The Kiosk of Taharqa

Book excerpt: From the reign of Ptolemy IV Philopator (221-204 BC), an extensive building and decoration programme is attested throughout Egypt, with a specific emphasis on the cult of Osiris and the child gods. The royal legitimation, in which Horus of Edfu and Amun of Thebes played a major role, was a further focal point. With the Theban revolt (206-186 BC), the royal support of the Egyptian temples stopped abruptly and was only resumed under Ptolemy VI Philometor. In the temple of Amun-Ra at Karnak, the Kiosk of Taharqa was a key contribution of the Kushite period (746-655 BC). Under Ptolemy IV, a major restoration campaign took place in the First Courtyard: the gate of the Second Pylon was rebuilt and the Kiosk substantially renovated. Its intercolumnar walls were remodelled and carved with ritual scenes of royal legitimation. The soubassement was decorated with a procession of nomes, received by the goddess Waset, and the column shafts and abaci were engraved with the royal names. In this book, the Kiosk's Ptolemaic texts and iconographic decoration are presented and analysed. A global study of Philopator's architectural activities places the Kiosk in the larger context of Karnak and beyond. In addition, a palaeographic study of the hieroglyphic texts is published.