mikebrownmedia

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome to Cape Sounion, Greece, Located just an hour outside Athens. The drive from Athens to Sounion is a breath taking scenic shoreline drive, the water is a shade of blue I have never seen anywhere else in the world. Upon arrival you will lay your eyes on the Megalithic structure known as the Temple of Poseidon. It sits right on the edge of a cliff over looking the endless Sea, with a 200 foot drop to the rocky seaside. The structure dates to roughly 444 B.C. making this 2,060 years old. The structure was originally constructed to have 3 main rooms within, held up by 34 columns, 15 of which still stand proud today. Standing in a place as magical as this, I can't help but wonder "Who was Poseidon"? "Simply a man who braved the seas like no man before him"? "Divine being who chose to rule the sea's"? Who is Poseidon to you? What was Poseidon to you?

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome to Cape Sounion, Greece, Located just an hour outside Athens. The drive from Athens to Sounion is a breath taking scenic shoreline drive, the water is a shade of blue I have never seen anywhere else in the world. Upon arrival you will lay your eyes on the Megalithic structure known as the Temple of Poseidon. It sits right on the edge of a cliff over looking the endless Sea, with a 200 foot drop to the rocky seaside. The structure dates to roughly 444 B.C. making this 2,060 years old. The structure was originally constructed to have 3 main rooms within, held up by 34 columns, 15 of which still stand proud today. Standing in a place as magical as this, I can't help but wonder "Who was Poseidon"? "Simply a man who braved the seas like no man before him"? "Divine being who chose to rule the sea's"? Who is Poseidon to you? What was Poseidon to you?

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome back to the exterior walls of Hathors Temple at the Dendera Temple Complex. As I explored ancient Egypt, I saw these markings quite often, considered them to be modern graffiti. It turns out, these markings are essentially the signature of the stone mason responsible for the block. The workers had an entire system of accountability and respect for each other's work. Another example of the artistic mindset that went into something as simple as a stone rectangle. Do you think these markings were more about pride of a job well done? Or accountability for those lacking on the job?

[mikebrownmedia]

Pictured here we are on the exterior walls of Hathors Temple at the Dendera Temple Complex. This individual is wearing the most decorative Shendyt "male skirt" I have ever seen throughout Egypt. It is also the only reference to a Griffin I have found anywhere in Egypt. It depicts the Griffin trampling a group of men. The Griffin was a Mythological beast that was said to be a perfect combination of eagle and lion. This part of the construction dates to the Ptolemaic period under Greek control, which helps explain the Griffin relief. I'm also unaware of this style of crown, it resembles an Atef Crown most to me, but still not an exact match. Last but not least, I had never noticed until I started to post today, what is the line that protrudes from the buttocks area? It hangs almost to the heels of the figure. Tassels? Rope? Excess belt? You can almost imagine it looking like a tail if you're imaginative enough. What all do you think is being portrayed here? Mythological creatures, unknown head dress, musical instruments, and something hanging from the rear that protrudes from a bump near his buttocks? Is anyone familiar with the name of the person shown here?

[mikebrownmedia]

As you walk around the exterior of Hathors Temple at the Dendera Temple Complex, you might notice the megalithic foundation of the complex. The random shape and large size of the stones would have made for some interesting quarrying and construction methods. The stones fit together without mortar like a perfect puzzle. You can find this mortarless construction all around Old Kingdom Egypt, you can also find almost exact construction at sites around the world such as Saqsaywaman in Peru. Why would the oldest of our civilizations choose to work with stones in such a way? Was is easy for them? Did they have knowledge that random patterns give more strength to the structure then identical blocks? So many questions!

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome back, last week I briefly mentioned the drainage system for the roof that was decorated in an ornate manor. You can see on the outer walls of Hathors Temple, these beautiful lion sculptures with extensive heiroglyph. The water that would collect on the roof of the Temple would drain between the paws of the lions. When you are on the roof, you see that these drains are all positioned at the base of a Ka Door. Flowing water, false doors, lions in Egypt? Is this symbolism that's flying over my head? Or is this just relative decoration for the period and culture? Would there have been extensive rainfall just 2100 years ago in Qena, Egypt? Enough rainfall to justify this level of architectural design?

