After immersing myself in the Temples of Aswan, I continued my northward journey along the Nile River to Luxor, eager to unravel the secrets held by Karnak Temple and the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

Karnak Temple

The Karnak temple complex in Luxor is a testament to time, evolving over 1,000 years, primarily between the Twelfth and Twentieth Dynasty. Dating back to around 2055 BC, this colossal structure was dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Covering approximately 200 acres, it’s the largest religious building ever constructed and was a place of pilgrimage for nearly 2,000 years. The great temple at the heart of Karnak is so big that St Peter’s, Milan, and Notre Dame Cathedrals would fit within its walls!

The Hypostyle hall, at 54,000 square feet (16,459 metres), features 134 columns. The largest twelve are 70 feet high, and it’s still the largest room of any religious building worldwide. In addition to the main sanctuary are several smaller temples, a vast sacred lake surrounded by storerooms and living quarters for the priests, and an aviary for aquatic birds.

The obelisks or monumental pillars stood in pairs to dignify temple entrances and are huge monoliths. One of the last of four obelisks that originally stood before the entrance to Karnak Temple is still present. It’s 71 feet/21.7 meters tall, sits on a base 6 feet/1.8 meters square, and weighs about 143 tons.

The immense size of the complex, as well as its various architectural and artistic details, make it an invaluable historical site and resource for understanding the evolution of ancient Egypt.

Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut joins the ranks of the world's most powerful female rulers, Cleopatra, Queen Elizabeth I, and Catherine the Great of Russia. Reigning over Egypt for about two decades, she left an indelible mark on its wealth and architecture. The Mortuary Temple initiated in 1479 B.C., is a testament to her extraordinary reign, unfolding her life's narrative across three terraces connected by expansive ramps.

Deviating from the conventional Egyptian temple design, Hatshepsut's temple is a collonaded marvel that took fifteen years to complete. Its unique appearance adds to its memorability, a deviation from the architectural norm that sets it apart.