The Great Hypostyle Hall of the Temple of Karnak. Luxor, Egypt.The Great Hypostyle Hall covers an area of 5,000 m2 (54,000 sq ft).

The Great Hypostyle Hall of the Temple of Karnak. Luxor, Egypt.The Great Hypostyle Hall covers an area of 5,000 m2 (54,000 sq ft).

 The roof, now fallen, was supported by 134 columns arranged in 16 rows; the two central rows are taller than the others (being 10 meters (33 ft) in circumference and 24 meters (79 ft) high). The 134 papyrus columns represent the primordial papyrus swamp from which Atum, a self-created deity, emerged from the waters of Nun at the beginning of creation. 

The hall was not built by Horemheb, or Amenhotep III as previous scholars had thought, but was built entirely by Seti I who inscribed the northern wing of the hall with inscriptions. The decoration of the southern wing was completed by the 19th Dynasty pharaoh Ramesses II.