The temples of ancient Egypt include the largest and perhaps most impressive religious monuments the world has ever known. Mansions of the gods, models of Egypt and of the universe, focal points of worship, great treasure houses and islands of order in a cosmic sea of chaos--the temples were all these things and more.

Now available for the first time in paperback, The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt traces their development from the earliest times, looking at every aspect of their construction, decoration, symbolism, and function. All of Egypt's surviving temples are examined in depth with superb illustrations--from the gargantuan temple of Amun at Karnak to minuscule shrines such as the oasis Oracle of Siwa, where Alexander went to hear himself proclaimed god.