The Central Hall in the Egyptian Temples of the Ptolemaic Period

Abstract

This thesis aims at studying the different aspects of the Central Halls in the Egyptian temples of the Ptolemaic period. According to the texts of that period, the Central Hall has different designations used to refer to it. Whenever it exists, the location of this Central Hall is always between the Sanctuary and the Hall of Offerings on the main axis of the temple. This centralized and strategic location of the Central Hall inside the temples implies an important role played inside the temple either during the religious festivals celebrated inside the temples or during the daily offering rituals. Furthermore, this place was used to access other places inside the temple.

The study presents a detailed analysis for the deities and the enneads connected with the Central Halls. Moreover, it highlights the decoration, the different ritual scenes and the offerings depicted on the walls of the Central Hall. This thesis also shows how and when the Central Halls were used inside the temples and who used them. The study also presents a full translation for the texts of the Central Halls of the temples of Philae, Edfu and Kom Ombo.