The Luxor Temple

Location And Construction

Located at the centre of the East Bank of Luxor, the Temple of Luxor was actually dedicated to the worship of the sacred triad of gods; Amun, Khonsou, and Mut.

The Temple of Luxor was mainly constructed by Amenhotep III; one of the Pharaohs of the 18th dynasty and then many additions were constructed by Ramses II in his reign in the ruling period of the 19th dynasty in the 21st century BC.

The History Of Luxor Temple

With long periods of time passing by, many Pharaohs and Kings had their contributions added to the Temple of Luxor including Alexander the Great when he conquered Egypt in the 3rd century BC.

During the Roman period, the whole complex was deserted and it remained covered under the sand for centuries to the extent that a small village was established within the temple’s walls.

Until at the end of the 19th century, in 1881 in particular, when the French archaeologist; Maspero, rediscovered the temple in a fairly very good condition.

The entrance to the Temple of Luxor is featured with the famous avenue of sphinxes which was once connected to the Karnak Temple located about 2 kilometres away.

The first impressive section of the temple is the gigantic pylon featured with two huge colossi of Ramses II, 25 meters high, sitting on a huge granite block, on both sides of the entrance.  There is also the pink granite obelisk.

Afterwards, there is the remarkable court constructed by Ramses II. This is where the Fatimid Mosque of Abu El Haggag, constructed during the 13th century, is actually located today. There are also the huge papyrus columns which ornament the court before two other huge statues of Ramses II.

Going deep inside the temple, there is the impressive Colonnade of Amenhotep III with the 14 columns creating a wonderful avenue. Moving from section to the other inside the temple, the guests feel how great it is to view the different styles of different builders all blending together to create this marvellous harmony.