Egypt 2003

On the banks of Luxor, undoubtedly the most impressive temple due to its architectural diversity and its famous hypostyle hall.

The temple of Karnak is dedicated to the God Amun according to the will of the Pharaohs who succeeded one another there (except Akhenaten who preferred the God ATON). The temple evolved to the rhythm of changes of reigns. There are three large complexes, that of AMUN of course, that of his wife MUT and that of MONTU, God of war.

The entrance to the temple is guarded by an avenue of ram-headed Sphinxes. This avenue joined the temple of Luxor... 3 km away !!!

The great court, the largest in Egypt. Of 20-meter columns that made up this court, only one remains (photo on the right above).

In this same courtyard, a 15-meter statue of Pharaoh Pinedjem I and at his feet, his wife.

Above, vestige of Tutankhamun, in white alabaster.

At the top of the facades, before the entrance to the hypostyle hall, remains of polychromy.

THE HYPOSTYLE HALL: 134 huge columns, 23 meters high with capitals representing papyrus.

Superb obelisks (30 m. high, 200 tons), from the time of Queen Hatshepsut.

The sacred lake where, according to the ritual, the priests and Pharaoh bathed.

Excavations are never finished...