TRAVEL LUXOR
rGENERAL INFORMATION-Luxor, was an Ancient capital of Egypt, today known as the world's "greatest open-air museu". The modern town of Luxor is the site of the famous city of Thebes (Waset, in ancient Egyptian), the City of a Hundred Gates. It was the capital of Egypt from the twelfth dynasty on (1991 BC) and reached its zenith during the New Kingdom. The great city of the Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom of pharaohs who covered the banks of the Nile with their mammoth building works and began the vast tomb structures securely hidden amid the rocky valley of the West Bank. It was the religious capital for almost all of the Pharaonic period which is why the town is dominated by the two temples, The Temple of Luxor, and the immense Temple of Karnak, one of the world’s largest temple complex(largest temple complex is Angkor Wat ,Cambodia).
It has been estimated that Luxor contains about a third of the most valuable monuments and antiquities in the whole world, which makes it one of the most important tourism sites. Monuments such as The Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings with the Tutankhamen Tomb, the Valley of the Queens, Deir El-Bahri (the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut), the workers village at Deir El-Medina etc.
While the East Bank has grown to become a modern city, it has retained its lush green setting, its traditional bazaar and stunning view of the Nile. The East Bank boasts some of Egypt's most refined hotels, home to amazing Spa's and a golf course.Luxor is a small city and few roads are-
i-Khaled Ibn Al Walid-This road is parallel to Nile river and big hotels,restaurents and souvenirs shops are situated on this road, it goes to Luxor Bridge.
ii-Kornish Al Nile-This road is also parallel to Nile River and one side is Nile and other side Hotels and buildings .Luxor Temple is situated on this road. There are few Nile Cruise terminals also.
The West Bank is known for its necropolis and mortuary temples, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Workers Village, and the Temple of Medinet Habu.
Luxor is situated 670Km (416 miles) to the south of Cairo, 220Km (137 miles) to the north of Aswan and 280Km (174 miles) to the west of Hurghada. It is the second most popular place to visit in Egypt, behind Cairo, and is accessible in a number of ways.
It has been estimated that Luxor contains about a third of the most valuable monuments and antiquities in the whole world, which makes it one of the most important tourism sites. Monuments such as The Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings with the Tutankhamen Tomb, the Valley of the Queens, Deir El-Bahri (the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut), the workers village at Deir El-Medina etc.
While the East Bank has grown to become a modern city, it has retained its lush green setting, its traditional bazaar and stunning view of the Nile. The East Bank boasts some of Egypt's most refined hotels, home to amazing Spa's and a golf course.Luxor is a small city and few roads are-
i-Khaled Ibn Al Walid-This road is parallel to Nile river and big hotels,restaurents and souvenirs shops are situated on this road, it goes to Luxor Bridge.
ii-Kornish Al Nile-This road is also parallel to Nile River and one side is Nile and other side Hotels and buildings .Luxor Temple is situated on this road. There are few Nile Cruise terminals also.
The West Bank is known for its necropolis and mortuary temples, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Workers Village, and the Temple of Medinet Habu.
Luxor is situated 670Km (416 miles) to the south of Cairo, 220Km (137 miles) to the north of Aswan and 280Km (174 miles) to the west of Hurghada. It is the second most popular place to visit in Egypt, behind Cairo, and is accessible in a number of ways.
HISTORY- In ancient times, the city was known as home to the god Amun, a deity who became associated with Egyptian royalty. During the Old Kingdom period (2650-2150 B.C.), when the Great Pyramids were built at Giza, the ancient city at Luxor was a provincial administration centre. It would take on new importance after the Old Kingdom collapsed, a time called the “first intermediate period”. During this period, the ancient city at Luxor became the capital of a local kingdom, one that in time succeeded in uniting the country. Construction near the city would flourish during Egypt’s New Kingdom period, between roughly 1550 and 1050 B.C. The pharaohs also built nearby mortuary temples and greatly expanded Karnak Temple, include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Queens and Queen Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple at Deir al-Bahari. The city was considered the home of the god Amun and so close was the relationship between this god and Egyptian royalty that Egyptian queens actually credited the deity with fathering their children.
OPET FESTIVAL- The Egyptians believed that towards the end of annual agricultural cycle the gods and the earth became exhausted and required a fresh input of energy from the cosmos. To accomplish this magical regeneration the Opet festival was held yearly at Karnak and Luxor. It lasted for twenty-seven days and was also a celebration of the link between pharaoh and the god Amun. The procession began at Karnak and ended at Luxor Temple, one and a half miles to the south. The statue of the god Amun was bathed with holy water, dressed in fine linen, and adorned in gold and silver jewellery. The priests then placed the god in a shrine and onto the ceremonial barque (a sailing ship) supported by poles for carrying. Pharaoh emerged from the temple. A troop of Nubian soldiers serving as guards beat their drums, and musicians accompanied the priests in song as incense filled the air. Pharaoh and his priests entered the temple and ceremonies were performed to regenerate Amun, and transfer Amun’s power to Pharaoh. When he finally emerged from the temple sanctuary, the vast crowds cheered him and celebrated the guaranteed fertility of the earth and the expectation of abundant harvests.
