Temple of Khonsu, Egyptian temple in Karnak complex, Egypt
The Temple of Khonsu is a structure in Karnak with a gateway standing about 15 meters high, leading to an elongated building. Two rows of ram statues flank the entrance, forming the passage into the inner areas.
The temple was built under Ramses III during the New Kingdom and replaced an earlier structure at the same location. This reconstruction shows how rulers expanded and reshaped sacred sites to show their power and devotion.
The temple walls display fine hieroglyphic inscriptions and reliefs showing the moon god Khonsu, who was worshipped in the Theban religion as the son of Amun and Mut. These carvings offer insight into how ancient Egyptians understood the moon within their religious beliefs.
The site sits along the sphinx-lined avenue within the Karnak complex and can be reached via the main pathways. Visitors should allow time to examine the wall details and understand how this building fits within the larger sanctuary.
Inside the temple remain two ancient baboon statues that may date to the time of Seti I. These carvings are a rare link to lunar worship and offer clues about earlier phases of the site's history.
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