Medinet Habu

We were doing well for time, so decided on the fly to add on this stop, and spent an hour and a bit there, which was just enough for a quick walk to the rear of the complex and back out. This is the second largest and second most important site of the New Kingdom after Karnak.

It was started in the early days of the New Kingdom by Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. as a temple for the god Amun who was believed to have first appeared at this site. Ramses III massively enlarged the site as his memorial and built a wall around the temples which actually served as defenses and at one point during wars with the Libyans, the entire population of Thebes was able live in this massive site.

Entrance is through the huge 'Syrian Gate'. Throughout the temple are very well preserved hieroglyphics carvings and paintings which still have incredible relief and rich colours considering the age of these outdoor buildings. It also has the only still-standing royal palaces with the throne rooms and living quarters.Read more