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Karnak is a village in Egypt that was once part of the ancient capital of Egypt, Thebes. It is situated about 3 km (2 miles) north of Luxor Temple.
For many centuries Karnak temple was the main religious centre of Egypt, with each Pharaoh adding to or altering the complex. It was the main temple for the cult of Amun, but like many other Egyptian temples, other gods and goddesses were worshipped there, including Ptah and Sekhmet. The key difference between Karnak and the many other temples and sites in Egyptology is the length of time over which it was developed and used. Approximately 30 Pharaohs contributed to the buildings, enabling it to reach a size, complexity and diversity not seen elsewhere. Few of the individual features of Karnak are unique, but the size and number of features is overwhelming.
Perhaps the best way to get a clear idea of the history and the monuments of Karnak is to attend the Light & Sound show. It is rather a tour in several parts of the great temple of Amun, the Great Hypostyle Hall included, before you sit next to the sacred lake of the temple to absorb an unprecedented dose of history and brilliant stars reflected in the water. The spectacle is offered in several languages.
External links
- Karnak Temple (http://www.memphis.edu/egypt/karnaktm.htm) – The University of Memphis.
- Karnak (http://www.touregypt.net/karnak.htm) – TourEgypt.net
- Karnak: Temple of Amun (http://www.bible-history.com/past/temple_amun_karnak.html) – Bible History Online, 2004.
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