At Dendara, three monumental gates gave access to the respective domains
of Hathor, Horus of Edfu, and Isis. Various ceremonies were held near
these structures, where the public could approach the sacred precinct as
closely as possible. The Hathor Gate, opening into the domain of the
goddess, was the final architectural testimony at a site whose archives
dated back to the time of Khufu. It was built during the reigns of
Domitian and Trajan (81-117 AD). Images and words describe the rites
marking the passage from one year to the next, accompanied by public
celebrations on the esplanade (rwt-dI-m3't). Hathor and Isis, mothers
who breastfeed their children, are also and above all beautiful women
watching over the institution of royalty and receiving specific
offerings (ritual of appeasement by music of the sistra, and
presentation of an electrum band and the mammisi). This publication
contains the edition of the hieroglyphic inscriptions and complete
photographic coverage of the monument.