A truly decadent 9:30 a.m. start for a 10 minute bus ride start to our day seemed almost boring (we are going to pay for it in tomorrow’s schedule!). Covering 40,000 sq. metres (~10 acres) Karnak Temple is the largest such complex in Egypt. Construction of temples started in the Middle Kingdom (~2100 BC) and continued through to Roman times (~250 AD). Approximately thirty pharaohs contributed to the buildings, enabling it to reach a size, complexity, and diversity not seen elsewhere. A very early case of not only keep up with the Jones but outbuild them and in some instances, build over what came before you.
After the colour and vibrancy of yesterdays tombs it was a return to the dusty (and stupid hot) outdoor environment but still there were special pieces of architecture that one must marvel at remembering when it was built and the equipment, or lack thereof.
The most interesting sections were the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 columns, the obelisk and avenue of Sphinx, albeit in this case, with a rams head. The columns were massive to say the least.
One last group shot.
A great lunch in Luxor then back to the hotel for pool time because tomorrow is a long, long day back in Cairo before heading home.
The Bennetts On Tour 