Temple at Karnak

 

Karnak contains the northern group of the Theban city temples, called in ancient times Ipet-Isut, or Eptesowe, “Chosen of Places.” The largest temple complex in Egypt, and one of the largest in the world is the great metropolitan temple of the state god, Amon-Re. The complex was added to and altered at many periods and, in consequence, lacks a coherent plan. It has been called a great historical document in stone. In it are reflected the fluctuating fortunes of the Egyptian empire.

Karnak hosts several temples built by kings over 2,000 years from the rise of Egypt to its fall in 1800 B.C. The area covers sixty acres seeming to go on forever including a Sacred Lake. Behind the second pylon or gateway is the famous avenue or forest of columns. One and a half acres are packed with thick stone columns over sixty feet tall, 134 columns in all.The most famous temple is that of Amun. Amun was the god of all the farms and buildings and their workers of Thebes. Karnak and the Temple of Amun, in particular, were the hotbed of religion and practical science as well as ambition and intrigue.