AREA- 416km2
POPULATION- 507,000
CO-ORDINATES- 25°41′N 32°39′E
CLIMATE-
TEMP JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Av H 23 25 27 35 39 41 41 40 39 35 29 24
Av L 5 7 10 16 20 23 24 23 21 17 12 7
POPULATION- 507,000
CO-ORDINATES- 25°41′N 32°39′E
CLIMATE-
TEMP JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Av H 23 25 27 35 39 41 41 40 39 35 29 24
Av L 5 7 10 16 20 23 24 23 21 17 12 7
AIRPORT-Luxor International Airport is located 6Km (4 miles) east of the city and can be reached from the most countries around the world, though it is most popular for charter flights. From here you can also fly to most of the main cities and towns in Egypt, as well as arriving from them. Egypt Air runs daily flights from Cairo to Luxor, as well as Luxor to Cairo, which take, on average, about 50 minutes.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS-
001-LUXOR TEMPLE- The temple was built by Amenhotep III (1390-52 BC) but completed by Tutankhamun (1336-27 BC) and Horemheb (1323-1295 BC) and then added to by Rameses II (1279-13 BC). It is an indication of the continuous history of Egypt, beginning from the 18th dynasty of Ancient Egyptian rule to the 14th century AD. The Romans and later the Christians also had an effect on the temple. Alexander the Great rebuilt the Sanctuary. The Romans constructed a military fort around the temple, during the Christian era, the inner section was converted to a church, and the Muslims built a Mosque in the 10th century, which is known as the Mosque of Abou El-Hagag.
The Temple Complex of Karnak has within its precincts are the Great Temple of Amun, the Temple of Khons, and the Festival Temple of Tuthmosis III, as well as many other buildings. It is located south of Kanark Temple so known as the southern shrine/ Ipt-Rsyt. The Temple of Luxor was the centre of the festival of Opet. It appears that the temple's purpose was for a suitable setting for the rituals of the festival. The festival itself was to reconcile the human aspect of the ruler with the divine office. The festival begins with the statues of Amun, Mut and Khonsu were brought from Karnak, along the Avenue of Sphinxes, and reunited here during the flood in Nile. During the 18th Dynasty the festival lasted eleven days, but had grown to twenty-seven days by the reign of Ramesses III in the 20th Dynasty. By the late 18th Dynasty the journey was being made by barge, on the Nile River. Each god or goddess was carried in a separate barge that was towed by smaller boats. There, the king and his ka (the divine essence of each king, created at his birth) were merged, the king being transformed into a divine being. The festival was the backbone of the pharaoh's government.
The Temple run close and parallel to the river Nile from north to south. It was constructed on the site of a small Temple of Amon, built by kings of the 12th dynasty. At the time of Amenhotep III the Temple was only 190m in length and 55m in width.
The Temple Complex is not built to a single unified plan, but represents the building activity of many successive rulers of Egypt, who competed with one another in adding to and adorning this great national sanctuary, which became the most important of Egypt's temples during the New Kingdom. Pharaohs who played a part in building this temple over the years are Tutankhamen, Hatshepsut, Ramses II, and Amenhotep III, as one walk through the temple one can see the contributions of each one usually where one find statues and images of them carved in the walls. All the monuments here are on a gigantic scale, reducing visitors to ant-like proportions as they gaze up at mighty columns and colossal statuary. The Luxor Temple was a shrine of the king's cult and not just to the Theban god Amun and his family.
The Temple Complex of Karnak has within its precincts are the Great Temple of Amun, the Temple of Khons, and the Festival Temple of Tuthmosis III, as well as many other buildings. It is located south of Kanark Temple so known as the southern shrine/ Ipt-Rsyt. The Temple of Luxor was the centre of the festival of Opet. It appears that the temple's purpose was for a suitable setting for the rituals of the festival. The festival itself was to reconcile the human aspect of the ruler with the divine office. The festival begins with the statues of Amun, Mut and Khonsu were brought from Karnak, along the Avenue of Sphinxes, and reunited here during the flood in Nile. During the 18th Dynasty the festival lasted eleven days, but had grown to twenty-seven days by the reign of Ramesses III in the 20th Dynasty. By the late 18th Dynasty the journey was being made by barge, on the Nile River. Each god or goddess was carried in a separate barge that was towed by smaller boats. There, the king and his ka (the divine essence of each king, created at his birth) were merged, the king being transformed into a divine being. The festival was the backbone of the pharaoh's government.
The Temple run close and parallel to the river Nile from north to south. It was constructed on the site of a small Temple of Amon, built by kings of the 12th dynasty. At the time of Amenhotep III the Temple was only 190m in length and 55m in width.
The Temple Complex is not built to a single unified plan, but represents the building activity of many successive rulers of Egypt, who competed with one another in adding to and adorning this great national sanctuary, which became the most important of Egypt's temples during the New Kingdom. Pharaohs who played a part in building this temple over the years are Tutankhamen, Hatshepsut, Ramses II, and Amenhotep III, as one walk through the temple one can see the contributions of each one usually where one find statues and images of them carved in the walls. All the monuments here are on a gigantic scale, reducing visitors to ant-like proportions as they gaze up at mighty columns and colossal statuary. The Luxor Temple was a shrine of the king's cult and not just to the Theban god Amun and his family.
