ANCIENT EGYPT

NEW KINGDOM (about 1,550-1,100 BC)

Luxor - from 12th dynasty

Statues of Ramses II

View form the Hypostyle Hall

Luxor Temple

Sanctuary II

Colonnade of Amenhotep III

Sanctuary I

The Luxor complex, dating back to the 12th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, stands as a testament to the architectural grandeur and cultural richness of the era. Situated on the eastern bank of the Nile River, Luxor served as the religious and political center of the region during this period. The complex encompasses the impressive Luxor Temple, dedicated to the Theban triad of gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, showcasing intricate hieroglyphs, colossal statues, and imposing columns. Its construction, overseen by pharaohs such as Amenhotep I and Senusret I, reflects the sophisticated engineering prowess of the time. Through its majestic architecture and spiritual significance, the Luxor complex remains a cherished symbol of Egypt's ancient civilization.

Karnak - 18th dynasty

View of the first pylon of the temple of Amun-Re at Karnak

The ram-headed sphinxes into the forecourt

Statues of Ramses II guard the entrance to the Great Hypostyle Hall, the largest hall of a

Ramesses II colossal statue

Closed papyrus umbel capitals of the Hypostyle Hall

Temple of Ramesses III

Karnak, an architectural marvel from the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, epitomizes the grandeur and religious fervor of the era. Situated on the east bank of the Nile near Luxor, Karnak served as a vast temple complex dedicated primarily to the worship of the god Amun-Ra, along with various other deities. Constructed and expanded over centuries by revered pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, and Amenhotep III, Karnak boasts colossal pylons, towering obelisks, and intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions. Its centerpiece, the Great Hypostyle Hall, with its forest of towering columns, remains one of the most awe-inspiring architectural feats of ancient Egypt. Karnak's significance as a religious and ceremonial center, coupled with its stunning architectural achievements, underscores its enduring legacy in Egypt's rich history

Hatshepsut - 18th dynasty

Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut

Middle terrace wall and columns

Entrance into the Hathor shrine

Lower porticoes depictions 2

Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut and cliffs of Deir el-Bahari

Lower porticoes depictions

Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt's most remarkable rulers, reigned during the 18th Dynasty and left an indelible mark on history. Ascending to the throne around 1478 BCE, she shattered conventions by becoming one of the few female pharaohs. Known for her ambitious building projects, Hatshepsut commissioned awe-inspiring structures such as the magnificent Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, nestled against the cliffs near Thebes. Renowned for its innovative design and elegant colonnades, this temple complex reflects Hatshepsut's keen architectural vision and political acumen. Under her reign, Egypt flourished economically and culturally, solidifying her legacy as a pioneering ruler of the ancient world.

Serapeum 18th dynasty

Serapeum entrance

Serapeum - main tunnel of the Greater Vaults

Sarcophagus for Apis bull that died in the 23rd year of Amasis II

Sarcophagus in the Ptolemaic section with displaced lid

Niches in the _service tunnel_ that once held stelae 2

Serapeum stelae at the Louvre

The Serapeum, dating back to the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, stands as a testament to the religious devotion and architectural prowess of the era. Located near the ancient city of Memphis, the Serapeum served as a burial site for the sacred Apis bulls, revered as manifestations of the god Ptah. These massive underground galleries, meticulously carved into solid rock, housed intricately crafted sarcophagi for the honored bulls. Constructed and expanded by pharaohs like Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, the Serapeum represents a fusion of Egyptian and Hellenistic influences, reflecting the cultural exchange prevalent during this period. Through its imposing structures and spiritual significance, the Serapeum remains a poignant reminder of Egypt's ancient religious traditions and reverence for divine beings.

Maya - 18th dynasty

Maya

The Tomb of Maya corridor and false door

Maya Tomb chamber 2 inscription

Maya Tomb chamber 2

Maya Tomb view from the entrance

Maya Tomb chamber 1

The tomb of Maya, an esteemed official of the 18th Dynasty in ancient Egypt, offers a glimpse into the opulence and cultural sophistication of the era. Maya, renowned for his roles as treasurer, overseer of the treasury, and royal scribe, served under the reigns of Tutankhamun and Ay. Discovered in 1986 in Saqqara, Maya's tomb contained a wealth of artifacts and inscriptions, shedding light on the rituals and beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife during the New Kingdom period. Lavishly decorated with intricate reliefs and scenes depicting offerings to the gods, the tomb showcases Maya's high status and the reverence accorded to him in life and death. Through its elaborate adornments and historical significance, Maya's tomb stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Egypt's 18th Dynasty.

