1-647-393 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Looking across the Sacred Lake to the great temple at Karnak, Thebes, Egypt', 1905. 'This sacred lake, now the wallowing pool for the buffalos of the neighbouring peasantry, has been the scene of the most gorgeous pageants when the victorious conquerors of Syria returned to celebrate their triumphs in the state temple. In his glittering barge, resplendent with gold and precious stones, the god was borne around this lake, followed by a long line of gaily decorated boats carrying the king, the white-robed priests and crowds of the royal favourites ... while lines of wretched captives stood waiting to be led into the temple, there to be sacrificed.' Stereoscopic card. Detail. From a series called Egypt Through the Stereoscope, text by James H Breasted.