a town of Upper Egypt, celebrated on account of the sublime temple of Apollinopolis, which, Denon observes,* is "the most beautiful of all Egypt, and, next to those of Thebes, the largest." Being built (he adds) at a period when the arts and sciences had acquired all their splendour, the workmanship of every part is equally beautiful, the hieroglyphics are admirably executed, the figures more varied, and the architecture of a higher order than in the Theban edifices, the building of which must be referred to an earlier age. My first care was to take a general plan of the building.

"Nothing can be more simply beautiful than these outlines; nothing more picturesque than the effect produced in the elevation, by the various dimensions belonging to each member of the harmonious whole. This superb edifice is seated on a rising ground, so as to overlook not only its immediate vicinity, but the whole valley; and at the foot of this greater temple, but on a considerably lower level, is a smaller one, at present almost buried. The only part still visible is in a hollow surrounded with rubbish, where may be seen a little portico of two columns, and as many pilasters, a peristyle, and the sanctuary of the temple inclosed within a pilastered gallery. A single column, with its capital rising from the ruins, to the height of forty feet above the portico, and the angle of a wall 100 feet beyond, shew that there formerly existed a court in the front of the temple. It is remarkable of this monument, notwithstanding the skill displayed in its construction, that the gates are not exactly in the middle of the sides. It seems to have been dedicated to the evil genius, for the figure of Typhon is seen in relief on the four sides of the plinth, which surmounts each of the capitals. The whole frieze, and all the paintings within, appear descriptive of Isis defending herself against the attacks of this monster."