Temple of Luxor

Temple of Luxor Archaeology Information

The Temple at Luxor, Thebes, though founded on an older sanctuary and, like most temples, altered and repaired subsequently, is substantially the work of Amenophis III, apart from a great forecourt, with pylons, added by Rameses II. It was dedicated to the Theban triad, Amun, Mut and Khons. The illustration shows remains of the forecourt, with papyrus-bud capitals and a seated colossus of Rameses, connected by twin colonnades, 53 m (174 ft) long, to a lesser court by Amenophis in the distance. The twin colonnades of bell-capital columns, 12.8 m (42 ft) high, were the only part ever built of a grand hypostyle hall projected by Amenophis, or by the last king of his dynasty, Horemheb. Amenophis III also built a mortuary temple on the west bank at Thebes, but little survives except the twin seated statues of himself, originally 20.8 m (68 ft) high, famous from ancient time as the Colossi of Memnon.

—Sir Banister Fletcher. A History of Architecture. p53.

Temple of Luxor Pictures Gallery

Pharoah Watching Over the Temple Luxor

Sphinx at Temple of Luxor

Sitting Ramesses II Colossus inside Luxor Temple

The central corridor of the temple

Closeup of illuminated red granite obelisk