Sphinx Avenue- The construction of the Avenue of Sphinxes was begun during the New Kingdom and finished during 30th Dynasty rule of Nectanebo I (380-362 BC). The Human Headed Sphinx Avenue in front of the Temple is the beginning of the avenue of sphinxes that ran all the way to the temples at Karnak 1.5miles to the north. This road was used once a year during the Opet festival when the Egyptians paraded along it carrying the statues of Amun and Mut in a symbolic re-enactment of their marriage. During this festival the cult statues of Amun, Mut and Khonsu would travel from Karnak to Luxor.
Ramses II Pylons & Statues & Obelisk- The entrance to the temple itself is known as the first pylon. Ramses II (1279–1213 BC) added the front part and completed the Temple. He also added the present large forecourt, and a Pylon at the (northern) front of the Temple, there once were 2 obelisks. Only one of them remains standing. The other was transported, in 1819, to La Place de le Concorde in Paris, as a gift to King Philip Louis of France by Mohamed Ali (who ruled Egypt 1805-1850 A.D). The pyramidal tip of the tall shaft was covered in sheet of gold which flashed in the sunlight, symbolizing the sun god Re in his brilliance. The massive 24m-high & 65m wide first pylon was raised and decorated with reliefs of his military exploits, including the Battle of Kadesh. On the facade of the west (right) tower, the king is depicted with his advisers and generals. On the east (left) tower, the battle is shown with Ramesses driving his chariot over the dead and dying enemies. Two massive seated statues of Rameses II guard the huge gateway and are flanked by four standing statues of the king. The pylon was originally fronted by six colossal statues of Ramses II, four seated and two standing, but only two of the seated figures and one standing remain.
Open Court Ramses II-Beyond the first pylon, lies the Great Court of Ramses II/Open Court Ramses II, surrounded by the double rows of 32 papyrus bud columns. The great Court of Rameses II is 188 feet (57 m) long and 168 feet (51 m) wide. The walls are decorated with scenes of the pharaoh making offerings to the gods. On the south (rear) wall is a procession of 17 sons of Ramses II with their names and titles, and in front of them a beautiful relief, the first pylon of the temple with statues, obelisks and flags, reliefs of his military successes. In the Northwest corner of the court there is a shrine to Thutmose III, while in the southern part of the court there are a number of standing colossi of Ramses II. The court to the east is now partly occupied by the Mosque of al-Hajjaj, perches precariously at the top of the columns of this courtyard.
Colonnade Passage- The open court of Ramses II leads to the Colonnade– a 100-metre corridor lined by 2x7=14 papyrus-capital columns, which was built by Amenhotep III, and decorated by Tutankhamen and later, Horemheb, Seti I, Ramses II, and Seti II all recorded their names there. It consists of two pairs of seven large open papyrus columns, which are arranged to make a long processional avenue. The walls of this colonnade are decorated by scenes of the Opt Festival. There would have been a great procession with musicians, dancers, priests, soldiers, and the chariots of the king. They would have been received at Luxor Temple by the priestesses with flowers and offering. Later in the evening the sacred boats would return home to Karnak.
Court of Amenhotep III-The colonnade leads to the Court of Amenhotep III. The Court of Amonhotep III measures 148 feet long (45 m) by 184 feet wide (56 m), with double rows of papyrus columns on three sides. The best preserved columns are on the eastern side, where some traces of original colour can be seen. The northern end was originally the entrance to the temple. The southern side of this courtyard is made up of a 32-column hypostyle court that leads into the inner sanctums of the temple.
Hypostyle Hall -The Court of Amenhotep III leads to the Hypostyle Hall, which consists of 8x4=32 columns arranged in 4 columns and 8 columns each, and which leads to the inner sanctum of the temple.
The Inner Sanctums – At the rear of the hall are four small rooms and an antechamber leading to the birth room, the chapel of Alexander the Great, and the sanctuary built by Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty, and Alexander.
The inner sanctum is reached by a shadowy antechamber with eight columns which was used as a temple during the Roman period and Roman decorations overlay the original Egyptian carvings, but the original carvings can be seen in patches where the stucco is crumbling away. On the left and right sides are the temples of Mut & Khons.
The Inner Sanctums – At the rear of the hall are four small rooms and an antechamber leading to the birth room, the chapel of Alexander the Great, and the sanctuary built by Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty, and Alexander.
The inner sanctum is reached by a shadowy antechamber with eight columns which was used as a temple during the Roman period and Roman decorations overlay the original Egyptian carvings, but the original carvings can be seen in patches where the stucco is crumbling away. On the left and right sides are the temples of Mut & Khons.
A second antechamber contains a further four columns and depictions of Amenhotep II offering incense to Amun. Located on the central axis of the temple. To the left is Birth Room.
