Denderah

(Gr. Tentyra; Coptic Tentore, probably from Tei-n-Athor, the abode of Athor), a ruined town of Upper Egypt, situated near the left bank of the Nile, in lat. 26° 13' N., long. 32° 40' E. It is celebrated on account of its temple, dating from the period of Cleopatra and the earlier Roman emperors, and one of the finest and best preserved structures of the kind in Egypt. The principal temple measures 220 feet in length by about 50 in breadth, and has a noble portico supported on 24 columns. The walls, columns, etc., are covered with figures and hieroglyphics. Prominent among the former is that of Athor or Aphrodite, to whom the temple was dedicated. On the ceiling of the portico are numerous mythological figures arranged in zodiacal fashion, which have been regarded as a representation of the zodiac; but certain peculiarities have led some recent archaeological travelers to doubt whether the figures were intended to have any reference to astronomy. There are many other sacred buildings at Denderah, including a temple of His. The whole, with the exception of one propylon, are surrounded by a sun-dried brickwall, 1000 feet long on one side, and in some parts 35 feet high.