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome back, last week I briefly mentioned the drainage system for the roof that was decorated in an ornate manor. You can see on the outer walls of Hathors Temple, these beautiful lion sculptures with extensive heiroglyph. The water that would collect on the roof of the Temple would drain between the paws of the lions. When you are on the roof, you see that these drains are all positioned at the base of a Ka Door. Flowing water, false doors, lions in Egypt? Is this symbolism that's flying over my head? Or is this just relative decoration for the period and culture? Would there have been extensive rainfall just 2100 years ago in Qena, Egypt? Enough rainfall to justify this level of architectural design?

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome back, last week I briefly mentioned the drainage system for the roof that was decorated in an ornate manor. You can see on the outer walls of Hathors Temple, these beautiful lion sculptures with extensive heiroglyph. The water that would collect on the roof of the Temple would drain between the paws of the lions. When you are on the roof, you see that these drains are all positioned at the base of a Ka Door. Flowing water, false doors, lions in Egypt? Is this symbolism that's flying over my head? Or is this just relative decoration for the period and culture? Would there have been extensive rainfall just 2100 years ago in Qena, Egypt? Enough rainfall to justify this level of architectural design?

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome back, last week I briefly mentioned the drainage system for the roof that was decorated in an ornate manor. You can see on the outer walls of Hathors Temple, these beautiful lion sculptures with extensive heiroglyph. The water that would collect on the roof of the Temple would drain between the paws of the lions. When you are on the roof, you see that these drains are all positioned at the base of a Ka Door. Flowing water, false doors, lions in Egypt? Is this symbolism that's flying over my head? Or is this just relative decoration for the period and culture? Would there have been extensive rainfall just 2100 years ago in Qena, Egypt? Enough rainfall to justify this level of architectural design?

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome back to the Hypostyle Hall inside the Temple of Hathor. I have gathered a group of figures I have never witnessed anywhere but the Astrological Ceiling here at the Dendera Temple Complex. I am unaware of who these figures are and or what purpose they serve in this story. Is it symbolism? If not what were the ancient trying to us about these serpents? All of these Serpents appear to be standing in line waiting to come before the creature from the last image, which appears to be Khnum with two sets of wings? What is your opinion of what's taking place here?

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome back to the Hypostyle Hall inside the Temple of Hathor. I have gathered a group of figures I have never witnessed anywhere but the Astrological Ceiling here at the Dendera Temple Complex. I am unaware of who these figures are and or what purpose they serve in this story. Is it symbolism? If not what were the ancient trying to us about these serpents? All of these Serpents appear to be standing in line waiting to come before the creature from the last image, which appears to be Khnum with two sets of wings? What is your opinion of what's taking place here?

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome back to the Hypostyle Hall inside the Temple of Hathor. I have gathered a group of figures I have never witnessed anywhere but the Astrological Ceiling here at the Dendera Temple Complex. I am unaware of who these figures are and or what purpose they serve in this story. Is it symbolism? If not what were the ancient trying to us about these serpents? All of these Serpents appear to be standing in line waiting to come before the creature from the last image, which appears to be Khnum with two sets of wings? What is your opinion of what's taking place here?

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome back to the Hypostyle Hall inside the Temple of Hathor. I have gathered a group of figures I have never witnessed anywhere but the Astrological Ceiling here at the Dendera Temple Complex. I am unaware of who these figures are and or what purpose they serve in this story. Is it symbolism? If not what were the ancient trying to us about these serpents? All of these Serpents appear to be standing in line waiting to come before the creature from the last image, which appears to be Khnum with two sets of wings? What is your opinion of what's taking place here?