Birth Room- The Birth Shrine of Amenhotep III in which the divine origins of the king are proclaimed. Amun takes the place of his father, Tuthmosis IV, to father the god-king with Mutemwiya (Amenhotep's mother). Khnum makes the pharaoh on his potter's wheel and the newborn king is presented to the gods.
Amun Temple-Past the antechambers, there is a barque shrine built by Amenhotep III and rebuilt by Alexander the Great which would house the statue of Amun during the Opet festival. Located on the left side in the end.You need three hours to make sense of the entire complex.
Ticket - 60 EGP
Complex Opening-6.00 to 21.00hrs in winter.
Birth Room- The Birth Shrine of Amenhotep III in which the divine origins of the king are proclaimed. Amun takes the place of his father, Tuthmosis IV, to father the god-king with Mutemwiya (Amenhotep's mother). Khnum makes the pharaoh on his potter's wheel and the newborn king is presented to the gods.
Amun Temple-Past the antechambers, there is a barque shrine built by Amenhotep III and rebuilt by Alexander the Great which would house the statue of Amun during the Opet festival. Located on the left side in the end.You need three hours to make sense of the entire complex.
Ticket - 60 EGP
Complex Opening-6.00 to 21.00hrs in winter.
002-KARNAK TEMPLE- The huge Temple of Karnak complex in Luxor was one of ancient Egypt's grandest and most ambitious building projects. The Pharaonic kingdoms may be long gone, but their power lives on in this triumphant testament of stone. It was after all the New Kingdom's most sacred site. Its ancient name was Ipet-isut, meaning "The Most Sacred of Places". The Temple of Karnak is the largest Temple Complex in the World after Angkor War in Cambodia. The complex contains a group of Temples such as the Great Temple of Amon Ra, The Temple of Khonso, The Ipt Temple, The Temple of Ptah, the Temple of Montho and the Temple of the God Osiris. A 20m high, mud brick enclosure wall, surrounded all of these buildings. The temple complex is dedicated to the Pharoah Amun, was the centre of his worship and of his wife Mut and their son Khons. Each of them had a "precinct" (area) in the temple complex, the greatest and largest belonging to Amun. There was also a precinct for Montu, the falcon-headed local god. This was the house of the gods, and its glories were to be honoured by all, its sanctity remembered every year in the ancient Egyptian's Festival of Opet when the statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu were paraded out of Karnak to Luxor Temple. In ancient Egypt, the power of the god Amun of Thebes gradually increased during the early New Kingdom and after the short persecution led by Akhenaten, it rose to its apex. In the reign of Ramesses III, more than two thirds of the property owned by the temples belonged to Amun, evidenced by the amazing buildings at Karnak. The complex 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-Ra 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.
Construction on the Karnak Temple complex began in the 16th century BC and continued into the Greco-Roman period - a period of up to 1300 years of construction. Around 30 successive pharohs added their own buildings to the complex, a new temple, shrine, or pylon and carved detailed hieroglyphic inscriptions.
The Ancient complex covers a total area of 2 sq. km, and its name "Karnak" means "fortified settlement" in Arabic. For the largely uneducated ancient Egyptian population, this could only have been the place of the gods. The Open Air Museum is located to the north of the first courtyard, across from the Sacred Lake. The main complex, The Temple of Amun, is situated in the centre of the entire complex.
Construction on the Karnak Temple complex began in the 16th century BC and continued into the Greco-Roman period - a period of up to 1300 years of construction. Around 30 successive pharohs added their own buildings to the complex, a new temple, shrine, or pylon and carved detailed hieroglyphic inscriptions.
The Ancient complex covers a total area of 2 sq. km, and its name "Karnak" means "fortified settlement" in Arabic. For the largely uneducated ancient Egyptian population, this could only have been the place of the gods. The Open Air Museum is located to the north of the first courtyard, across from the Sacred Lake. The main complex, The Temple of Amun, is situated in the centre of the entire complex.
i-Avenue of Sphinxes- One enters the complex through a grand procession way, flanked on both sides by ram-headed sphinxes. These ram-headed sphinxes, symbolizing the god Amun and a small effigy of Ramesses II, in the form of Osiris, stands between their front paws. These sphinx were built to protect the Temple. There are 20 rams on each side, extending from the small harbour to the 1st Pylon,
ii-Great Temple of Amun- The epicentre of Theban life, Karnak's Great Temple of Amun remains a staggering piece of architecture and engineering up to this day. This house of the gods was built on a giant scale with colossal columns reaching up to the sky, and mammoth statues staring down. The area of the sacred enclosure of Amun is about sixty-one acres.
First Pylon- The first pylon is the last to be built at Karnak and is the main entrance into the temple today. It was built by Nectanebo I (380-362 BC) who also built the huge enclosure wall surrounding Karnak. It is 113 meters wide with walls 15 meters thick and still stands 43.5 meters high. It was left unfinished, even the remains of the mud brick ramps, used to build, it can still be seen inside the great court. As one crosses this pylon, it takes you into an Open court.
