NILE Magazine

Because You Love Ancient Egypt
  • Home
  • DIGITAL EDITION
  • Subscribe
  • Past Issues
  • Free Samples
  • About NILE
  • Home
  • DIGITAL EDITION
  • Subscribe
  • Past Issues
  • Free Samples
  • About NILE

2016 December

Photo: Marie E. Bryan and Kelly A. Cummings

A giant hieroglyph

Jeff Burzacott December 21, 2016

In the northern hemisphere, December 21 marks the winter solstice; the shortest, darkest day of the year. From here the days become progressively longer as the sun inches northward, rising a little higher each day.

None of this would have been news to the ancient Egyptian architects of course. They designed Karnak Temple so that the rising solstice sun would pour directly through the main axis of the temple.

Pragmatically, the day also heralded the start of the plantation season. The solstice coincided with the waters of the Nile receding after the annual flooding.

It is thought that distinctive pylons (or ceremonial gateways) that front Egyptian temples formed a giant hieroglyph—the "akhet" symbol that represented the horizon. The akhet sign comprises of two mountain peaks with a sun-disc resting between them, and was a potent symbol of rebirth.

These photos come from the current issue of Nile Magazine. The solstice sunrise at Karnak Temple was taken by Marie E. Bryan, and the sun bursting forth above the eastern horizon is courtesy of Kelly A. Cummings.

Enjoy the full article in the current issue of Nile Magazine.

  • 2016 December
  • Older
  • Newer
Satisfy your passion for ancient Egypt.NILE Magazine June-July 2017 is out now. Inside:- The Tomb-1000 years of robbery and reuse.- Egypt's first ever funerary garden discovered.- World Museum's new ancient Egypt gallery.- Art and Archaeol…

Satisfy your passion for ancient Egypt.
NILE Magazine June-July 2017 is out now. Inside:
- The Tomb-1000 years of robbery and reuse.
- Egypt's first ever funerary garden discovered.
- World Museum's new ancient Egypt gallery.
- Art and Archaeology meet: the two worlds of Susan Osgood.
- The Royal Tombs of Ancient Egypt.
- Aswan's powerful governors.
- On This Day in Egyptology history.
- Plus much more.

Click on the cover to subscribe.

Featured
Mar 25, 2017
Dark, isn't it? Happy Earth Hour!
Mar 25, 2017

I love that we know the Great Sphinx so well, we can pick it from just the silhouette.

Read More →
Mar 25, 2017
Mar 24, 2017
Intact Middle Kingdom tomb discovered in Aswan
Mar 24, 2017

Shemai was the younger brother of Sarenput II, the powerful governor of Elephantine.

Read More →
Mar 24, 2017
Mar 4, 2017
The Dream Stela restored
Mar 4, 2017

The Ministry of Antiquities is working to preserve Thutmose IV's fanciful story.

Read More →
Mar 4, 2017
  • Contact NILE
  • Index
  • Write for Nile
  • Join The Team
  • FAQs
  • Societies & Clubs

All rights reserved © Nile Magazine 2024

NILE Magazine

Because You Love Ancient Egypt