Abu Simbel - Queen's Temple - 19th dynasty

Small Temple of Hathor and Nefertari

Hypostyle hall or pronaos 3

Small Temple of Hathor and Nefertari II

Hypostyle hall or pronaos

Hator relief

Small sanctuary with bas-reliefs on the side walls and Hathor statue

The Queens Temple at Abu Simbel, constructed during the 19th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, represents a significant archaeological marvel. Carved into the sandstone cliffs on the western bank of the Nile, this temple complex is dedicated to the queens of the era, notably Queen Nefertari, the principal wife of Ramses II. The temple's layout follows a traditional Egyptian design, featuring a large hypostyle hall with colossal statues of the queens flanking the entrance. Intricately carved reliefs adorn the walls, depicting scenes of religious rituals, offerings to the gods, and the divine status of the queens. Notably, the temple's interior design reflects a symmetrical layout, a characteristic feature of New Kingdom temples. Archaeological studies of the site have revealed insights into ancient Egyptian religious beliefs, royal ideology, and the roles of queens in Egyptian society. Additionally, the preservation efforts of the temple, including the relocation project in the 1960s, have safeguarded its architectural integrity, allowing scholars to continue unraveling its historical significance.

Abu Simbel - King's Temple - 19th dynasty

The Great Temple of Ramesses II

Statues along the perimeter of the first hall of Temple of Ramesses II

Ramses II relief

Statues along the perimeter of the first hall of Temple of Ramesses II 3

Inner transverse chamber or vestibule

Statues along the perimeter of the first hall of Temple of Ramesses II 2

The Abu Simbel - King's Temple, dating back to the 19th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, is a monumental archaeological wonder located in southern Egypt near the Sudanese border. Commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II around 1250 BCE, this temple complex serves as a testament to the grandeur and power of the New Kingdom rulers. Carved into the sandstone cliffs overlooking the Nile River, the temple is dedicated to Ramses II himself, along with the deities Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. Its facade is adorned with four colossal statues of Ramses II seated on his throne, each reaching approximately 20 meters in height. The interior features a series of halls and chambers adorned with intricate reliefs depicting military victories, offerings to the gods, and scenes from Ramses II's reign. Of particular note is the phenomenon of the sun illuminating the inner sanctuary twice a year during the biannual solar alignment, symbolizing the divine nature of the pharaoh. Archaeological studies of the King's Temple provide valuable insights into ancient Egyptian religious practices, royal propaganda, and architectural techniques of the time. Despite facing threats such as erosion and submersion due to the Aswan High Dam, the temple's relocation in the 1960s ensured its preservation for future generations, allowing continued study and appreciation of its historical and cultural significance.

Nemtymes - 19th Dynasty

The Tomb of Nemtymes

Statue of Hator in form of a cow 2

The Tomb of Nemtymes northern pillar western row

The Tomb of Nemtymes underground chamber

The Tomb of Nemtymes pillared court

The Tomb of Nemtymes decorated wall and pillarst

Nemtymes' Tomb, dating back to the 19th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, stands as a significant archaeological site located in Saqqara on the west bank of the Nile. Believed to have been constructed during the reign of Ramses II, this tomb is dedicated to Nemtymes, a nobleman who held a prominent position in the royal court. The tomb's architecture and decoration exemplify the artistic and religious conventions of the New Kingdom period. Carved into the rock face, the tomb features a series of corridors, chambers, and vestibules adorned with colorful wall paintings depicting scenes from Nemtymes' life, including his interactions with gods, participation in religious rituals, and daily activities. Among its notable features is the false-door, a symbolic portal believed to facilitate communication between the living and the deceased. Additionally, within its chambers lies a significant statue featuring the form of a cow, likely representing the goddess Hathor, a prominent deity associated with love, fertility, and the afterlife. Depicted with bovine features, Hathor played a crucial role in funerary practices, believed to guide deceased souls to the realm of the dead and ensure their well-being in the divine realm. Within Nemtymes' Tomb, the statue of Hathor stands as a symbol of protection and guidance, emphasizing the importance of divine intervention in the journey of the deceased. These vibrant frescoes and the presence of the Hathor statue offer valuable insights into the beliefs, customs, and social hierarchy of ancient Egyptian society. Despite centuries of natural deterioration and occasional looting, Nemtymes' tomb remains a significant archaeological discovery within Saqqara, contributing to our understanding of funerary practices and the role of non-royal elites in ancient Egypt.

Valley of the Kings Tombs19-20th dynasty

Merenptah tomb KV8

Merenptah tomb KV8 burial chamber

Merenptah tomb KV8 sarcofagus

Ramesses III tomb KV11

Ramesses III tomb KV11 depictions

Ramesses III tomb KV11 pictorial representation

The Valley of the Kings, situated on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, Egypt, is renowned for its collection of elaborately decorated tombs dating primarily from the 18th to the 20th dynasties of ancient Egypt. Among the most iconic sites of the New Kingdom, these tombs served as the final resting places for pharaohs, their consorts, and high-ranking officials. The tombs, carved deep into the limestone cliffs, feature intricate wall paintings and hieroglyphic inscriptions that depict scenes from the pharaoh's life, religious rituals, and preparations for the afterlife. Notable among these tombs are those belonging to Ramses II, Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Hatshepsut. The Valley of the Kings represents a significant archaeological treasure trove, providing invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian funerary beliefs, royal iconography, and artistic techniques. Despite centuries of exploration and occasional plundering, ongoing research and conservation efforts aim to preserve these extraordinary tombs for future generations, ensuring that the legacy of the New Kingdom pharaohs endures as a testament to Egypt's rich cultural heritage.