First Pylon- The first pylon is the last to be built at Karnak and is the main entrance into the temple today. It was built by Nectanebo I (380-362 BC) who also built the huge enclosure wall surrounding Karnak. It is 113 meters wide with walls 15 meters thick and still stands 43.5 meters high. It was left unfinished, even the remains of the mud brick ramps, used to build, it can still be seen inside the great court. As one crosses this pylon, it takes you into an Open court.
b-Ist Open Court- Beyond the Frist Pylon, one enters to the Great Court, which dates from the 22nd Dynasty. It is 103 meters wide by 84 meters deep with colonnades on both sides. There are-
Temple of Seti- In the north corner of the court is the small Temple of Seti II, which consists of three chapels dedicated respectively (from left to right) to Mut, Amun, and Khons, each with niches for the image of the deity.
The Kiosk of Tahraqa-Today there is only one great column still standing. In the middle of the 1st Open court, there is a huge column, which is 21m high and has a bud papyrus capital. This part is known as the kiosk of Taharqa who ruled during the 25th Dynasty. This is the only column left from a colonnade that once had 2x5=10 columns.
Temple of Seti- In the north corner of the court is the small Temple of Seti II, which consists of three chapels dedicated respectively (from left to right) to Mut, Amun, and Khons, each with niches for the image of the deity.
The Kiosk of Tahraqa-Today there is only one great column still standing. In the middle of the 1st Open court, there is a huge column, which is 21m high and has a bud papyrus capital. This part is known as the kiosk of Taharqa who ruled during the 25th Dynasty. This is the only column left from a colonnade that once had 2x5=10 columns.
c-The Second Pylon- It was built by Horemheb (1323-1295 B.C.) who filled the interior of the pylon with thousands of stone blocks from demolished monuments built by the Heretic king, Akhenaten. But it was unfinished and only partly decorated at his death. Passing the 2nd Pylon, we enter the Great Hypostyle Hall.
d-Hypostyle Hall- Beyond the Pylon II, one enter to the Hypostyle Hall, along the axis of the temple, the hall is considered to be one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces. Measuring 103 meters by 52 meters, it covers an area of more than 5,000 square meters (50,000sq ft.). The roof was supported on 134 columns in 14+2=16 rows, 8x14=122 of these columns are 10 meters tall, and the other 6x2=12 are 21 meters tall with a diameter of over three meters, these columns are estimated to weigh 70 tons. The ceiling in the centre is higher than the laterals with windows, and it allows light into this spot, which was the processional avenue of the Triad during the festival of the Opet. Construction began during Ramesses I's reign. He was the king who founded the Nineteenth Dynasty and was king for only one year. The work continued under Seti I (1306 - 1290 BC). The hall was completed by Seti I's son, Ramesses II. The walls, ceilings and columns are painted with the natural earth tones. The light that was allowed in originally kept most of the hall in shadows. The hall ceiling was 82 feet high.(definition-A hypostyle hall is a flat-roofed room supported by a series of columns or pillars).On the right hand side of the 1st open court is the Temple of Ramses III, dedicated to Amun, which is perhaps the best example of a simple Egyptian temple built on a unified plan. This Temple consists of a small pylon, an open court and Hypostyle hall, leading to the sanctuary.
e-Temple of Rameses III-Ramesses III (1184–1153 BC) built a shrine south of the second pylon, which was later enclosed by the court yard constructed by Shoshenq I (943-922 BC). The shrine’s entrance was fronted by a small pylon adorned with scenes of the king striking his enemies and two six meter statues carved from red sandstone flanked the door way. Inside, the first court is lined with Osride statues (tightly wrapped body with arms crossed over the chest and hands closed to fists-mummy position) of the king, the west side wear the red crown of the south, while those on the east side wear the white crown of the north. Beyond the court is a vestibule also fronted by Osiride pillars leading into a small hypostyle hall which in turn leads into three chapels dedicated to Mut, Amun, and Khons.
g-Third Pylon-The rear wall of the Hypostyle Hall is the 3rd Pylon, which was built by Amenhotep III.
h-Central Court/Court of Tuthmosis I- Leaving the hypostyle hall through the third pylon you come to a narrow court where there four obelisks two of them set up by Tuthmosis I and two by Tuthmosis II. One of the obelisks is still standing and it was erected by Tuthmosis I (1504 - 1492 BC) who was the father of Hatshepsut. This obelisk stands 70 feet (21.75m) tall and weighs about 143 tons.
j-4th Pylon and Hatshepsut Obelisk-From the Court of Tuthmosis, one is reached the 4th Pylon, which Tuthmosis I built, beyond this is a rectangular colonnade, which he built as well. When Hatshepsut (1473-1458 BC) ascended to the throne she built 2 obelisks in that colonnade, the left one is still in its original position: 29.5m in height, 322 tons in weight and made of red granite. The top of the obelisk was visible form 50 miles (80 km). After the death of Queen Hatshepsut, King Tuthmoses III (1479-1425 BC) who was Hatshepsut's successor, built a high, long wall around these 2 obelisks to hide them. Hatshepsut was a woman pharoah who dared to challenge the tradition of male kingship.
