For
more than 3000 years, the temples of Karnak were a daily scene of religious
observance. With the exception of one, every pharaoh sought their own piece
of immortality within the vast temple complex. The ruins stretch as far as the
eye can see, and it is almost easy to get lost within them. For me, the time
to see the ruins was at night - you might say that is a contradiction in terms
- but explore them during the day, and then really see them and feel them after
dark.
The Sacred Lake where once
a year, the God Amun took to the water. Yes, it does smell a bit!
Near here is the rest area,
with cold drinks and fans. A very pleasant respite when the temperature is
over 100!,
Inside
the first courtyard of the main temple. The first of many courtyards the visitor
passes through in these massive ruins.
An
aerial view of the temple complex, from Interoz's website. Although it is not
very clear, it does give an idea of the size of the site. The green rectangle
is the Sacred Lake, and just to the right of it is the hypostyle hall. The entrance
to the temple is at the top right.
