A column or row of columns set directly against a wall, characteristic of certain ancient Egyptian temples.
From Greek 'autos' (self) and 'stylos' (column), describing the physical element itself rather than the broader practice, similar to how 'column' describes the structure.
The Great Temple of Abu Simbel uses autostyles magnificently—the massive statues are carved right into the cliff face, making the stone itself become both wall and column, a technique that has lasted 3,200 years.
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