Karnak temple Complex The Karnak temple complex is located on the east bank of the Nile River at Thebes, North of Luxor. The temple is considered one of the greatest cult temples, dedicated to the triad of Thebes Amun, Mut and Khonsu. It was used to celebrate ancient Egyptian festivals especially Opet Festivals. In fact, the temple comprises a vast mix of temples, pylons, chapels, and other buildings. Constructing the temple began during the reign of Senusret I 1971-1925 BCE in the Middle Kingdom till the Ptolemaic Kingdom 305-30 BCE. But most of its building now dates back to the New Kingdom 1550-1080 BCE. The importance of the Karnak temples The Karnak temple complex is very important record for ancient Egyptian history and civilization since the Middle Kingdom until the Greco Roman Period. Actually, each ruler was very careful to have his own addition to Karnak temple such as Chapel, Pylon, Obelisk to commemorate his name. but, the Kings of the New Kingdom and onwards insisted to have their own buildings at temple of the supreme god Amun. The Names of Karnak The temple was known by various names through ancient times such as Pr Imn, Means the house of Amun and seems it was the name of the temple even before Senusert as it was found on a stele date back to Intef the second from the 1thdynasty Niswt Tawy, means the throne of the two lands symbolizing the unity of Upper and Lower Egypt Ipt Swt, means the most selected of places and it was known from Senusert the first because it was written on the walls of his white chapel at Karnak open air Museum. Pr Hr Sa Ta which means the sky above earth dates back to the Ptolemaic period But the word Karnak may be
Karnak temple Complex The Karnak temple complex is located on the east bank of the Nile River at Thebes, North of Luxor. The temple is considered one of the greatest cult temples, dedicated to the triad of Thebes Amun, Mut and Khonsu. It was used to celebrate ancient Egyptian festivals especially Opet Festivals. In fact,