Day 6 Ms.Sarah Egypt

Mar 23

Day 6–Karnak/Luxor Temples

Today we toured the biggest temple complex in the world. The Temple of Amun, dedicated to the king of the gods, lies in the heart of Karnak. Its size, scale, and complexity are overwhelming despite its humble 11th dynasty beginning. Every pharaoh wanted to put his mark on this amazing complex. This temple was covered with sand for 1000 years before excavation work began in the mid-19th century.

Upon entering the complex, one is greeted by an avenue of sphinxes with a colossal statue of Ramses II with one of this daughters at his feet.

The Great Hypostyle Hall is crowded with 134 massive columns, all highly painted at one point. There is a surprising amount of paint left. The temple was built over a 1300 year period which is reflected in the sprawling array of obelisks, chapels, smaller temples, and pylons. It is interesting to note that there is a sacred lake behind the complex in which priests purified themselves before performing rituals in the temple. Another little interesting structure is a huge stone scarab of Khepri built by Amenhotep.

Just down the street is Luxor, smaller but no less important. Luxor temple is dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu and was largely completed by Amenhotep III and added to during the reign of Ramses II. Compared to Karnak, Luxor is surprising compact despite modifications of later rulers, including Alexander the Great. It too was engulfed in sand and silt and a village even grew up within the city walls. It was rediscovered in 1881. The Sphinx Avenue continues from Karnak to Luxor which links the two temples and is used for carrying the image of the triad from one to another in the sacred barque.