Studies in the lexicography of Ancient Egyptian buildings and their parts

• Main Author: Spencer, Patricia Ann
• Published: University College London (University of London) 1981
• Subjects: 930.1; Archaeology
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.290085

The aim of this study is to attempt to clarify the meanings of the various terms used by the ancient Egyptians to describe the architectural elements which constituted an Egyptian temple. It consists of discussions of a total of fifty-seven nouns which have, in the past, been translated by general terms such as 'shrine' 'hall' 'column' and 'wall'. Each of the terms is discussed individually, and the entries are arranged-according to the order of the Egyptian alphabet. Each entry consists of a detailed review of the evidence for the history and development of the meaning of the term, comparing, where possible, the textual evidence with the plans of surviving temple-remains. The etymology of each term, if known, is noted together with any relationship it may have had to a similar term in another language. Each discussion is preceded by examples of the various hieroglyphic writings of the term at different periods. Most of the terms studied in this work have never before been thoroughly investigated, and even those which had been studied, previously were often still poorly understood and, in some cases mistranslated. The main result of this study has been to trace the developments and changes in meaning of the terms included and for some terms it has been possible either to suggest new translations or to produce further evidence in support of a previously suggested translation which had not gained general acceptance.