+2-0106-940-8877 Reservation@TripsinEgypt.com
+2-0106-940-8877 Reservation@TripsinEgypt.com

04Oct
October 4, 2018

Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple was known as Ipet-Isu by the ancient Egyptians which means “The Most Select of Places“. It is the temples city that was built over 2000 years and was dedicated to Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Some uneducated ancient Egyptians considered this temple, the place of gods. It contains a vast mix of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings inside. Most buildings there date back to the new kingdom of Egypt. The area around Karnak was the main place of worship during the eighteenth dynasty Theban Triad. It is located in the village of El-Karnak, which is 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) north of Luxor. It was developed and used between the middle kingdom of Egypt (2080-1640 B.C.) and the early Christian period. Now, it’s time to discover all the information about Karnak temple:

The History of Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple Facts | Karnak Temple History | Karnak Temple of Luxor

The history of Karnak Temple is related to the history of Thebes, which didn’t gain much significance before the eleventh dynasty. The previous temple that was constructed as a small one dedicated to “The Earth Goddess” Mut and Montu. This temple was destroyed by the invaders and another small temple was constructed with eight-sided columns, which mentions Amun-Re, who was the local tutelary deity of Thebes.

When Thebes became the capital of unified Egypt, the construction work started in Amun’s precinct. Almost every pharaoh from that dynasty added something to the temple site. Queen Hatshepsut constructed some monuments and restored the original Precinct of Mut. In addition to this, she had twins obelisks, which were chosen to be put in the entrance of the temple and one of them is considered the tallest surviving ancient obelisks on earth but unfortunately, the other one has broken and toppled. Queen Hatshepsut also ordered to establish two more obelisks as a sign for celebration for being a pharaoh for sixteen pharaohs. One of them was broken during the construction process and a third one replaced it. This broken obelisk has moved to Aswan and it was called later the Unfinished Obelisk.

The Pharoah Merneptah decided to commemorate his victories over the sea people “Battle of Djahy” on the walls of the Cachette Court, which was the beginning of a processional route to Luxor temple. The last major change in the temple was the construction of the first pylon and the massive enclosure walls by Nectanebo I from the thirties dynasty. Karnak Temple was abandoned for a while through the Roman emperor, Constantius II, who ordered the closing of pagan temples throughout the Roman Empire in 356 A.D.

Interesting Facts about Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple Facts | Karnak Temple History | Karnak Temple of Luxor

Karnak Temple is the largest religious building all through history, covering about 200 acres and it was a pilgrimage area for about 2000 years. The Hypostyle hall in the temple includes 134 columns, which makes it the largest religious room in any building that has ever been built. There is the main sanctuary, a vast sacred lake, and several smaller temples in Karnak Temple that’s why people come from all around the world to visit it.

The Opet Festival in Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple Facts | Karnak Temple History | Karnak Temple of Luxor

The Opet Festival was held yearly in this temple that lasted for twenty-seven days and was considered a link between the pharaoh and the god, Amun. In such a festival, the statue of Amun was dressed in fine clothes made of linen and priests cover him with pieces of jewelry and then priests put him in a shrine and take him to the public so that they celebrate the great Amun. When they reach the temple sanctuary, people celebrate the fertility of the earth and they were given 11000 loaves of bread and more than 385 jars of beer. Others were allowed to ask questions and priests were answering.

Discover Best Sites Inside the Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple Facts | Karnak Temple History | Karnak Temple of Luxor

Precinct of Amun-Re

It is the largest precinct in the temple complex, which was dedicated to Amun, the main deity of the Theban triad. There are many colossal statues inside this precinct. It also contains the largest obelisk that weighs 328 tonnes and stands 29 meters tall.

Karnak Temple Facts | Karnak Temple History | Karnak Temple of Luxor

Precinct of Montu

This area was dedicated to Montu. It is located to the north of Amun’s complex. There is a large court, which was decorated by a colonnade dating from the 25th dynasty Kushite period. It was built of mud-brick and restored by Nectanebo in the 30th dynasty.

Karnak Temple Facts | Karnak Temple History | Karnak Temple of Luxor

Temple of Amenhotep IV

It is located to the east of the main complex and outside Amun’s precinct. It was destroyed immediately after the death of the builder, Akhenaten. It was named Gm–p3–itn (Gempaaten), which means “The Sun Disc is Found in the Estate of the God Aten“.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

  • What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?

    You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.

  • What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

    You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

  • Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?

    Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.

  • Why book Trips in Egypt?

    We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.

  • Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

    Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.

  • What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

    They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.

  • What is the Weather is Like?

    The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

  • Should I Give Tips in Egypt?

    It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.

  • What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?

    It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.

  • Can I Enter the Pyramids?

    Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.

  • How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?

    Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.

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