The Karnak Temple Complex comprises a vast mix of decayed temples, chapels, pylons and other buildings near Luxor, in Egypt. It is believed to be the second most visited historical site in Egypt; only the Giza Pyramids near Cairo receive more visits.
It consists of four main parts, of which only the largest is currently open to the general public. The term Karnak often is understood as being the Precinct of Amun-Re only, because this is the only part most visitors see. The three other parts, the Precinct of Mut, the Precinct of Montu, and the dismantled Temple of Amenhotep IV, are closed to the public. There also are a few smaller temples and sanctuaries connecting the Precinct of Mut, the Precinct of Amun-Re, and the Luxor Temple.
The key difference between Karnak and most of the other temples and sites in Egypt is the length of time over which it was developed and used. Construction of temples started in the Middle Kingdom and continued into Ptolemaic times. Approximately thirty pharaohs contributed to the buildings, enabling it to reach a size, complexity, and diversity not seen elsewhere. Few of the individual features of Karnak are unique, but the size and number of features are overwhelming.
One famous aspect of Karnak is the Hypostyle Hall in the Precinct of Amun-Re that covers an area of 5,000 m2 (54,000 sq ft). The roof, now fallen, was supported by 134 columns in 16 rows; the 2 middle rows are higher than the others, being 10 metres (33 ft) in circumference and 24 metres (79 ft) high. The Precinct of Amun-Re is dedicated to the principal god of the Theban Triad, Amun, in the form of Amun-Re (or Amun-Ra).
The hall was begun by Seti I, and completed by his son Ramesses II. The north side of the hall is decorated in raised relief, and was Seti I's work. He began to decorate the southern side of the hall shortly before he died but this section was largely completed by his son, Ramesses II. A series of succeeding pharaohs added inscriptions to the walls and the columns in places their predecessors had left blank, including Ramesses III, Ramesses IV and Ramesses VI.
March 13, 2019
Impression of the original temple:
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