h-Central Court/Court of Tuthmosis I- Leaving the hypostyle hall through the third pylon you come to a narrow court where there four obelisks two of them set up by Tuthmosis I and two by Tuthmosis II. One of the obelisks is still standing and it was erected by Tuthmosis I (1504 - 1492 BC) who was the father of Hatshepsut. This obelisk stands 70 feet (21.75m) tall and weighs about 143 tons.
j-4th Pylon and Hatshepsut Obelisk-From the Court of Tuthmosis, one is reached the 4th Pylon, which Tuthmosis I built, beyond this is a rectangular colonnade, which he built as well. When Hatshepsut (1473-1458 BC) ascended to the throne she built 2 obelisks in that colonnade, the left one is still in its original position: 29.5m in height, 322 tons in weight and made of red granite. The top of the obelisk was visible form 50 miles (80 km). After the death of Queen Hatshepsut, King Tuthmoses III (1479-1425 BC) who was Hatshepsut's successor, built a high, long wall around these 2 obelisks to hide them. Hatshepsut was a woman pharoah who dared to challenge the tradition of male kingship.
k-5th Pylon-The 5th Pylon, built by Tuthmosis I, is damaged and on both sides of the entrance, Tuthmosis III built two small rooms.
l- 6th Pylon, which was built by Tuthmosis III, leads into a Hall of Records in which the king recorded his tributes. Very little remains of this archive beyond two granite pillars, which rests the roof. Just beyond these pillars lies the Holy of Holies or sanctuary. Originally it was the oldest part of the temple. The present sanctuary was built by the brother of Alexander the Great, Philip Arrhidaeus (323-316 BC) who was the King of Macedonia. The present sanctuary was built on the site of the earlier sanctuary built by Tuthmosis III. The present sanctuary contains blocks from the Tuthmosis sanctuary and still contain Tuthmosis' inscriptions.
l- 6th Pylon, which was built by Tuthmosis III, leads into a Hall of Records in which the king recorded his tributes. Very little remains of this archive beyond two granite pillars, which rests the roof. Just beyond these pillars lies the Holy of Holies or sanctuary. Originally it was the oldest part of the temple. The present sanctuary was built by the brother of Alexander the Great, Philip Arrhidaeus (323-316 BC) who was the King of Macedonia. The present sanctuary was built on the site of the earlier sanctuary built by Tuthmosis III. The present sanctuary contains blocks from the Tuthmosis sanctuary and still contain Tuthmosis' inscriptions.
g-Festival Hall of Tuthmosis III-Thutmose III named it the “Most Splendid of Monuments”. Its entrance was originally flanked by two statues of the king wearing a festival costume. The roof is supported on the outside by thirty-two square pillars, while the inside is supported by tent pole style columns.
h-Sacred Lake-Karnak Temple Sacred Lake is the largest of its kind and was dug by Tuthmosis III (1473-1458 BC). It measures 393 feet (120m) by 252 feet (77m) and is lined with stone wall and has stairways descending into the water.
The lake was used by the priests for ritual washing and ritual navigation. It was also home to the sacred geese of Amun (the goose being another symbol of Amun) and was a symbol of the primeval waters from which life arose in the ancient Egyptian’s idea of creation.
The lake was used by the priests for ritual washing and ritual navigation. It was also home to the sacred geese of Amun (the goose being another symbol of Amun) and was a symbol of the primeval waters from which life arose in the ancient Egyptian’s idea of creation.
iii-Temple of Khonsu- A temple dedicated to Amun and Mut’s son, Khonsu is in the South-West corner of Amun’s precinct. It is a small temple that is relatively intact. A gate leads through the enclosure wall and links with Mut’s temple. Khonsu was the son of Amun and Mut, with whom he formed the Theban triad. He was a moon god depicted as a man with a falcon-head wearing a crescent moon headdress surmounted by the full lunar disc. Like Thoth, who was also a lunar deity, he is sometimes represented as a baboon. His temple, within the precincts of Karnak, was built by Ramesses III it consists of a peristyle court which is bordered by a portico of twenty-eight columns. The whole pylon, built by measures 113 feet (34.5m) in length and 59 feet (18m) high. Four grooves are cut on its facade to house masts with banners. In front of the pylon are the remnants of a colonnade bordered by a row of sphinxes.
iv-Light & Sound Show-There is also a Sound and Light Show at Karnak. The show starts with a historical introduction covering the birth of the great city of Thebes and erection of the Karnak temple. The show also narrates the glorious achievements of some great Pharaohs.
General Entry Ticket - 80 EGP
Complex Timing-6.00 to 16.00hrs in winter.
Light & Sound Show =100EGP at 7.00/8.00PM in English.
iv-Light & Sound Show-There is also a Sound and Light Show at Karnak. The show starts with a historical introduction covering the birth of the great city of Thebes and erection of the Karnak temple. The show also narrates the glorious achievements of some great Pharaohs.
General Entry Ticket - 80 EGP
Complex Timing-6.00 to 16.00hrs in winter.
Light & Sound Show =100EGP at 7.00/8.00PM in English.
