3D presentation of the Western High Gate area and a reconstruction sample of some of its blocks

Created by the Epigraphic Survey

The Western High Gate is one of two fortified gates built during the reign of Ramses III in the great girdle wall that surrounds the Medinet Habu temple complex, located on the west bank of Luxor. It was first investigated and recorded in 1931/32 by Uvo Hölscher during the excavations of the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago. Hölscher included descriptions and photos of a few of the decorated blocks in his publication, however this was only a fraction of the material and the rest was left unrecorded. 

In 2013, the Epigraphic Survey began reexamining the area of the Western High Gate under the direction of epigrapher Jen Kimpton, in order to organize and document the material still there. In subsequent seasons, 3D documentation and photogrammetric modeling of the blocks were undertaken with the aid of photographer Owen Murray, as many of the blocks were decorated on multiple sides, a feature that is difficult to render in two dimensions. The models were built using Agisoft Metashape Pro. 

For a more detailed insight into this project, you can read Epigraphic Survey epigrapher Ariel W. Singer’s article here.

The area of the Western High Gate (Sketchfab model created by the Epigraphic Survey)

The South and North Towers of the Western High Gate (Sketchfab model created by the Epigraphic Survey)

Set of blocks from the interior of the Western High Gate with drawings (Sketchfab model created by the Epigraphic Survey)

To see the Epigraphic Survey’s other 3D models, visit their Sketchfab page.