ABSTRACT
Those who erected obelisks had learned to their cost how difficult it was to tame the laws of equilibrium and avoid subjecting the long stone to bending stress.These problems led to the conception of Egyptian temples, where the columns are placed close together and topped with very wide capitals on the edge of which fairly short lintels are positioned to bridge the gap. In Egypt, and especially at Karnak, there still exists the “forest” of 134 columns supporting capitals in the form of a papyrus that has just blossomed in the sun.The resulting twilight effect was perfect for the intimate atmosphere of the temples and the secrecy of oracles.
