propylon
Definitions
from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- noun In ancient Egyptian architecture, a monumental gateway, usually between two towers in outline like truncated pyramids, of which one or a series stood before the actual entrance or pylon of most temples or other important buildings.
Examples
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Sixteen paces distant from the propylon is the entrance to the pronaos, between two columns, united to the wall, which is half their height; they have the same capitals as the columns of the open temple at Philæ, which are seen no where else in Egypt, and which are represented in the travels of Denon, who says that they approach the Grecian style by the elegance of their forms.
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The entrance to this temple is through a magnificent propylon, that is, a portal flanked by massy pyramidal moles.
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This altar should be situated on the central axis of the sanctuary, somewhere between the propylon (monumental entrance) and the steps leading to the pronaos (vestibule) of the temple.
Interactive Dig Sagalassos - Hadrian & Antoninus Pius Sanctuary Report 3
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Cylindrical column drums were uncovered at the monumental west gate (propylon), which opened the way from the agora (market place) to the sacred area in front of the Temple of Artemis.
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The entrance to this temple is through a magnificent propylon, or gateway, facing the north, 200 feet in front, and 57 feet high above the present level of the soil.
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 20, No. 564, September 1, 1832
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These extracts from the Raymond Journal, if they be genuine, as in most respects I believe they must be, will furnish a clew, otherwise wanting, to the distinct turn which the boy's mind took toward authorship after his return to Salem, and on passing the propylon of classical culture.
Note
The word 'propylon' comes from Greek roots meaning 'before' and 'gate'.
