a temple complex located in the city of Thebes, the ancient capital of Egypt during the time of the new kingdom.
Thebes is located on the East bank of the Nile river.
The temple was begun by the Pharoah Amenhotep III and was completed by Tutankhamen, after completion the temple complex was continually developed by other pharaohs like Ramsses II and outside conquers like Alexander the Great.
Temples during the new kingdom were constructed as places of religious worship dedicated to certain gods of the Ancient Egyptians.
The Luxor temple was dedicated to the king of the Egyptian gods Amon-Ra.
The Luxor Temple is constructed of sandstone blocks from Nubia in south west Egypt, the temple complex is surrounded by mud brick walls symbolic of the separation between the world and the secret ground of the gods.
Temple design of the new kingdom exhibited a set of common design features in temple construction, one must first pass through the Pylon to enter the temple.
The Pylon is the entrance to the temple a gateway to outer courtyard of the temple complex built by Ramsses II.
Not just anyone could enter the temple complex, Only the Pharaoh, Priest and other officials are allowed.
The pylon at Luxor is guarded by the statues of Ramsses II and sitting on the each side of the entrance, two stones Obelisks also mark the entrance to the luxor temple, there is only one still stands today.
An Obelisk is a tall stone monolith with a pyramid shaped top and covered by reliefs celebrating the accomplishments of the pharaoh erecting it.
Egyptians enc-operated symbolism and optical illusion into the design of their temples, and the Luxor temple is know for this practice.
The stone obelisks that marks the entrance to the temple were design to look the same height but were actually a different heights, an optical illusion.
The outer courtyard is entered after passing through the Pylon gate, as known as the courtyard of Ramsses II, the outer courtyard is a common feature of many of the temple complexes, and some temples are contained multiple courtyards,
Courtyards were decorated with statues and reliefs depicting the pharaoh and commemorating his name.
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