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construction. Complex jointing techniques could sometimes be used in corners and other areas,
which could be related to the size of the blocks or necessary for the building of additions to
already existing structures (Wilkinson 2007, 43).
The angles of walls and column shafts could be checked using plumb bobs suspended from
wooden frames. An A-shape was used to check horizontal surfaces, an E- or F-shape was used for
checking the level of vertical surfaces. The walls of the Taffeh temple however did not form a
straight rectangle, which might be considered to be odd in this case (Wilkinson 2007, 42).
The construction of this temple does not seem to have used any of the Graeco-Roman innovations
in its construction. Schneider described the masonry techniques to have been typically Egyptian,
but there is not indication that any other specific techniques were used. It is likely that the temple
was constructed by Egyptian workmen using construction techniques that they were familiar with
even though it was issued by the Roman emperor (Schneider 1979, 92).
Outer enclosure wall
Surrounding the temple at a few meters distance stood the temenos, the outer enclosure wall of
the entire complex, including the temple of Taffeh and the southern temple. Remains of this
temenos were still visible in 1910 (Wilkinson 2007, Schneider 1979, 92).
It is hard to interpret the function of this temenos as it is not clearly described where it was
located. It can be said with that a wall was discovered surrounding the southern temple, which was
drawn in the sketch of the Taffeh and the southern temple. It is possible that this is what is
referred to as the temenos. In that case it is possible that the southern temple was either build
first with a wall and the Taffeh temple was alter added outside of it. It is also possible that the
temenos surrounded the Taffeh temple, the southern temple, the wall that surrounded the
southern temple and any additional structures.