Luxor is one of the essential parts of the ancient Egyptian culture preserved by Egypt. Karnak Temple is one of the largest temples in Luxor. It has a lot of impressive ancient ruins. The Karnak temple complex comprises temples, churches, and other village-like buildings. That is why it was called Karnak, which means “fortified village” in Arabic.
Where to find Karnak Temple?
The Karnak Temple is located in the city of Karnak on the eastern side of the Nile River in southern Egypt, in Luxor Governorate.
When was Karnak Temple built?
The temple was built around 2055 BC. It was built in 100 AD as a place of worship for the gods Amun, Mut and Khonsu. The ancient Egyptians called the Karnak Temple the “chosen place” because it was the most significant religious building ever built.
Information about the temple deities:
Amon
Amun was the Egyptian god of the sun and air. He was also called Amon, Ammon and Amen. It is believed that Amun, who lived in ancient Egypt at the beginning of the establishment of the New Kingdom from 1570 to 1069 BC, is one of the most important deities.
courage
Death was a goddess in ancient Egypt. It was also called maut and mutt. Her name means “mother”, so she was also called the “mother goddess”. Some people considered her the mother of everything in the world, while others saw her as the mother of the moon god Khonsu.
khonsu
Khonsu was the moon god in ancient Egypt. He was known as the son of the goddess Mut. The name he was given means “traveller”.
The importance of Karnak Temple:
During the New Kingdom, when power was concentrated in Thebes (modern Luxor), the Karnak temple complex was the center of ancient beliefs. Its vast size shows how important it is.
In addition to being essential to religion, it was also used by New Kingdom pharaohs as a palace, administrative center, and a place to store their money. However, it is believed to be the largest temple complex ever built.
It took 1,500 years to build, and each new pharaoh added it. As a result, it contains a collection of temples, sanctuaries, stupas, and other ornamentation unparalleled in Egypt.
During the New Kingdom, when it was most important, and during the reigns of famous pharaohs such as Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Seti I, and Ramesses II, all added to the complex in significant ways, and construction continued. The Ptolemies, Romans and early Christians left their mark there.
Composition of Karnak Temple:
Karnak consists of three different districts: the Amun district, the Mut district, and the Montu district. However, for most visitors, the Amon region is all they need to see. Its design alone is more sophisticated than any other site you will see in Egypt.
The Great Column Hall, one of the most famous parts of the Karnak complex, is located in the precinct of Amun. One of the most impressive in Egypt, this hall consists of 134 massive columns. Detailing the different parts that make up the complex is a near-impossible task, so we let the guide do it while you look around.
Instead, we suggest you give yourself plenty of time to look around this vast complex and see all its beautiful sights. Think of how impressive it must have been when these massive structures were rebuilt over 2,000 years ago.
Karnak puts on a sound and light show in many different languages, just like all the other major attractions in Egypt. The show happens three times a night, but you should ask your guide or hotel if the shows are in different languages.
Wadget Hall
Thutmose I was the first to build the Wadget Hall. He did so between the fourth and fifth towers near the main sanctuary. The hall is about 246 feet long and 46 feet wide. It was used for the coronation of the king and the Ib-Sed festival.
The Syed Love Festival usually occurs 30 years after a new king takes power and every three years after that. During this feast, the king ran around Abad’s yard and did tricks to show that he could still rule Egypt.
Big front porch
The Great Hall of Columns is one of the most impressive buildings in Karnak. It was built along the main entrance, west of the main sanctuary. It was made by King Seti, who ruled from 1290 BC to 1279 BC. prevailed
The building is about 337 feet long and 170 feet wide. There are a total of 134 columns. The 12 tallest buildings are 70 feet tall and reach the middle of the building. The other 122 columns are about 40 feet high.
Scenes of Seti and Ramesses II striking their enemies from Libya, Syria, and the Levant can be seen on the outer walls. Soon after its construction, the hall replaced Wadjet Hall for coronations and ceremonies for slaves.
Karnak Towers
Starting in the New Kingdom and continuing for hundreds of years after that, the rulers of Egypt built a group of 10 towers at Karnak. These towers act as a kind of gateway. A network of walls bound them together.
Often, the towers had images of the ruler placed on them.
At Karnak, the towers start near the main sanctuary and go in two directions. One group of six buildings faces west towards the Nile, ending with a doorway lined with miniature sphinxes. The other group of four towers meets south along a processional avenue used for ceremonies.
Interesting facts about Karnak Temple:
- Karnak is an open-air museum. It is believed to be the world’s most prominent place of worship.
- The columned hall at Karnak Temple has an area of 54,000 square feet, large enough to fit in Notre Dame Cathedral.
- More than 5,000 slaves and servants were entrusted with the care of Amun-Ra at Karnak, which indicates how powerful and influential he was at that time. Statues have also been built in his honour.
