Luxor Temple facts for kids
The Luxor Temple is an amazing ancient Egyptian temple. You can find it in modern-day Luxor, Egypt. Long ago, this city was called Thebes. The temple was built to honor three important gods: Amun, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu.
This grand temple was mostly built during Egypt's New Kingdom period. Some parts might even be older, from the 12th dynasty. This is because builders sometimes reused stones from earlier structures. Later, some stones from the temple were used to build the Abu el-Haggag mosque.
The Luxor Temple is a very special place. It's listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, along with the nearby Karnak Temple. It's important to remember that Luxor Temple is different from the necropolis (burial ground) of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, which is also close to Luxor.
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What is the Luxor Temple?
The Luxor Temple is a large ancient Egyptian temple complex. It stands on the east bank of the Nile River in the city of Luxor. This temple was not just for worship. It was also a place for important festivals and ceremonies.
Who Built the Luxor Temple?
Many pharaohs helped build and expand the Luxor Temple. The main parts were started by Amenhotep III around 1390 BC. Later, Ramesses II added a large courtyard and a pylon (a huge gateway). Other pharaohs also added their own touches over hundreds of years.
Why Was the Temple Built?
The temple was mainly built for the worship of the Theban Triad. This was a group of three gods: Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. It was also a place for the Opet Festival. This was an annual event where the statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu traveled from Karnak Temple to Luxor Temple. This journey celebrated the gods and the pharaoh's connection to them.
Exploring the Luxor Temple
When you visit Luxor Temple, you can see many incredible features. These include towering gateways, large courtyards, and halls filled with columns. Each part tells a story about ancient Egypt.
The Grand Entrance: Pylons and Obelisks
The main entrance to Luxor Temple is marked by a massive pylon. This huge gateway was built by Ramesses II. In front of it, there were once two tall obelisks. One of these obelisks is still there. The other was given to France in the 1830s and now stands in Paris.
The Avenue of Sphinxes
Leading up to the temple's entrance is the famous Avenue of Sphinxes. This long path was once lined with hundreds of sphinx statues. These sphinxes have the body of a lion and the head of a human. This avenue connected Luxor Temple to the Karnak Temple, about 3 kilometers away. It was used for religious processions.
Courtyards and Colonnades
Inside the temple, you'll find several large courtyards. The Court of Ramesses II is one of the biggest. It has many statues of Ramesses II. Beyond this, the Colonnade of Amenhotep III features tall, elegant columns. These areas were used for public ceremonies and gatherings.
The Sanctuary and Shrines
Deeper inside the temple are the more sacred areas. These include the sanctuary, where the gods' statues were kept. There are also smaller shrines dedicated to different deities. These inner parts were usually only accessible to priests and the pharaoh.
Luxor Temple Today
Today, Luxor Temple is a popular tourist destination. It offers a glimpse into the rich history and beliefs of ancient Egypt. The temple is especially beautiful at night when it is lit up. This creates a magical atmosphere.
Preserving the Temple
Archaeologists and conservationists work hard to protect Luxor Temple. They study its structures and hieroglyphs. They also make sure it stays safe for future generations to enjoy. This helps us learn more about this incredible ancient civilization.
Images for kids
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The original two obelisks, as seen in 1832. The one on the right is now in Paris, known as the Luxor Obelisk.
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Statues of Ramses II at the entrance through the first Pylon of Luxor Temple
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Luxor's Avenue of Sphinxes, an avenue of human headed sphinxes which once connected the temples of Karnak and Luxor.
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The Abu Haggag Mosque seen from the east
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Sanctuary of Luxor Temple
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Sun court of Amenhotep III
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The Avenue of Sphinxes at night
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Pylon and Obelisk of Ramses II
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The Grand Colonnade
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Barque Shrine of Theban Triad
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First pylon at night
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See also
In Spanish: Templo de Luxor para niños
