KARNAK IN THEBES (MODERN LUXOR)

 In ancient Egypt, the power of the god Amon of Thebes gradually increased during the early New Kingdom, and about the persecution led by Akhenaten, it rose to its peak. In the reign of Ramesses III, more than two-thirds of the assets owned by the temples belonged to Amun, evidenced by the stupendous buildings at Karnak. Although badly ruined, no site in Egypt is more impressive than Karnak. It 's the largest temple complex ever built by man, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of ancient builders. The Temple of Karnak is actually three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and outside many temples located about three kilometers north of Luxor, Egypt, situated on 100 acres (247 hectares) of land. Karnak is actually the sites modern name. Its ancient name was ipet-isut, which means "The Most Select (or Sacred) places."

This vast complex was built and enlarged over a period of 1,300 years. The three main temples of Mut, Montu and Amun are enclosed by enormous brick walls. The Open Air Museum is located north of the first courtyard, facing the sacred lake. The main complex, the Temple of Amun, is situated in the center of the complex. The Temple of Monthu is north of the Temple of Amon, and next to it, on the inside of the wall is the temple of Ptah, and the Temple of Mut is to the south. There is also a small temple dedicated to Khonsu, and next to it, an even smaller Temple of Opet. In fact, there are a number of smaller temples and chapels at Karnak, the Temple of Osiris Hek-Djet (Heqadjet), which is located within the wall of the temple of Amon.

In the Great Temple of Amon, the second pylon of Karnak was built by Ramesses II. The Ptolemies did some extensive repairing and some new building on the middle section. Curiously, they left the columns and facade of the first pylon unfinished and left the mud-brick ramp where it was a. The reason for the job left unfinished is not clear.