Pylon (architecture)

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In ancient Egyptian architecture, a pylon is a monumental gate of an Egyptian temple (Egyptian: bxn.t in the Manuel de Codage transliteration^[1]). The English word "pylon" comes from the Greek term πυλών 'gate'. The Egyptian pylon consists of two pyramidal towers, each tapered and surmounted by a cornice, joined by a less elevated section enclosing the entrance between them.^[2] The gate was generally about half the height of the towers. Contemporary paintings of pylons show them with long poles flying banners.