Typology of Gates Ann-Kathrin Jeske, B.A. M.A University of Vienna ann-kathrin.jeske@univie.ac.at While reading reports of gates, it becomes obvious that there is neither a consisting terminology nor a proper structure to describe a gate. The inconsistence im- pedes synchron and diachron studies of gates. The proposed gate typology allows to describe and classify gates of different time periods and of different areas. link between gate‘s complex and perimeter wall additonal wall row indirect view line Type1 6 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 The expression “gate’s complex” describes all architectural elements which shape the gate’s appearance. The perimeter wall is not part of the gate’s complex. The wall opening is a simple opening in the perimeter wall. The tower-like superstructure is an architectural element which has a huge impact on the outer appearance of the gate’s complex. This superstructure was set in pairs, which determine the width of the gateway. In terms of dimension, the tower-like superstructure is wider than the perimeter wall is thick. It is not necessary for the superstructure to reach the perimeter wall’s height. The architectural element flank wall appears only as a pair. This flank wall shapes the gateway between its single components. The flank wall has the same thickness as the perimeter wall. The apsis can be described as a wall in an arch-shape. The shape of the wall tongue is rectangular and is smaller in terms of dimension than the flank wall and the tower-like superstructure. The wall tongue’s function is either to extent the gateway or to narrow it down at one point. The step-shaped wall formation shapes one site of the superior architectural elements. Usually, it appears in a pair formation. In this constellation, it shapes the gateway into a funnel. Buttresses have a rectangular shape and look like periodical wall protrusions. This architectural element supports the wall’s structure. The small and broad protrusion protrude out of the wall only slightly. The small protrusion covers just a small part of the wall whereas the broad one covers a bigger part. They function as either an extension or narrowing of the gateway. The additional wall row has the same shape and function as the flank wall, but it has clearly a smaller dimension. Usually, it is a later added element. The typology is conceptualized as an add-on system. All elements are ordered in a hierarchy according to their impact on the gate’s appearance. In every hierarchy rank, the elements were assigned a number to be able to create an index. The features wall opening, tower-like superstructure, flank wall and apsis represent the highest rank of architectural elements. These elements define alone or in combination the 6 main gates. Wall opening (T1); flank walls (T2); flank walls which ends each in a tower-like superstructure (T3); flank walls which ends at both ends in a tower-like superstructure (T4); t o w e r - l i k e superstructure (T5); apsises (T6). The second highest rank is defined by the link position of the perimeter wall and the gate’s complex: Link in the inner third of the gate’s complex (1); link in the middle of the gate’s complex (2); link in the outer third of the gate’s complex (3); elements of the highest rank link in a shift position at the outer (4) and inner side (5); no physical link between gate’s complex and perimeter wall. The next lowest rank includes the elements wall tongue (1) and step-shaped wall formation (2). The features buttress (1), small (2) and broad protrusion (3), additional wall row (4) and indirect view line between gateway’s entrance and exit (5). The position of the elements of the two lowest hierarchy’s ranks are shown by characters: outer façade (a), outer third (b), central third (c) and inner third of the gateway (d), inner façade (e), outer side of the gate’s complex (f) and at several positions in the gateway (g). If elements of the same hierarchy appear together within the composition, it is marked with a “+”. Type 1: This is the simplest type. An opening in the perimeter wall forms the gate. The thickness of the perimeter wall determines the length of the gateway. Gates belonging to type 1 are rather secondary gates. Usually, the gateway is 2-3 m wide. Type 2: A pair of flank walls shape the gate. This type was used in MK and NK with an average gateway width of 2-3 m. The flank walls are longer during the MK than during the NK (in average 4 m shorter). Type 3: The constellation of type 2 with the addition of two tower-like superstructures at the outer wall ends defines gates of this types. The gateway is narrowed at the outside’s entrance. The middle part of the gateway is about double as wide as the outer end. Gates of the type were built only during the MK. Type 4: The type consists of two flank walls which end in two tower-like superstructures at each end. Both ends of the gateway are narrower than the middle part of it. These gates are the most sophisticated ones and are built only during the MK like gates of type 3. They represent also the biggest gates. Type 5: Gates of this type consist of a pair of tower-like superstructures. The type has strong similarities to type 2. With one exception, these gates are a phenomenon of the NK. Type 5 is the only one which is represented in all regions where Egyptian fortified complexes have been constructed. The gateways of this type are around 3.5 m wide. Type 6: Two apsis features shape type 6. The curvy side points to the outside of the fortified complex. Gates of this type are the oldest Egyptian gates. They were built only in the OK and MK. On average, the width of the gateway was around 2 m.