The temples of ancient Egypt include the largest and perhaps most impressive religious monuments the world has ever known. Mansions of the gods, models of Egypt and of the universe, focal points of worship, great treasure houses and islands of order in a cosmic sea of chaos--the temples were all these things and more. This book traces their development from the earliest times, looking at every aspect of their construction, decoration, symbolism and function. All of Egypt's surviving temples--from the gargantuan temple of Amun at Karnak, to minuscule shrines such as the oasis Oracle of Siwa, where Alexander went to hear himself proclaimed god--are discussed and illustrated. "Houses of Eternity" considers the historical origin and evolution of Egyptian temples, their growth and decline, and their modern rediscovery.--From publisher description.