003-VALLEY OF THE KINGS-The Valley of the Kings stands on the west bank of the Nile, across from modern Luxor, under the peak of the pyramid-shaped mountain Al-Qurn, had been the site of royal burials since around 2100 BC, but it was the pharaohs of the New Kingdom period (1550–1069 BC) who choose this isolated valley. The site was chosen for the mountains’ “natural” pyramid shapes, the dry conditions and for being relatively far from the Nile in case of a flood. It is separated into the East and West Valleys, with most of the important tombs in the East Valley. The only entrance to this place was a long narrow winding path. This was a secret place, where sentries were placed at the entrance of the Valley, as well as along the top of the hills. The West Valley has only one tomb open to the public: the tomb of Ay, Tutankhamun's successor. Each tomb discovered in the Valley of the Kings has been allocated a sequential "KV number". The tombs are numbered in the order of modern discovery, from Ramesses VII (KV1) to Tutankhamun (KV62). Graffiti on the walls of some of the tombs indicate that this was an attraction at Greek and Roman times. Most of the open tombs in the Valley of the Kings are located in the East Valley, and this is where most tourists can be found as well. KV5 is the largest of the tombs, built for the sons of Ramesses II. It contains at least 67 burial chambers. The vibrance of the colours in the paintings inside the tombs were extremely impressive, ranging from reds, to blues to golds. The tombs have suffered greatly from treasure hunters, floods and, in recent years, from mass tourism: carbon dioxide, friction and humidity produced by the average of 2.8gm of sweat left by each visitor have affected the reliefs and the pigments of the wall paintings. The Department of Antiquities has installed dehumidifiers and glass screens in the worst-affected tombs, and introduced a rotation system for opening tombs to the public while restoring others. The road into the Valley of the Kings is a gradual, dry, hot climb. The air-conditioned visitors centre has a good model of the Valley, a movie about Carter’s discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun, and toilets. A tuf-tuf (a little electrical train) ferries visitors between the visitors centre and the tombs. The ride costs E£4. A ticket will allow you visiting 3 of the 63 tombs on site, with an extra ticket to see the tombs of Ay, Tutankamun and Ramses VI .
Tomb of Ramses IV (2) - An ancient staircase with a ramp in the middle leads to the entrance of this tomb. Look on the lintel of the door to see Isis and Nephthys worshiping the sun, with the ram headed sun god and a scarab depicted within. On the right hand entrance wall, you can see two figures of Copts raising their hands in prayer.
Tomb of Ramses VI (9) - Three corridors lead into an antechamber, beyond which the first pillared chamber with which Ramses V tomb ended. On the left hand walls, you can see scenes of the sun's journey through the Underworld. On the vaulted ceiling are two figures of the sky goddess, representing the day sky and the night sky, with the hours. The tomb contains numerous Greek and Coptic graffiti.
Tomb of King Tutankhamun - The most famous tomb is KV62, the Tomb of King Tutankhamun. The discovery of King Tut's tomb was made by Howard Carter on November 4, 1922. Tutankhamun's tomb was the first royal tomb to be discovered that was still largely intact. All the fabulous treasures it contained far outshines its actual appearance, and it is one of the least impressive tombs in the valley. Most of the treasure is in the Cairo Museum, with a few pieces in Luxor Museum, only Tutankhamun’s mummy in its gilded wooden coffin is at site. The burial chamber walls are decorated by figures of the pharaoh before the gods, painted against a yellow-gold background. The wall at the foot end of the sarcophagus shows scenes of the pharaoh’s funeral; the 12 squatting apes from the Book of Amduat, representing the 12 hours of the night, are featured on the opposite wall.
General Entry Ticket i-Valley of the Kings=EⱠ100
Extra Entry Ticket for ii-Tutankhanam = EⱠ100
Extra Entry Ticket for iii-Ramses VI = EⱠ 50
Extra Entry Ticket for iv- Ay = EⱠ 25
Timings =6.00 to 17.00hrs all tombs.
Note- no cameras were allowed inside the valley or the tombs.
Tomb of Ramses IV (2) - An ancient staircase with a ramp in the middle leads to the entrance of this tomb. Look on the lintel of the door to see Isis and Nephthys worshiping the sun, with the ram headed sun god and a scarab depicted within. On the right hand entrance wall, you can see two figures of Copts raising their hands in prayer.
Tomb of Ramses VI (9) - Three corridors lead into an antechamber, beyond which the first pillared chamber with which Ramses V tomb ended. On the left hand walls, you can see scenes of the sun's journey through the Underworld. On the vaulted ceiling are two figures of the sky goddess, representing the day sky and the night sky, with the hours. The tomb contains numerous Greek and Coptic graffiti.
Tomb of King Tutankhamun - The most famous tomb is KV62, the Tomb of King Tutankhamun. The discovery of King Tut's tomb was made by Howard Carter on November 4, 1922. Tutankhamun's tomb was the first royal tomb to be discovered that was still largely intact. All the fabulous treasures it contained far outshines its actual appearance, and it is one of the least impressive tombs in the valley. Most of the treasure is in the Cairo Museum, with a few pieces in Luxor Museum, only Tutankhamun’s mummy in its gilded wooden coffin is at site. The burial chamber walls are decorated by figures of the pharaoh before the gods, painted against a yellow-gold background. The wall at the foot end of the sarcophagus shows scenes of the pharaoh’s funeral; the 12 squatting apes from the Book of Amduat, representing the 12 hours of the night, are featured on the opposite wall.
