Temple+of+Luxor

The Temple of Luxor an ancient Egyptian temple complex that is located alongside the Nile River on the east bank. It was constructed in approximately 1400 BCE. There are several great temples in Luxor on the west and east banks including the temple of Seti I, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir al Bahri, the Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu, and two primary temples on the east side of the bank known as Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor. The temple was built by Amenhotep III (1390-52 BC) but completed by Tutankhamun (1336-27 BC) and Horemheb (1323-1295 BC) and then added on by Rameses II (1279-13 BC) with sandstone from southwestern Egypt. There is also a shrine dedicated to Alexander the Great (332-305 BC) near the rear of the complex. The temple is about 850 feet long and 213 feet across the front and is located across the road from the Nile River. The Temple of Luxor is a beautiful temple that was dedicated to Amon, the “King of Gods.” Known as one of the best preserved ancient monuments with large amount of structures, and carvings intact, it makes one of the most impressive visits in the Luxor area. The temple was used as a place of worship in the ancient city of Thebes. There are many parts of the temple; an entrance pylon, courtyards, a hypostyle hall, a sacred area, a sanctuary, and a birth house. The temple is about 850 feet long and 213 feet across the front side. The Nile River is across the road from the temple. As in many ancient Egyptian structures, illusionism was used as a visual and special effect. At its entryway, two obelisks were placed and appeared to be identical height, however they are not -- it’s only the illusion that makes them appear that they are. One of the obelisks was given to the French government in the 19th century. Once marking the entrance to Temple of Luxor, the 33,000 year old obelisk made it’s way to France in 1829. It arrived in Paris in 1833 and has been sitting in the center of Place de la Concorde in Paris since 1836. You can admire the detailed hieroglyphics in the yellow granite that light up the square at night. The obelisk stands 75 ft high. Although it’s believed that the original cap was stolen in the 6th century BC, France created a gold leaf pyramid cap that was added in 1998.