Left is the road of Sphinx that joined Karnack and Luxor temples. After the pyramids of Giza, Karnack is Egypt's most important pharonic site. Excavation over the years have gradually uncovered the original structure of the temple complex, which was built over a 1,300 year period and covers a vast area of almost 100 acres just nothr of Luxor. As well as the colossal temple of Amun the site comprises a fantastic array of temples, chapels, pylons and obelisks, all testifying to the importance of Thebes.
At the heart of the immense Karnack complex lies the Temple of Amun dedicated to the kingof the gods. With its endless courts, halls and colossi and huge acred lake, the sacle and complexity of the sprawling temple is overwhelming. From it modest 11th Dynasty beginings, pharaoh agter pharoh added to tand changed the existing buildings, seeking to make thier mark on the country's most important temple. No expense was spared and during the 19th Dynasty some 80,000 men worked in the temple as labourers, guards, priests and servants. The temple lay buried under sand for more than 1,000 years before excavation work began in the mid-19th century. Today the huge task of restoration continues.
Just before entering the Karnack complex there are more modern ruins and a shrine to a local Islamic leader. Because of the emotional link to the shrine (the body is interred elsewhere) archeologists have not been able to dig under it, but are digging around it looking for new finds.
Above is an ongoing excavation which reveals a wall which once served as a dock to bring supplies and offerings to the temple. There are actually two such walls that were used when the Nile flooded to different levels.
Another recent find are these Greek baths, with mosaic floors. The excavation is still on going, but it appears that the baths were built for the use of Greek soldiers stationed in the area.
Above are the archeologists responsible for the current digs in the area, and to the right is a picture of a jug full of coins found in the baths. It is thought that a bath attendant used the jar to store his tips. The find is helping to date the site.
Passing the row of Sphinx leading into the tomb of Seti II (dedicated to the Theban Triad) one is struck by the sheer scale of the construction.
Walking through the public access portions of the temple complex we were guided to an off limits area still under restoration. Because of our connection with National Geographic we were granted access to some of the rooms not open to the public. No cameras were allowed because the work has not yet been published. The original colours of the wall painting were phenomenal. Without exposure to sun and weather for over 2,500 years the colours were vibrant and enchanting.
After viewing the restricted area, we had some time to view the rest of the site as the sun was setting.
This manmade sacred lake was used by priests to purify themselves before performing ritual in the temple. North of the lake is a large stone scarab of Khepri, built by Amenhotep III (below).