General Entry Ticket i-Valley of the Kings=EⱠ100
Extra Entry Ticket for ii-Tutankhanam = EⱠ100
Extra Entry Ticket for iii-Ramses VI = EⱠ 50
Extra Entry Ticket for iv- Ay = EⱠ 25
Timings =6.00 to 17.00hrs all tombs.
Note- no cameras were allowed inside the valley or the tombs.
004- TEMPLE OF HATSHEPSUT- Located beneath massive cliffs near the west bank of the Nile, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as Deir el Bahri, is dedicated to Amon-Ra, the sun god. It was built of limestone, not sandstone like most of the other funerary temples of the New Kingdom period. The Temple was built for the great Queen Hatshepsut (18th Dynasty), to commemorate her achievements and to serve as a funerary Temple for her, as well as a sanctuary of the God, Amon Ra. Hatshepsut (late 16th century BC –1482 BC) was the fifth Pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of Ancient Egypt. She is generally regarded by modern Egyptologists as one of the most successful pharaohs, ruling longer than any female ruler of an indigenous dynasty. Hatshepsut was the daughter of Pharaoh Tuthmosis I. Hatshepsut had herself depicted with a pharaoh's kilt and beard. She was a prolific builder, commissioning hundreds of construction projects throughout both Upper and Lower Egypt. Under her reign, Egypt's trade networks began to be rebuilt.
A 100-foot causeway leads to the temple. The Temple consists of three imposing terraces. The two lower ones would have once been full of trees. On the southern end of the 1st colonnade there are some scenes, among them the famous scene of the transportation of Hatshepsut’s two obelisks. On the north side of the colonnade there is a scene that represents the Queen offering four calves to Amon Ra. Pairs of lions flanked the top and bottom of the ramp to the Middle Terrace. The right side of the terrace contains the Birth Colonnade, featuring faded reliefs of Hatshepsut's divine origins. From left: her parents Tuthmosis I and Queen Ahmosis sit with their knees touching.
On the top terrace is the Djeser-Djeseru ("Splendor of Splendors"), a colonnaded structure built into a cliff face that rises sharply above it. The 3rd terrace is also accessed by a ramp. It consists of two rows of columns, the front ones taking the Osirid form (a mummy form); unfortunately Tuthmosis III damaged them. The columns at the rear, sadly, have all been destroyed; also by Tuthmosis III.
The colonnade, which leads to the sanctuary of the Temple, has also been severely damaged. This sanctuary consists of two small chapels.
Ticket=50EGP
Timings=6.00 to 17.00hrs.
A 100-foot causeway leads to the temple. The Temple consists of three imposing terraces. The two lower ones would have once been full of trees. On the southern end of the 1st colonnade there are some scenes, among them the famous scene of the transportation of Hatshepsut’s two obelisks. On the north side of the colonnade there is a scene that represents the Queen offering four calves to Amon Ra. Pairs of lions flanked the top and bottom of the ramp to the Middle Terrace. The right side of the terrace contains the Birth Colonnade, featuring faded reliefs of Hatshepsut's divine origins. From left: her parents Tuthmosis I and Queen Ahmosis sit with their knees touching.
On the top terrace is the Djeser-Djeseru ("Splendor of Splendors"), a colonnaded structure built into a cliff face that rises sharply above it. The 3rd terrace is also accessed by a ramp. It consists of two rows of columns, the front ones taking the Osirid form (a mummy form); unfortunately Tuthmosis III damaged them. The columns at the rear, sadly, have all been destroyed; also by Tuthmosis III.
The colonnade, which leads to the sanctuary of the Temple, has also been severely damaged. This sanctuary consists of two small chapels.
Ticket=50EGP
Timings=6.00 to 17.00hrs.
005-COLOSSI OF MEMNON- The twin statues depict Amenhotep III (1350 BC) in a seated position. His hands resting on his knees and his gaze turned eastward toward the river and the rising sun. Two shorter figures are carved into the front throne alongside his legs: these are his wife Tiy and mother Mutemwiya. The side panels depict the Nile god Hapy. The original function of the Colossi was to stand guard at the entrance to Amenhotep's funerary temple, a massive cult centre built during the pharaoh's lifetime, where he was worshipped as a god-on-earth both before and after his departure from this world. This temple complex was the largest and most opulent in Egypt, even the Temple of Karnak, as it stood in Amenhotep's time, was smaller. With the exception of the Colossi, however, very little remains today of Amenhotep's temple. Standing on the edge of the Nile floodplain. The statues are made from blocks of quartzite sandstone, they reach a towering 18 meters (approx. 60 ft.) in height and each cut from a single block of stone and weighing 720 tonnes. The two figures are about 15 m (50 ft.) apart. The colossi are just off the road, before you reach the Antiquities Inspectorate ticket office.
Free Entry.
PRESENTED BY - V P GUPTA
Free Entry.
PRESENTED BY - V P GUPTA