The quadrangular pier is the simplest form of support, and, as might be expected, it is also the most ancient. In the example which we have taken from a tomb in the necropolis of Sakkarah, a tomb dating from the Ancient Empire, it has already a base (Fig. [66]), an addition which is not to be found in the Temple of the Sphinx (Fig. [204], vol. i.). Elsewhere it tapers to the top; an instance of this, dating from a much later period, is found in the speos of Phré, at Ipsamboul (Fig. [67]). In all these cases the architrave rests directly upon the shaft, an arrangement which gives the pier an archaic character in spite of its base.
A very different appearance was obtained when, in the time of Rameses, the pier was provided with a more ample base, and covered with hieroglyphs and figures. It received a capital at the same time, and became worthy of playing its part in a richly-decorated building like the great temple at Karnak, from which our Fig. [68] is taken. The same may be said of the hathoric pier. The example shown in Fig. [69] is taken from the speos of Hathor at Ipsamboul. The lower part of the shaft is covered with inscriptions above which appears a mask of Hathor.
Fig. 66.—Quadrangular pier; from Prisse.
Fig. 67.—Tapering quadrangular pier; from Gailhabaud.
Fig. 68.—Pier with capital; from Prisse.
Fig. 69.—Hathoric pier; from Gailhabaud.