Hypostyle Hall

The Great Hypostyle Hall within the Karnak temple complex at Luxor, Egypt, was begun by pharaoh Seti I (c. 1291-1279 BCE) and completed by his son Ramesses II (c. 1279-1213 BCE). Spanning approximately 5,000 square metres, the hall contains 134 sandstone columns in 16 rows, with the central 12 rising to 21 metres to support a clerestory roof. Interior walls depict ritual scenes in Seti I's refined raised relief and Ramesses II's bold sunk relief, while exterior walls record battles with the Hittites and the earliest known international peace treaty (c. 1258 BCE). The structure remained in active religious use for approximately 1,700 years.