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The famous Luxor Temple was constructed during the New Kingdom period. It is unique in that it is the only one of the Ancient Egyptian temples that takes influence from the pharaonic era to the Islamic period. How? Read more to find out.
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It is one of the most visited ancient temples in Egypt. The temple is very well-preserved and is devoted to the worship of the gods Mut, Amun, and Chons. It is one the most sought after attractions in Egypt, even World Heritage Site since 1979.
Around 1400 BC the temple was commissioned by king Amenhotep III. However, other rulers also contributed to its development and expansion over the centuries including as Ramses II, Tutmoses III and even Alexander the Great.
It is believed that the constant expansion efforts continued up to the Islamic era—which would make the Luxor Temple the only one in Egypt with pharaonic, Greek-Roman, Islamic and Coptic influences. It was used for a number of different purposes over the distinct periods. For example, the Romans used it as fortress and place of governance.
Like many Ancient Egyptian temples, the Luxor Temple had its period of glory—which actually lasted quite a long time. Around 200 AD, the temple was completely abandoned.
It was swallowed up the desert sand and was forgotten for many centuries. It was only discovered in the 19th century due to the destruction of a village that was built above it.
It is situated on the East Bank of Luxor, once known as ancient Thebes in Upper Egypt.
It is a gorgeous temple, and even though it is smaller in size than the Karnak temple, it is equally as interesting. It houses a massive red granite obelisk.
At its entrance there are two colossal statues of Ramses II and the Sphinx Avenue— that used to connect the neighboring Luxor and Karnak temples.
The temple features fourteen high columns; each one measuring in at 23 m. Your tour guide will translate the hieroglyphs on the walls that spell out the story of the Opet Festival.
This festival happened annually where the statues of Mut, Amun and Quespisiquis were transported from the Karnak Temple to Luxor Temple.
Like other temples, the Luxor Temple was a religious space made for worship and sacrificial rituals, particularly pharaoh's rejuvenation rituals. These rituals were private but people could worship the divine part of the pharaoh, known as 'ka'.
They were very intricate rituals and priests carried a deep knowledge and understanding of religion and symbolism. It is believed that many kings were coroneted in the Luxor Temple.
Visits run year-round, so the best time to tour is dependent on your personal preferences. Keep in mind, however, during summers the high temperatures can be unpleasant to some, especially during the sticky months of June, July, and August when it reaches above 45 degrees Celsius. The best period with pleasant weather spans from September to April.
If you are planning a Luxor and Aswan tour, the Luxor Temple should absolutely be included in your plans.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. It is always important to emphasize that this is a historical site and you will walk without cover from the sun, so be sure to wear a hat, sunglasses and carry a bottle of water.
A guide is a person who will offer you information that otherwise may not have access to if you were to go alone.
You should always do your own research but an Egyptologist will be the right person to translate the many inscriptions on the walls and decipher the symbols. We strongly recommend a professional tour guide for your visit.
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