Thebes was the capital for ancient Egypt for many centuries. Thebes is on both sides of the Nile. It is about 459 miles (725 km) south of present-day Cairo. Scattered over the site are the remains of many temples, tombs, and other ancient monuments. Tombs of Egyptian kings from the 6th Dynasty (2134-2152 BC) have been found in the original necropolis, which is on the west side of the Nile. The Temple of Amon, which is one of the best-preserved and most magnificent buildings of Egypt, is at Al Karnack.Under the kings of the 9th and 10th dynasties, Thebes emerged as the administrative center of a powerful line of monarchs (governors). The monarchs challenged the Herkleopolian pharaohs, winning complete control of Egypt around 2040 B.C. That's when Thebes became the capital of Egypt. A lot of the temples, the avenue of sphinxes, many beautiful tombs, and other monuments were erected in and around Thebes during this time. Many important ruins of Thebes are described in the articles dealing with Al Karnak and Luxor. Some of the most important acheaological sites are the tombs of the pharoahs at Valley of the Kings, the Ramesseum, Medinet Habu, and the temple of the female pharoah Hatshepsut. |