- Entering the Hypostyle Hall of the Temple of Karnak
The Temple of Karnak, located in Luxor, is the most exquisite historical site in all of Egypt. Egypt is rich in history due to the ancient civilizations that populated the area. This ancient temple complex is a testament to the ingenuity, skill, and devotion of the ancient Egyptians.
Temple of Karnak Yes, Pyramids No
The Sahara Desert is 96% of Egypt’s total land area. Egypt is the driest and the sunniest country in the world. The fertile Nile River Valley is where the other 4% of the land is located. The Temple of Karnak is located in the heart of this fertile plain. The Valley of the Kings, another ancient historical site, is also located here. It is located on the west side of the Nile, opposite Luxor. A recent US State Department Travel Advisory influenced our decision not to visit Cairo. The advisory cautioned against travel to the Cairo area because of potential terrorist activities.
2,000 years in Luxor
The largest ancient religious site in the world is the Karnak Temple Complex. This site is a massive collection of ruins that spans over 2,000 years of history. Each pharaoh who came to power built their own additions to the temples. The result is an impressive labyrinth of courtyards, halls, and sanctuaries.
Four main sections, or precincts, divide the Temple Complex. They are Amun-Re, Montu, Mut, and the Temple of Amenhotep IV. Each precinct contains several different temples and structures.
Amun-Re is the most impressive temple in the Karnak complex. The god Amun is worshiped here. The ancient Egyptians consider Amun to be the “King of the Gods”. Amun-Re, therefore, is the most important temple in all of Egypt. Over the course of many centuries a succession of pharaohs continuously expanded the refurbished The Temple Complex.
Hypostyle Hall in the Temple of Karnak
The Great Hypostyle Hall is the most striking feature of Amun-Re. This hall was built by Pharaoh Seti I in the 13th century BCE. The Hall contains 134 massive, 70 foot tall columns. Each column is covered in intricate hieroglyphics and carvings depicting scenes from ancient Egyptian mythology. Walking through the Great Hypostyle Hall is like walking through a forest of giant stone pillars.
A massive statue of Ramses II with his favorite wife Nefertari at his feet is situated just prior to entering the Hypostyle Hall. This is a rare and significant detail that portrays the prominent role that women played in ancient Egyptian society. Important religions and political scenes often depict Women in ancient Egypt, for they held positions of power. Nefertari’s inclusion in the statue of Ramses speaks to her importance to both Ramses and the Egyptian people.
Moon and War Temples
The Temple of Khonsu is another must-see attraction in The Temple Complex . The god of the moon is worshiped here. The best preserved structure in the entire Karnak Temple Complex is the Temple of Khonsu. Detailed carvings and hieroglyphics cover the walls of the temple of Khonsu. They tell of the reign of the various pharaohs. They also portray scenes from daily life in ancient Egypt.
Montu is another temple and is dedicated to the Egyptian god of war. The Temple itself is the most impressive structure. It features a large hypostyle hall and a beautiful courtyard.
There are several smaller features in the Karnak Temple Complex that are worth exploring in addition to the temples and structures. There is a large man-made lake, the Sacred Lake, that was used for religious purposes. The lake, which is surrounded by graceful palm trees, offers a beautiful contrast to the grandeur of the temples.
Hire a Guide
Visiting the Karnak Temple Complex can be a bit overwhelming because there is so much to see. Hire a guide at the entrance to the site to enhance your experience. A knowledgeable guide provides more information at the right time than a book or a paper guide map. We had a excellent guide who provided the history and significance of each structure in the complex as we walked leisurely though the site. He helped us navigate the confusing layout of the temples. We found this much simpler than trying to read a guide map while walking through the maze of columns and statues.
Exploring the Karnak Temple Complex deserves to be savored slowly. Take time to explore each precinct thoroughly. Ask your guide questions. They all seem to speak very good english and have answered the same questions countless times before.
Water and Sunscreen
We carried plenty of water and sunscreen because it is not available for purchase. The Karnak Temple Complex can get incredibly hot during the day. We visited in November which is the early part of their Fall season. It was very warm and sunny. The Temple Complex has very little shade from the sun. Make sure to wear a hat and sunglasses as well, because the glare of the white stone is quite intense.
The Karnak Temple Complex is a marvel of ancient engineering and a testament to the power of religious devotion. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to experience the magic of ancient Egypt, Karnak is a must-visit destination. With its towering columns, breathtaking carvings, and peaceful lake, it’s a place that will stay in your memory long after your visit is over.
Stay a Little Longer
Luxor is not Cairo. It has no pyramids. Luxor is better because it is safer. A traveler must travel SMART by being safe. The best decision for us was to avoid Cairo. You should stay a little longer in Luxor. Join a local tour to the Valley of the Kings on the Western side of the Nile. Visit the other wonders in Luxor too, like the Avenue of the Sphinxes and the Temple of Luxor.
Sail on a Felucca for an evening or sail on a Dahabiya for a couple of days. Consider staying at the Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel because it is located right on the banks of the Nile. The Hotel has gorgeous views and superb accommodations.
