Kiosk of Trajan

I actually took dozens of pictures of this interesting ruin, which is often called the ‘Pharaoh’s Bedstead”, since it looks like an enormous tester bed. It was built in 167 CE. It stands to the east of the Temple of Isis. It’s one of my favorite monuments.

the kiosk from the shore, the original entrance to the island
the kiosk from the shore, the original entrance to the island

There are fourteen columns with elaborate capitals, and spaces between intended to hold sun disks.

Elaborate capitals for the columns
Elaborate capitals for the columns

Because only two walls have been decorated, it is assumed that the kiosk was never finished. The decorations that do exist are the standard ones — Trajan, the king, offering to Horus, Osiris and Isis.

fourteen columns and a large main gate remain
fourteen columns and a large main gate remain

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