The Great Court alone is almost 9,000 square metres

The Hypostyle Hall is almost 5,000 square metres and could accommodate the whole of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

The temple structure itself could hold approximately 10 cathedrals

I do not intend to give a history of the temple, but I will just describe some of the highlights (most of which will more than likely be included on your tour). It can be a little difficult to grasp the idea of Karnak as a whole – just remember that the temple was built from the centre out and therefore the oldest parts are in the middle with the newer constructions radiating outwards.

The First Pylon

You enter the temple through the First Pylon which was left unfinished - on the inside you can see a mud brick ramp used in the construction process. This Pylon is impressive: 113 metres wide (371 feet), 15 metres thick (49 feet) and about 40 metres high (131 feet) with four niches for flagpoles. Archaeologists and historians are uncertain as to when or who built the pylon, but it is likely that it was built in the reign of Nectanebo I (Nakhtnebef, XXX^th Dynasty).

The Great Court

This was the only part of the temple that would have been accessible to the general public in ancient times. Within the courts there is an entire temple (Ramesses III) and a chapel built by Seti II with three shrines dedicated to the Theban Triad: one to Amun (centre), one to Mut (left) and one to Khonsu (right). In the centre of the Court are the remains of the Kiosk of Taharqa. Originally consisting of ten great open papyri-form columns, only one column remains standing today.

The Hypostyle Hall

The Hypostyle Hall, approached through the poorly preserved Second Pylon (XIX^th Dynasty), was created by closing off the space between the Second and Third Pylons with transverse walls. The Hall was begun by Seti I and completed by his successor Ramesses II. Originally there were 134 columns. Along the central aisle there were 22 (11 on each side) open papyri-form columns. Each of these columns are 21 metres (69 feet) high. It is said that there is room for 100 people to stand on the top of these columns. The rest of the hall is filled with 122 smaller closed papyri-form columns, each 14 metres (46 feet) high. Originally the hall would have been entirely roofed with stone slabs, although most of these have now fallen. The hall was lit through clerestory windows that ran the length of the hall. Throughout the hall the decoration generally concerns ritual around Amun – although Min is also represented. The cartouche bearing Ramesses II’s Throne name User-maat-re Setep-en re (The Justice of Ra is Powerful, Chosen of Ra) is to be found on many of the columns.

The northern exterior wall is decorated with battle reliefs celebrating the victories of Seti I – these include standard scenes of ritual massacre before Amun.

The overall effect of the hall is tremendous and despite its size, somewhat claustrophobic – it is like standing in a stone forest and not being able to see very far. It is here that one of the famous scenes from Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile was shot.

Obelisk of Hatshepsut

At 30 metres (99 feet) the Obelisk of Hatshepsut is the largest obelisk standing in Egypt- it would have been visible from 80 km (50 miles). Erected in the 16^th year of Hatshepsut’s reign, it took 7 months to carve from a single block of pink granite.

Hatshepsut’s stepson and nephew, Tuthmosis III, built a sandstone wall around the obelisks (there were originally two – the second has collapsed) in an attempt to remove all trace of his aunt. This wall preserved them from future vandalism. The inscription reads: 

O you people who see this monument down the years and speak of that which I have caused to be made, beware for fear that you say “I do not know why it was done”. I did this because I wished to make my gifts for my father Amun, and to gild them with electrum.

Heraldic Columns

The heraldic columns of Tuthmosis III stand in the courtyard of the Holy of Holies and are amongst the most beautiful carvings at Karnak. Carved in very high relief, the northern column is decorated with the Papyrus plant (the symbol of Lower Egypt) and the southern column is decorated with the Lily (symbol of Upper Egypt). These columns represent the union of the Two Lands.

The Sacred Lake

The Sacred Lake is a restful expanse of water and on a windless day reflects the surrounding Pylons beautifully. Originally priests would have bathed here in order to purify themselves and it was also used as a pool for the domesticated water fowl kept at the temple. The lake was also used for ritual navigation symbolising the voyage of the sun. Around the edge of the lake are the tip of Hatshepsut’s second obelisk, a large pink granite scarab and a small (but very welcome) refreshment bar. It is almost certain that your guide will tell you the folktales about the scarab.

and finally....

There is so much more than this to see at Karnak that one trip will certainly not be adequate, and I am sure that once your “free time” here is up you will be both disappointed and planning your next trip.

Follow this link to view the photo gallery

Follow this link to view a plan of the temple

Top of page