Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1840-02-20

NJ ]. s. G T. Z. ~ Y.

KARNAC AND LUXOR-UPPER EGYPT.
Above Kous, for some miles, is a san
dy plain, after which the rocks approach
close to the river. Beyond a projecting
point, however, the view opens upon a
scene TO which the world presents moth
ing parallel; an extensive plain, covered
throughout its whole extent with the most
amazing ruins. This is Thebes the CT
ty of the hundred gates, that mighty cap.
ital, the foundation of which is unknown
in history, and belongs only to the dim
ages of traditionary poetry, whose report
would have been denounced as fabulous,
had not such mighty monumen proved
that it fell short ofthe reality. This work
Of the first age Of the world almost eclip-
SEES, as to grandeur, all that art and pow
er have since produced. At first, the OBJ
server sees only IA confusion of portals,
obelisks, and columns, all OF gigantic size,
towering above the palm trees. Gradual
ly he is able to distinguish, on the East.
ern or Arabian side, the palaces of Kar.
nae and Luxor; or the Western or Syri-
an side, Medinch, Ava, the Memnonium,
and the tombs cut in the mountain behind.
karnac surpasses in grandeur every
other structure in Thebes and in the
world. The French Engineers on horse
back were an hour and a half in perform.
ing its circuit, which, they therefore con-
ce!ve, cannot be less than three miles,
On the NORTHEAST entrance, the Egyp-
iians appear TO have lavished all their
magnificence. The approach is by a
long avenue ofSphynxes, the largest of
any in Egypt, leading TO a succession of
portals with colossal statues in 'front.'
These structures are distinguished, not
only by the grandeur of their dimensions,
but by the variety Of the materials. A
calcareous stone, compact like marble, a
v%ariegated siliceous limestone, beautiful
rose coloredrand black marbles oe Syene,
have been severally used. Most points
OF view present only the image ola gene
raj overthrow, rendering it difficult to dis.
tlngulsh karDac as a series Of regular
e~dllces. Across vast ruins appear only
fragments of architecture, trunks of bro.
ken columns, mutilated colossal statues,
obellsks, some fallen, others majcstically
erect; immense halls, whose roofs are
supported by a forest Of columns, portals,
and propyl9a, surprising in magnitude
all similar structures. From the West,
this chaos assumes an orderly appea-
rance; and the almost endless series of
portals, gates, and halls appear ranged
in regular succession, and h~armonising
with each other. When the plan Is tho
roughly understood, its regularity appears
wonderful, ard the highest admiration is
excited by the arrangement and symme-
try Of all the parts Of this vast edifice."
Not only the general extent, but all the
particular features, Of this extraordinary
structure are distinguished by a magni-
tude elsewhere unparalleled. There are
two obelisks Of 80, and one Of 81 feet
high this, the Hottest of any in Egypt,
is adorned with sculptures Of perfect exc
cLtion. The principal hall is 3l5 feet
long, and 159 broad, having the roof.
still supported by 1874 columns. These
are about 10 feet high, and III feet in d.
aneter; aud a long avenue Of others
have all. except one, fallen down entire,
and lie on the ground still ranged in their
primitive order. All the sculptures are
adorned with %colors, which, though they
ought, il should seem, 10 have most expe-
rienced the ravages of time, shine still
with the brightest lustre. Ofthe largest
Sphynxes, so are still remaining, and there
arc traces which show that the whole ave.
nue. once contained 600.
The palace itself is entered with great
difficulty, and its interior, being dark and
filled with rubbish, presents lew objects 10
attract the attention, but on reaching the
roof, the spectator enjoys a distinct and
most magnificent view of the whole range
of surrounding ruins. All who have visi-
ted this scene, describe the impression
made by il as almost superior 10 tina.