Temple of Karnak, Egypt

Temple of Karnak is the largest temple complex of the world ever built by man. Located in the small village of Al-Karnak, situated on the banks of Nile 2.5 km from Luxor, Karnak temple is the perfect example of combined achievements of many ancient artists.

Temple of Karnak is a temple complex consists of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples and numerous other outer temples that are located about 3 km north of Luxor. Karnak is the modern name given to the site of temple. Its ancient name was Ipet-isut that means 'The Most Select or Sacred Places'.

The vast complex of Karnak temple was built and enlarged over a period of 1300 years. Mut, Montu and Amun are the three main temples of Karnak temple complex and are enclosed by enormous thick brick walls. Temple of Amun is located in the center of Karnak complex while Temple of Montu is located to the north of Temple of Amun and inside of the enclosure wall next to Temple of Montu is located Temple of Ptah. Temple of Mut is located in south side of Temple of Amun.

Temple area of Karnak is basically an open air-museum and is twice the size of built-up of village area. After the Giza Pyramids it is the most visited ancient historical site in Egypt. Among the three main temples of the complex only Temple of Amun is open for the public view. It is because of this only that the Temple of Karnak is sometime also referred as 'Precinct of Amon-Re'.

What made this temple unique and different from other temples and sites of Egypt is its length of construction period. Construction of the temple began in 16th century BC and about 30 Pharaohs contributed in its structural formation. The temple of Amun of Karnak complex encloses the second Pylon of Karnak built by Ramesses II.

The hypostyle hall of the Great Amun Temple is beyond the second pylon. The hall is considered as one of the great masterpiece of architecture throughout the world. The outer walls of the hypostyle hall featured scenes of battles. Beyond the rear wall of the grand hypostyle hall there is another hall known as Transverse Hall. This hall contains remains of earliest section of Karnak Temple complex, still in existence. However the oldest part of the temple is Holy of Holies or sanctuary.