Karnak Temple Complex

ancient Egypt · temples · architecture · history

Absolutely enormous. Karnak is one of the largest religious complexes ever built. It covers a huge area filled with temples, towers called pylons, chapels, and smaller buildings all connected together.

Built over centuries. Construction started around 1950 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Senusret I and continued for more than 1,500 years. Most of the buildings you can see today were built during the New Kingdom period.

Sacred to Amun. Karnak was the main worship place for the ancient Egyptian god Amun and two other gods called the Theban Triad. Egyptians believed Amun was the king of all gods.

Near modern Luxor. Karnak sits beside the Nile River near the modern city of Luxor in southern Egypt. It was called Ipet-isut, which means 'the most sacred of places,' in ancient times.

Still standing today. Even though it's over 3,000 years old, much of Karnak remains amazingly well preserved. Visitors can still walk through the same passages and courtyards that ancient Egyptians used.