The Temple
Luxor
The temple
of Luxor is located on the East bank of the Nile. It used to be
the center of Egyptian culture and it was located in Egypt’s
ancient capital—Thebes. Though the temple has managed to
survive weathering and vandalism, it has revealed memories of
many pharaohs that tried to leave a lasting mark.
Of the
many pharaohs that left a lasting mark there were a few
prominent pharaohs that did most of the alterations. Those
pharaohs were Amenhotep III, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and Ramses
II. All tried to surpass one another in the hope that the world
would remember them. Most of their activities were recorded
through statues, inscriptions, carvings or hieroglyphics.
The temple
itself was actually designed and dedicated for three Gods named
Amun-re, Mut, and Khonsu. These three gods are also known as
the Theban triad.
Most of
the temples monuments and statues are now Ramses II. Because he
was one of the last pharaohs to alter the temple, most of what
is left represents him and his reign. For example, as tourists
enter the temple a large pylon is present. It was constructed
for Ramses II. Another example would be the two statues that
depict him sitting at the entrance. There Ramses II can be seen
wearing a crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.
The
courtyard also showcases the pharaoh as well. He is seen
standing between closed papyrus-bud columns.
The first
pharaoh to make any changes to the temple was Amenophis III, or
better known as Amenhotep III. During his reign he started
construction on the court and colonnade but never finished the
work. He died and his son Akhenaten made more changes.
Akhenaten
altered the temple during the New
Kingdom
(18th Dynasty) due to radical religious beliefs. During this
period, Akhenaten overthrew the teachings of Amun-re and
neglected the temple. As a result, the temple become damaged
and was not maintained very well. It was not restored until his
son Tutankhamun came into power.
After the
death of Tutankhamun, it is believed that Horemheb destroyed
anything that associated Tutankhamun to his father. This meant
making more alterations to the temple.
Though the
pharaohs had a heavy hand in changing the temples, modern people
have also contributed to this change. At one time the entrance
of the temple had two obelisks. One was removed and sent to
Concorde in Paris. There it stands and has remained there since
1836.
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