Luxor, the companion temple of Karnak, was started around 1400 BC by Amenhotep III and expanded by Rameses II. Large statues were made for the temple along with two obelisks. One of the obelisks was removed in 1831, taken to Paris and stands in the Place de la Concorde. The site, two miles from Karnak, was built in the 18th dynasty of the Pharaohs. The temples were built to worship the gods and goddesses of the time and the location was chosen because the Nile would be a constant supply of water.
The Karnak Temple in Luxor is famous for its columns 122 - 10 m tall and 12 - 21 m tall. In addition, there are many sculptures and sphinx in the temple. The site is huge (247 acres) and was constructed over a 1300 year period with each ruler adding to it, including Rameses, Tut, Amenhotep and others ending with Alexander the Great. A road (now buried) connected this temple to the Temple of Luxor and was lined with sphinxes. Can you name the James Bond movie that had a scene shot in this temple?
The great pyramids are part of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Designed by Imhotep the step pyramid is the oldest pyramid, designed around 2600 BC. The pyramids at Giza were started around 2500 BC. Each pyramid site has 4 parts. First, a Valley Temple for the mummification of the body, second an ascending path to the second temple, third a Mortuary Temple at the pyramid to pass the funeral contents and 4th a place of rest – the pyramid. The Sphinx is the protector of the Chephren pyramid.
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