Hypostyle

Hypostyle (also: hipóstila or hypostyle ) is the name for the column hall of an Egyptian temple.

Definition

The name of the hypostyle comes from the Greek and means " on columns dormant". In Greece, the Hypostyle merely referred to a large hall, whose ceiling has to be supported because of the span with columns or pillars.

In Egypt, the hypostyle hall was sacred, isolated, used as a component from the New Kingdom in the also in the secular.

Construction

The nave is the passageway from the atrium into the interior of the temple, in many temples following the Hypostyle but before a second portico. This passage is flanked on both sides by in each case one row of columns, the columns are taller and have a greater diameter than that of the side aisles. In the upper part of the walls of the nave are large Gratfenster that represent usually the only source of light of the hypostyle hall.

In the aisles are several rows of columns lower, leaner columns which are arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the temple. By the meager light into the Hypostyle the impression of an unlimited all-round pillars forest is effected mainly at larger temples.

Symbolism

In the representation of the microcosm of creation by the Egyptian temple itself the Hypostyle symbolized the reed swamp to the primeval mound. By using Papyruskapitellen was the impression of the viewer, to be located in a forest of plants increased. In the Temple of Amun at Karnak this symbolism was further extended by stood the 137 columns on bases that are reminiscent of the earth around the roots of papyrus plants. The large columns along the central axis are 23 m high and end in wide open Papyruskapitellen, the remaining columns in closed Papyruskapitellen. Also in the Khnum Temple of Esna the swamp symbolism was reinforced by insects represented on the column capitals. The architraves on the pillars and the ceiling set the sky dar.

Secular

The higher-ranking classes in Egypt used the hypostyle hall in their homes. Just as the Temple was taken here on a specific spatial sequence by tradition. About the main courtyard we came to an open portico, which was followed by a transversely Asked lobby. The subsequent main room was mostly built in the form of a four-columned Hypostylsaales.