necropolis sites on the western shore of the Nile opposite
Thebes. This same form of the deity was also worshiped
in cultic rites at MEDINET HABUand remained popular even
in the periods of occupation by foreign armies.
The Feast of Opet, the annual celebration of this
shrine, was an elaborate FESTIVAL, complete with the sac-
rifice of animals and gala rituals. At this time the statues
and barks of the Theban deities were carried in proces-
sion on the shoulders of the priests. The procession was
led by dancers, singers, and musicians and cheered by the
people, who came from miles around to celebrate the
occasion. The barks were placed on great barges and
floated on the Nile before returning to the temple
precincts. A great sacrificial feast awaited the return of
the deities, with acrobats, dancers, musicians, and
throngs of adorers sounding the greeting.
The Greeks and Romans had a keen interest in
Luxor temple, which was popular throughout all of the
eras of occupation. Modern excavations, taking place as
part of the restoration and preservation programs at
Luxor, uncovered a trove of statues from the reign of
Amenhotep III called “the Luxor Cachette.” The statues,
discovered recently in the temple and acclaimed as beau-
tifully preserved works of art, were probably buried by
the priests of Luxor during an invasion or some other
political peril.Suggested Readings:Siliotti, Alberto. Luxor, Karnak, and
the Theban Temples.Cairo: American University in Cairo
Press, 2001; Strudwick, Nigel, and Helen M. Strudwick.
Thebes in Egypt: A Guide to the Tombs and Temples of
Ancient Luxor. Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press,
1999.Lykonpolis See ASSIUT.Lysimachus(d. c. 280 B.C.E.) King of Thrace in the reign
of Ptolemy II Philadelphus
Lysimachus’s daughter, ARSINOE(1), became the queen of
Egypt. In turn, Lysimachus married ARSINOE (2),
Ptolemy’s sister. After bearing him children, Arsinoe
accused his son and heir, AGATHOCLES(1), of attempting
to murder the king. Lysimachus agreed to the execution
of his own son, tearing apart his nation. Arsinoe did not
benefit, however, as Lysimachus died in battle with
SELEUCUS I, the Syrian king, before Arsinoe’s son could
inherit the throne of Thrace.220 Lykonpolis