Architecture

Karnak

The Temple of Karnak is the largest ancient religious site in the world, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of Egyptian Builders. Despite the terrible damage, only a few sites in Egypt are more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest temple complex ever built by man, and is the most visited historical site in the world, after the Giza Pyramids.

The Temple of Karnak actually consists of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and many other temples on the outside, located around 2.5 kilometers north of Thebes. They are the Precinct of Amun-Re, Mut and Montu. One of the most famous structures of Karnak is the Hypostyle Hall, a hall area of 5,000 m2 with 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows. This ancient temple complex was mostly built by the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (1570-1100 BCE), and was started during the reign of Ramesses I.

It was the most important place for worship during that time, and was known as the home of the God Amun. Also, it was important because the location was at Thebes, which was the Capital of Egypt during the Middle Kingdom.

The Precinct of Amun-Re

This is the largest of the precincts of the temple complex, and is dedicated to the God Amun-Re. There are several massive statues including the figure of Pinedjem I which is 10.5 meters tall.

The Precinct of Mut.

This Precinct was dedicated to the wife of Amun-Re, and has several smaller temples associated within and even has its own sacred lake.

The Precinct of Montu

This portion of the site is dedicated to the son of Amun-re and Mut, Montu, who is the war god of the Theban Triad. It is, however much smaller in size and not open to the public.