Malkata, Archaeological site in Luxor Governorate, Egypt
Malkata is a palace complex located on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor. The site contained administrative buildings, residential quarters, gardens, and pools arranged across expansive grounds.
Pharaoh Amenhotep III built the complex during the 18th Dynasty around 1350 BCE as his residence and administrative headquarters in Thebes. Its construction reflected the peak of royal power and wealth during his reign.
The name comes from an Arabic word meaning "the bad," possibly referring to the soil quality of the area. Walking through the remains, visitors can see how daily routines unfolded in the residential quarters and workshops scattered across the site.
Visitors reach the site by taking a boat across the Nile from Luxor, then arranging local transportation to the west bank. Early morning visits offer cooler temperatures and better visibility for exploring the scattered ruins.
Painted wall decorations with nature scenes and geometric patterns still remain visible at the site, offering glimpses of ancient Egyptian artistic methods. These surviving colors reveal that the royal spaces once displayed vibrant imagery rather than the plain stone visible today.
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