Not only is the Great Hypostyle Hall the grandest of such halls (at Karnak and throughout all of

Egypt), it is also the most richly decorated and it is a forest of 134 giant sandstone columns in
the form of papyrus stalks. Twelve great columns in its central nave surpass 20 meters (70 ft.) in
height and are capped by huge open papyrus blossom capitals. The main east-west axis of the
Hypostyle Hall is dominated by a double row of 12 giant columns.

These great columns are several meters taller than the 122 shorter closed-bud papyrus columns
grouped on either side of the central aisle. The structural purpose of the twelve great columns
was to support the higher roof of the clerestory in the central nave.

All the columns in the hall represent papyrus stalks, and the 12 great ones have open capitals
imitating the feathery blossoms of flowering papyrus.The diameters of the giant bell-shaped
capitals are 5.4 meters (18 ft), wide enough to support 100 men. Natural papyrus stalks are not
cylindrical but have three sides with ridges along each edge. The columns are round, but a slight
ridge runs up each column like a vertical seam in imitation of the plant.

Every inch of these columns has been inscribed by Ramesses II. Royal cartouches and Ramesses'
other royal titles have been inserted nearly everywhere possible from the base of the shafts to
tiny ones on the outer rims of the papyrus capitals. Two huge vertical cartouches below the
scenes on each column face the processional axis, marking Ramesses II's claim to be the owner
of the Hypostyle Hall.

Dozens of other benefactions in countless arrangements appear in divine caption texts

throughout in the Great Hypostyle Hall. As wall space allows, both the primary and secondary
deities pronounce similar blessings, and columns of texts listing their invocations may be
sandwiched between or behind them. In more spacious tableau, the gods give longer, less
formulaic speeches. Often praising Pharaoh’s achievements as a builder of temples and for
donating rich offerings, they are more effusive—and detailed—in promising him endless
blessings for his piety.

Pharaoh used the Visual clues to underline the apparent individuality of the scenes. Not only
does Pharaoh accomplish different sacred tasks from one episode to the next, he changes his
physical appearance as well by donning different crowns and costumes. The gods he worships
and their appearance also varies from scene to scene. Such inconsistencies in the actors and
their physical description need not indicate that smaller groups of scenes do not link together to
form a broader narrative.