Egyptian temples are full of vibrant colors, and some are also decorated with shimmering gold accents. According to the records, most temples since the time of the pharaohs had gates, columns, obelisks, often decorated with gold, as well as historical inscriptions confirming that many buildings were gilded. These sliding elements were usually thicker metal foil made of copper, the remains of which are now visible only in the form of small holes in the walls.

It should be noted that gold leaf jewelry was less frequently documented due to their fragility. Now, recent discoveries at the Temple of Edfu, which is dedicated to the falcon god Horus, have found particles of gold in various places on the upper sections of the walls of the boat sanctuary.

In collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, a team from Julius University -Maximilian (JMU) in Würzburg examined the colorful painting of the temple. Led by conservator Ahmed Abdel Nabi, the Egyptian team carefully cleaned and preserved the stone reliefs.

Dr. Victoria Altmann-Wendling, director of the Horus Beḥedety project at JMU, notes: “The gilding of the figures probably served more than just their immortalization and deification, but also to enhance the mystical atmosphere of the temple, especially when illuminated by sunlight."

Reports say that the restoration team made every effort to tirelessly remove dust, bird droppings and all the rest, which led to the discovery of remnants of the original paint that adorned these surfaces. Unlike many ancient Egyptian temples, the details of the painting were lost most of the time. However, the shrine on the barque at Edfu demonstrated a richness of color. Pigment and gilding analysis is currently underway, which will further shed light on the artistry and craftsmanship of the time.

The multi-colored paintings give additional context to the scenes and hieroglyphs, revealing details of clothing and offerings that were not discernible on stone reliefs. Interestingly, the craftsmen used color to correct the hieroglyphs, illustrating an ancient form of quality control. Professor Martin A. Stadler, director of the Horus Beḥedety project, highlights this fascinating aspect of ancient art.

Another important find includes graffiti written in demotic script, giving insight into the activities of the priests. These personal inscriptions, known as proskynemats, were usually found in the outer areas of the temple rather than in the sanctuary, thereby giving insight into the beliefs and rituals of those who worshiped Horus.

The Temple of Edfu is a remarkable example of ancient architecture and religious practice. As Egypt's best-preserved sanctuary, it is 137 meters long and 76 meters wide, and its height ranges from 15 to 35 meters. Built between 237 and 57 BC. e. during the reign of Ptolemy III-XII, it boasts an impressive array of religious texts and ritual scenes, some of which date back to the third millennium BC. e., which makes it a unique monument of ancient Egyptian culture.

Source: timesofindia

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