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columns
The use of the square-sectioned column was common from the IVth Dynasty right through to the New Kingdom. From a basic square column, it evolved into the true polygonal columns through the removal of the corners to form octagonal and then hexdecagonal columns. There are good examples of square-based and octagonal columns at Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri.
In reality, polygonal columns, whilst fairly widespread throughout Egypt, enjoyed a comparatively short period of popularity. Columns derived from vegetation became the norm during the New Kingdom and we do not see this type of polygonal column used much after Seti I.
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| Square (or tetragonal) column | Octagonal Column | Hexdecagonal (16-sided) Column |
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