Luxor Temple Complex

Constructed around 1400 BC - The Temple Complex of Luxor is where the ancient city of Thebes derived it's modern name. The temple was built to honor the triad of Amun, Mut & Khonsu and was originally known as Ipt Rsyt or "Southern Sanctuary" in English. Queen Hatshepsut appears to have been the original founder of the complex. It is always difficult to tell since religious buildings were often built on the foundations of older structures. It was Amenhotep III and Ramses II however, who greatly enlarged it. Tutankamun, Alexander the Great and a series of Roman rulers also made their mark.

With the decline of the Luxor and the ancient religion, the town of Thebes began to encroach upon the ancient temple grounds. Many people began living within its walls. The early Christians built a church and monastery in the complex. Later mosques were built. The 13th century Abu el-Haggag Mosque is still in use today.


	Above is a colossal obelisk and the first pylon. A pylon is a monumental-ceremonial gateway. It marks the entrance to the temple. Left: The Statue of Ramses II. Below: The hypostyle hall.


Above: The Peristyle court Above and Right: The Abu el-Haggag Mosque. The last two pictures were taken by Kara.