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Abstract The staircase occupied a major place in the ancient Egyptian civilization during the dynastic periods and continued to the Graeco-Roman period. The terminology of staircase in the Graeco-Roman period found several terms to mean staircase. It may comprise two aspects; terms with emphasize on the architectural object and others to refer to the mythological aspect. In the architectural context, a group specify where the staircases lead, such as staircases that lead to the roof. Another group may refer to the left direction while some refer to a staircase with a define number of steps. In the mythological context, some terms could associate with a specific deity or several deities. Moreover, some terms may refer to the staircase that was erected by deity to help the deceased to ascend to the heaven. Regard the second aspect, staircases of the Graeco-Roman dated temples of Upper Egypt show mastery in architecture. These temples display a wide range of forms along with the harmony with other architectural elements. The consideration of these staircases showed several techniques which were discovered in the dynastic ages and continued. It could be important to mention the prevalence of the straight flights over other designs. While these staircases were built in several techniques, they were built in sandstone only. The most common design of the entrance staircase could be the short straight flight of low risers flanked by plain borders. The study of the religion texts which mentioning the staircases result to found several recitations in the Old Kingdom religious texts. The recitations indicate the importance of the staircase and explain their role in the afterlife. During the Graeco-Roman period, in summary, no big difference could be notice, the same role and importance continued which is to help the deceased to reach the heaven, Affairs of the help of deities continued to exist also. The staircases of both of the temples of Dendara and Edfu, are considered participating significantly in the ideology of the world order in the New Year festival. Their design, (the quarter landing and the straight flight) supposed to continue the dynastic concept of the hope of ascension to the heaven; they also resemble the same concept of hope for a new life but with similar participants. The participants in the dynastic ages were the deceased and divinities to help him in the ascension journey while in the context of the temple of Dendara and Edfu; they are the king and the deity of the temple. That could explain that the stairways were a way to the heaven or the means on which the king and deity of the temple ascend to roof (Heaven) of the temple. Moreover, the staircase may symbolize the resurrection, life after death and the lunar phase. As per Corthals, the vision of the New Year feast in ancient Egypt can be summed up in two words: dread and expectation. Dread, for a low flood would bring mayhem. Expectation, for a decent flood to have thriving, dread, for absence of celestial assurance would bring diseases and turmoil. At no other time during the year was the Egyptian world increasingly defenseless . In synopsis, the parade portrayed of the New Year celebration looking like the desire for another existence of good and this is the symbolization of the flights of stairs in the ancient Egyptian idea all through the dynastic ages till the Graeco-Roman period. To conclude in mythology, the presence of the staircase as a physical object recalls the concept of order and regime in the ancient Egyptian belief. Finally, it is recommended to consider the mentioned guidelines and to organise carefully the visit to the complexes of Dandara and Edfu and Philae in order to show the combination of architectural mastery. in addition to, the differences and similarities between the staircases can clarify the artistic aspect of the staircases. |