southwest, with the second part at right angles to the
original shrine. The third section was added by later
rulers and completed the complex.
The plan of the temple dedicated to the god Amun,
evident even in its ruined state, contained a series of
well-coordinated structures and architectural innova-
tions, all designed to maximize the strength of the stone
and the monumental aspects of the complex. Karnak, as
all other major temples of Egypt, was graced with a ramp
and a canal leading to the Nile, and this shrine also
boasted rows of ram-headed sphinxes at its entrance. At
one time the sphinxes joined Karnak and another temple
of the god at LUXOR, to the south.
The entrance to Karnak is a gigantic PYLON, 370 feet
wide, which opens onto a court and to a number of archi-
tectural features. The temple compound of RAMESSES III
(r. 1194–1163 B.C.E.) of the Twentieth Dynasty is located
here, complete with stations of the gods, daises, and
small buildings to offer hospitable rest to statues or barks
of the various deities visiting the premises. The pylon
entrance, unfinished, dates to a period after the fall of the
New Kingdom. Just inside this pylon is a three-cham-
bered shrine erected by SETI I(r. 1306–1290 B.C.E.) of the
Nineteenth Dynasty for the barks of the gods Amun, MUT
and KHONS(1).
The shrine of Ramesses III of the Twentieth Dynasty
is actually a miniature festival hall, complete with pillars
and elaborate reliefs. The so-called BUBASTITE PORTAL,
built in the Third Intermediate Period, is next to the
shrine. The court of Ramesses III was eventually com-
pleted by the addition of a colonnade, and a portico was
installed by HOREMHAB(r. 1319–1307 B.C.E.), the last
ruler of the Eighteenth Dynasty.
The second pylon in the structure, probably dating to
the same dynastic era and refurbished by the pharaohs of
the Nineteenth Dynasty, is graced by two colossi of
RAMESSES II(r. 1290–1224 B.C.E.), and a third statue of
that king and his queen-consort stands nearby. This sec-
ond pylon leads to a great HYPOSTYLE HALL, the work of
Seti I and Ramesses II, where 134 center columns are sur-
rounded by more than 120 papyrus bundle type pillars.
Stone slabs served as the roof, with carved stone windows
allowing light to penetrate the area. The Ramessid rulers
decorated this hall with elaborate reliefs. At one time
there were many statues in the area as well, all removed
or lost now. Of particular interest are the reliefs discov-
ered in this hall of the “Poem of PENTAUR,” concerning
military campaigns and cultic ceremonies of Egypt during
its imperial period. The HITTITE ALLIANCEis part of the
decorative reliefs.
The third pylon of Karnak was erected by AMEN-
HOTEP III(r. 1391–1353 B.C.E.) of the Eighteenth Dynasty.
The porch in front of the pylon was decorated by Seti I
and Ramesses II. At one time four OBELISKSstood beside
this massive gateway. One remains, dating to the reigns of
TUTHMOSIS I (1504–1492 B.C.E.) and TUTHMOSIS III
(1479–1425 B.C.E.) of the Eighteenth Dynasty. A small
area between the third and fourth pylons leads to
precincts dedicated to lesser deities. The fourth pylon,
erected by Tuthmosis I, opens into a court with Osiride
statues and an obelisk erected by HATSHEPSUT (r.
1473–1458 B.C.E.). Originally part of a pair, the obelisk
now stands alone. The second was discovered lying on its
side near the sacred lake of the temple complex. Tuthmo-
sis I also erected the fifth pylon, followed by the sixth
such gateway, built by Tuthmosis III.
These open onto a courtyard, a Middle Kingdom
(2040–1640 B.C.E.) sanctuary, the Djeseru-djeseru, the
holy of holies. Statues and symbolic insignias mark this
as the core of the temple. The sanctuary now visible was
built in a late period, replacing the original one. A unique
feature of this part of Karnak is the sandstone structure
designed by Hatshepsut. She occupied these chambers on
occasion and provided the walls with reliefs. Tuthmosis
III added a protective outer wall, which was inscribed
with the “annals” of his military campaigns. This is the
oldest part of Karnak, and much of it has been destroyed.
The memorial chapel of Tuthmosis III is located just
behind the court and contains chambers, halls, maga-
zines, and shrines. A special chapel of Amun is part of
this complex, and the walls of the area are covered with
elaborate reliefs that depict exotic plants and animals,Karnak 193A nighttime image of the great temple complex at Karnak
Karnak.(Courtesy Thierry Ailleret.)