kiosk” if the Roman Emperor Trajan (B.C. 98 -117). It is sometimes called ” Pharaoh’s Bed,” the characteristic symbol of the island . The structure is a rectangular chamber surrounded by fourteen columns with floral capitals. These tall support imposts carry the architraves and cavetto cornice. The imposts were probably intended to be carved into sistrum capitals with Hathor heads but only two ever reached completion. These show the Emperor Trajan burning incense before Osiris and Isis and offering wine to Isis and Horus. The kiosk has large doorways on its east and west sides and a smaller door to the north. Unfinished as it is , it holds a primary spot in the imagination of all who have loved Philae. Most of the buildings on Philae date from the Ptolemies or the Romans. But, if its construction is late , Philae is uniquely beautiful n its setting, its exquisite structures, and its ornamentation temples, colonnades and graceful ” Kiosk” of Trajan, has secured its renown.
Other Temples
To the north of Hadrian’s gateway is a mostly ruined temple built by the Emperor Claudius (A.D.41-54). It is dedicated to Harendotes, “Horus, the Protector of his father,” one of the many father north s the ruined temple of Augustus which was built n the eighteenth year of his reign. here, a small stela inscribed by Cornelius Gallus. The first Roman Perfect appointed after the death of Cleopatra VII, commemorates his putting down a revolt by the Egyptians in B.C.29. Beyond this the town gate of Philae, probably the work of Diocletian. A stairway leads from the gateway to the water.
About fifty feet wast of the Temple of Isis is the Temple of Hathor built by Ptolemy VI. Philometor and Ptolemy VIII, Euergetes II. On the columns are charming representations of flute players and harpists. Bes, the god of pleasure, plays and the tambourine , plucks the harp, and dances, Nearby, an ape plays the lyre with other similar depictions. These figures represented a mythical story which begins at a time when Ra had ruled the earth for very long time. he had become do the earth for every long time. her had became so old that the Pope were plotting against him. he sent the row goddess Hathor and tried to prevent Hathor from destroying the human race. She became angry at his request and withdrew to far away Nubia .Messengers were sent to bring her back but she refused . Finally , Bes succeeded in flattering her with his dancing and music . The flattery resulted on her return.