Birth house of Ptolemy VIII for Horus-Hathor-Harsomtus, Idfū, Egypt

"In Edfu, the construction and decoration of the huge stone enclosure wall of Ptolemy VIII continued. The birth house (Arabic mammisi) of the same king was further decorated and provided with a magnificent entrance kiosk. The birth house was surrounded by an ambulatory with four columns at the front and six on each side. The roof was made of timber." [Arnold D., 1999: Temples of the Last Pharaohs. Oxford University Press]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for American Institute of Architects, directing the Egyptian portion of the documentary on Ancient Egypt, March 1965 and September 1965.