9th Pylon

Related Features

Originally built by Horemheb – 1323 BCE to 1295 BCE

Other works initiated by Horemheb:

2nd Pylon, Edifice of Amenhotep II, 9th Pylon, 10th Pylon

Introduction

Pylon nine was located on the southern processional route, between Pylons eight and ten.
Measurements: The pylon extended 65.6m in length, 11.9m in depth and rose to a height of 26.10m.

Phases of Construction

Horemheb

Horemheb built this pylon and its court to further elaborate the southern processional, previously marked by the start of construction on the tenth pylon to the south. Horemheb was responsible for systematically dismantling the east Karnak temples of Akhenaten, and he utilized their sandstone “talatat” blocks as building fill for the ninth pylon. Ramesses II later added relief decoration along the walls between Pylon VIII and Pylon IX. These scenes show the procession of the sacred bark during the Opet Festival. Ramesses II also decorated the pylon’s sandstone gateway.

About the reconstruction model of Horemheb

The model of the pylon was based on the plan and axial drawing in Carlotti (1995: pl. XXIV-XXV) and the plan and axial drawing in Azim (1982: fig. 3). The location and size of the court was based on the published plan of the temple in Carlotti (2001: pl. 1)

A simple sandstone pattern was added to the model. The size of the stones were based on photographs of the site.

Large wooden flagstaffs have been added to the pylon towers. These would have been topped with colorful cloth banners. The tall poles stood on stone bases, and were arranged within square notches left in the pylon’s exterior masonry. Clamps secured to the pylon itself (not shown on the model) further stabilized their upper portions. The form and size of the flagstaffs were based on representations of these features found at temples and tombs. These show the poles as reaching above the height of the pylon and tapering as they rise (Azim and Traunecker (1982: fig. 4).

Modern Site Photos

Documentation

Azim, Michel. (1982),Pylône au nome d’Horemheb. Cahiers de Karnak. vol. VII , 75-92.

Azim, M. and C. Traunecker. (1982),Un mât du IXe Pylône au nome d’Horemheb. Cahiers de Karnak. vol. VII , 75-92.

Carlotti, Jean-François. (2001),L’Akh-menou de Thoutmosis III à Karnak : etude architecturale. Paris: Recherche sur les civilisations

Carlotti, Jean-François. (1995),Contribution à l’ étude métrologique de quelques monuments du temple d’Amon-Rê à Karnak. Cahiers de Karnak. vol. X , 65-127.