Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt

Thebes 403

inscriptions of Tuthmosis III’s annals. These detailed his
military campaigns and other events on the walls of the
temple. Thaneni’s tomb at Thebes announced his career
and honors.

Tharu See TCHARU.

Theban Book of Recension See BOOK OF THE DEAD;
RECENSIONS.

Thebes (Luxor) It was the capital of Egypt during the
New Kingdom Period (1550–1070 B.C.E.) and the seat of
the Theban warrior clans, located on the eastern shore of
the Nile some 400 miles south of modern Cairo at mod-
ern LUXOR. Originally the city was called Uast or Waset
and was built on a flat plain. Thebes was not important as
a cult center in the early historical eras. Its present name
came from the Greeks, who also called the city Diospolis
Magna, the “Great City of the Gods.” Homer celebrated it
as the city of a hundred gates and other foreign visitors
sang its praises.
During the Old Kingdom Period (2575–2134 B.C.E.),
the city was a minor trading post, but the local clans kept

the area secure when the First Intermediate Period

(2134–2040 B.C.E.) brought chaos to the rest of the

nation. The Theban lands of that dynasty declared their

independence and gave rise to a succession of princes

who waged war to unite the nomes and provinces again,

with MONTUHOTEP II (r. 2061–2010 B.C.E.) of the

Eleventh Dynasty capturing the capital of the KHETYclan

and putting an end to the civil unrest.

It is believed that Thebes served as a joint capital in

that era, but the rulers appear to have taken up residence

in a number of locations throughout the year. The

Twelfth Dynasty, started by another Theban, AMENEMHET

I(r. 1991–1962 B.C.E.), established a new capital on the

border between Upper and Lower Egypt. Governors were

in residence in Thebes, ruling over the southern territo-

ries for the throne.

During the Second Intermediate Period (1640–1550

B.C.E.), when the HYKSOSdominated the Delta territories,

the Thebans again stood firm, denying the Asiatics access

to most of the southern domains. In the early days there

was a truce between the two forces, and the Thebans took

their herds into the Delta to graze there without incident.

The Hyksos were also able to sail past Thebes to trade

with the Nubians below the cataracts. The truce ended

Luxor temple, offering a magnificent display of the New Kingdom Period (1550–1070 B.C.E.) architectural achievement and Amu-
nite fervor.(Courtesy Thierry Ailleret.)