Page 148 - The Art & Architecture of the Ancient Orient_Neat

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ASIA MINOR AND THE HITTITES
completely preserved. The description mentions that the king, at the head of a procession,
enters the precincts through a gate-house or propylaeum, such as we see on the right-
hand side, near the bottom. It leads into an extension of the paved court surrounding the
shrine which contains a square stone basin opposite the gate-house. Water from a well

60 METRES
200 FEET

Figure 47. Temple I, Boghazkcuy

was piped to this basin through baked clay tubes. The text describes how the king per­
forms a ritual hand-washing after his arrival in the precincts. He next enters the sanctu­
ary, takes his place upon a throne, and after certain ceremonies a communal meal is eaten
and food and drink are offered to the gods. This meal might have taken place in the rect­
angular central court of the shrine, or in the colonnade adjoining it. Near this colonnade,
in the court, there is a small separate building which has been supposed to serve for the

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