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome back to the Dendera Temple Complex, today we are featuring what is referred to as the "Sacred Lake". Just outside the main walls of Hathors Temple, you find this huge sandstone swimming pool. It has 4 sets of staircase facing the cardinal directions that lead down into the water. There are also doorways that appear that go at least a few feet into the sandstone structure. I was not permitted to enter and document better. If anyone knows the purpose of those doorways please feel free to share! This lake would have been used primarily by the priests, they would gather the water for their ceremonial rituals. This is one of the nicest Sacred Lakes you find in Egypt today, second being Karnak, the preservation is remarkable, most likely due to the difficulty of reaching this region of Egypt. The easiest way to visit Dendera is to fly into Luxor from Cairo, then you must hire a driver to take you 5-6 hours round trip by car to reach this Temple from Luxor. That time frame is assuming your driver has the right to travel by military road, farm road takes much longer. Many tourists miss Dendera and Abydos for this reason, and you find some of the best color preservation and construction standing today. Would you be willing to go to those lengths to visit some of the best structures standing in Egypt today?

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome back to the Dendera Temple Complex, today we are featuring what is referred to as the "Sacred Lake". Just outside the main walls of Hathors Temple, you find this huge sandstone swimming pool. It has 4 sets of staircase facing the cardinal directions that lead down into the water. There are also doorways that appear that go at least a few feet into the sandstone structure. I was not permitted to enter and document better. If anyone knows the purpose of those doorways please feel free to share! This lake would have been used primarily by the priests, they would gather the water for their ceremonial rituals. This is one of the nicest Sacred Lakes you find in Egypt today, second being Karnak, the preservation is remarkable, most likely due to the difficulty of reaching this region of Egypt. The easiest way to visit Dendera is to fly into Luxor from Cairo, then you must hire a driver to take you 5-6 hours round trip by car to reach this Temple from Luxor. That time frame is assuming your driver has the right to travel by military road, farm road takes much longer. Many tourists miss Dendera and Abydos for this reason, and you find some of the best color preservation and construction standing today. Would you be willing to go to those lengths to visit some of the best structures standing in Egypt today?

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome back to the Dendera Temple Complex, today we are featuring what is referred to as the "Sacred Lake". Just outside the main walls of Hathors Temple, you find this huge sandstone swimming pool. It has 4 sets of staircase facing the cardinal directions that lead down into the water. There are also doorways that appear that go at least a few feet into the sandstone structure. I was not permitted to enter and document better. If anyone knows the purpose of those doorways please feel free to share! This lake would have been used primarily by the priests, they would gather the water for their ceremonial rituals. This is one of the nicest Sacred Lakes you find in Egypt today, second being Karnak, the preservation is remarkable, most likely due to the difficulty of reaching this region of Egypt. The easiest way to visit Dendera is to fly into Luxor from Cairo, then you must hire a driver to take you 5-6 hours round trip by car to reach this Temple from Luxor. That time frame is assuming your driver has the right to travel by military road, farm road takes much longer. Many tourists miss Dendera and Abydos for this reason, and you find some of the best color preservation and construction standing today. Would you be willing to go to those lengths to visit some of the best structures standing in Egypt today?

[mikebrownmedia]

Welcome back to the Dendera Temple Complex, today we are featuring what is referred to as the "Sacred Lake". Just outside the main walls of Hathors Temple, you find this huge sandstone swimming pool. It has 4 sets of staircase facing the cardinal directions that lead down into the water. There are also doorways that appear that go at least a few feet into the sandstone structure. I was not permitted to enter and document better. If anyone knows the purpose of those doorways please feel free to share! This lake would have been used primarily by the priests, they would gather the water for their ceremonial rituals. This is one of the nicest Sacred Lakes you find in Egypt today, second being Karnak, the preservation is remarkable, most likely due to the difficulty of reaching this region of Egypt. The easiest way to visit Dendera is to fly into Luxor from Cairo, then you must hire a driver to take you 5-6 hours round trip by car to reach this Temple from Luxor. That time frame is assuming your driver has the right to travel by military road, farm road takes much longer. Many tourists miss Dendera and Abydos for this reason, and you find some of the best color preservation and construction standing today. Would you be willing to go to those lengths to visit some of the best structures standing in Egypt today?