The Temple of Goorneh, Thebes 1857

Francis Frith captured the Temple of Goorneh in Thebes with his camera, presenting us with a stark image of ancient Egyptian architecture amidst a desolate landscape. Dominating the structure are the columns, their capitals adorned with papyrus and lotus motifs, symbols deeply rooted in Egyptian cosmology representing creation and rebirth. These columns, like echoes across millennia, remind me of the Doric columns of ancient Greece. Though geographically distant and culturally distinct, both share the fundamental purpose of supporting sacred spaces, acting as conduits between the earthly and divine realms. Observe how the lotus, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, appears in Buddhist art. The motifs migrate, morphing from Egyptian temples to Asian mandalas. This non-linear progression transcends cultural boundaries, resurfacing and evolving, carrying with it a legacy of shared human experience and the enduring quest for meaning.