Ramesseum - Great Hypostyle Hall

Beyond the portico originally entered by three doorways, is the Great Hypostyle Hall, which, like the hypostyle hall at Karnak, is divided into three higher central aisles and six lower lateral aisles. The central aisles, which have preserved part of their roof, have six couples of taller columns with calyx capitals and six couples of lower columns with bud capitals, topped by a wall, with pillars and window-openings, reaching to the same height as the taller columns; 11 columns of each type are still standing. The lateral aisles had columns with bud capitals, of which there remains 11 on the left hand side, together with a section of the roof. On the shafts of the columns Ramesses is depicted making offerings to the gods. On the wall to the left of the entrance, below, is a relief depicting the storming of the Hittite fortress of Dapur: to the left is the familiar figure of Ramesses in his chariot, with the enemy fleeing on foot, on horseback and in chariots; on the right the Egyptians are seen mounting the walls of the fortress on scaling ladders, while others advance under the protection of storming sheds and their shields; the King's sons, taking part in the battle, are identified by their names. Above are several reliefs showing the King sacrificing to various gods. West wall: below, the King's sons; above, the King before Amun and Khons, with the lion headed goddess Sakhmet behind him, and the King, followed by a goddess, in the presence of Amun and Mut.