Precinct of Amun-Re, Ancient Egyptian temple in Karnak, Egypt
This precinct is a vast complex of temples, courtyards, and processional ways within Karnak, connected by massive pylons carved with hieroglyphs. The Hypostyle Hall stands near the entrance and displays columns shaped like papyrus stems, with open or closed capitals supporting the sky.
Pharaoh Senusret I of the Middle Kingdom began expanding this sacred site around 1970 BCE, and his successors added new structures over nearly two millennia. Ramses II expanded the complex considerably with new pylons and completed the central hall of columns that his predecessor Seti I had started.
The name combines Amun, king of the gods, with Re, the sun deity, into a single divine power that shaped ancient Egypt. Priests performed daily rituals here, washing the statue of the deity, clothing it in linen, and offering food to maintain cosmic order.
Bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water, as the paths between buildings are long and mostly uneven. Most areas lie open to the sky, so sun protection and a hat are advisable during midday hours.
A small chapel building within the complex holds carefully preserved wall paintings with bright colors still visible today. Archaeologists found beneath one of the courtyards a treasury of statues and ritual objects hidden for centuries to protect them from looting.
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