Pronaos

Outer Hypostyle Hall

The Pronaos comes after it, which is higher than the rooms mentioned and wider on the right and left sides: it is 40 cubits by 36, with a total height of 30 cubits, and it is most perfectly carved on its inside with reliefs. The House of the Morning and the House of Books are on the right and left sides of it. There is a small door in it, facing eastwards. There are 18 perfect columns that support the [horizon (the ceiling)], just as the sky is supported under the Winged Scarab. -The Building Texts at Edfu

About the Pronaos

The Pronaos or Outer Hypostyle Hall is basically the hall before The Great Hall. It so-named Hypostyle due to the many columns that support the ceiling. The twelve columns, carved to resemble papyrus, are carved completely with beautiful reliefs, depicting offerings by kings to the gods, symbols of strength and protection, and many others. The ceiling depicts astronomical motives beautifully painted, which much still survives. There are six columns that are incorporated into the southern screen wall, which stands half the height of the Pronaos. the small door mentioned in the building texts leads to a corridor that wraps around the core of the temple (see map). Inside the Pronaos are the rooms House of the Morning (per-duat) and the House of Books (Library). Carved on the walls of the Pronaos are reliefs of the Foundation and the Consecration of the Temple.

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