Author Description

At Dendara, three monumental gates gave access to the respective domains of Hathor, Horus of Edfu, and Isis. Various ceremonies were held near these structures, where the public could approach the sacred precinct as closely as possible. The Hathor Gate, opening into the domain of the goddess, was the final architectural testimony at a site whose archives dated back to the time of Khufu. It was built during the reigns of Domitian and Trajan (81-117 AD). Images and words describe the rites marking the passage from one year to the next, accompanied by public celebrations on the esplanade (rwt-di-m3't). Hathor and Isis, mothers who breastfeed their children, are also and above all beautiful women watching over the institution of royalty and receiving specific offerings (ritual of appeasement by music of the sistra, and presentation of an electrum band and the mammisi). This publication contains the edition of the hieroglyphic inscriptions and complete photographic coverage of the monument.