Image Details

WERNER FORMAN/ART RESOURCE, NY

EGYPT’S KARNAK TEMPLE, located in Thebes (modern Luxor), is the largest temple complex in the ancient world. It covers about 250 acres, and its construction spanned nearly two millennia, with about 30 pharaohs contributing to its expansion and renovation. As a major institutional temple dedicated to the gods Amun-Re, Mut, and Khonsu, it served as an administrative center. Thanks to perpetual land grants, Karnak Temple received a steady stream of offerings and support, which ensured that it could keep functioning. This photo shows part of the precinct of Amun-Re—the first five pylons and the Great Hypostyle Hall—at Karnak Temple.