Temple of Ramesses III, Karnak
Egypt
Karnak you visit what is considered to be one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces, namely the complex of Karnak Temples on the East Bank of Luxor. Karnak is a complex of temples built in different reigns, starting with the Avenue of Sphinxes, the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 gigantic columns, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tutomosis I, the Temple of Amon adorned with lotus and papyrus designs, the Granite Scarbeus of Amenophis III and the Sacred Lake. Karnak beats every other pharaonic monument: it is simply one of the most beautiful ancient monuments in Egypt.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
As we navigate the Great Open Court of the Karnak Temple complex, we encounter a structure that is both architecturally distinct and historically gripping: the Temple of Ramesses III. While many of the monuments in this massive…
Listen in the app2The First Pylon and the 'Living King' Statues
Standing before the pylon of the Temple of Ramesses III, we are met by two colossal statues of the king. Look specifically at their stance. …
Listen in the app3The Courtyard of Osiris Pillars
Upon entering the inner courtyard, the imagery undergoes a profound shift. The statues that line the court now show the king with his arms crossed over his chest, holding the crook and flail. …
Listen in the app4The Harem Conspiracy: A Secret History
As we look at the serene faces of these statues, it is important to remember the violent reality of the end of Ramesses III’s life. This is the site of one of history’s greatest 'cold cases.' Scholarly analysis of the 'Judicial…
Listen in the app5The Reliefs of War and Victory
The interior walls of the temple are covered in deep-cut reliefs that celebrate Ramesses III’s military triumphs. One of the most significant scenes, similar to those found at his larger temple at Medinet Habu, shows the king's…
Listen in the app6The Hypostyle Hall and Sanctuary
Moving past the courtyard, we enter the hypostyle hall. Though smaller than the great hall of Karnak, it follows the same symbolic design. …
Listen in the app7The Persistence of Color and Craft
As we conclude our walk through this temple, please look up toward the ceilings and into the deeper recesses of the carvings. In many places, you can still see the original Egyptian pigments. …
Listen in the app8Closing
Our exploration of the Temple of Ramesses III at Karnak comes to an end. This site has offered us a unique, concentrated look at the art, history, and theology of the late New Kingdom. …
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What is Temple of Ramesses III, Karnak?
Temple of Ramesses III, Karnak is a place in Egypt with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Egypt |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 25.7048, 32.6438 |
| Last updated |
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