Wall decoration on the entrance pylon displaying scene of Ramses III holding captives by the hair, Medinet Habu, Egypt

"Throughout the dynasties decorative programmes included the motif of the royal smiting scene and its variations, shown at the temple entrance. This conventional motif depicts the towering figure of the king raising a club or short khepesh sword above his enemies in the traditional 'smiting scene' known from the earliest dynasties. The military exploits of Egyptian kings were often depicted, for symbolic, protective purposes." [Wilkinson R., 2000: The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt. Thames and Hudson]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was working on "The Nile" project and traveled to Africa from March 14, 1961 to March 31, 1961, visiting Egypt.