a temple complex located in the city of Thebes, the ancient capital of Egypt during the time of the new kingdom.
Thebes is located on the East bank of the Nile river.
The temple was begun by the Pharoah Amenhotep III and was completed by Tutankhamen, after completion the temple complex was continually developed by other pharaohs like Ramsses II and outside conquers like Alexander the Great.
Temples during the new kingdom were constructed as places of religious worship dedicated to certain gods of the Ancient Egyptians.
The Luxor temple was dedicated to the king of the Egyptian gods Amon-Ra.
The Luxor Temple is constructed of sandstone blocks from Nubia in south west Egypt, the temple complex is surrounded by mud brick walls symbolic of the separation between the world and the secret ground of the gods.
Temple design of the new kingdom exhibited a set of common design features in temple construction, one must first pass through the Pylon to enter the temple.
The Pylon is the entrance to the temple a gateway to outer courtyard of the temple complex built by Ramsses II.
Not just anyone could enter the temple complex, Only the Pharaoh, Priest and other officials are allowed.
The inner Sanctuary, the highest point within the temple complex and represents the home of the god.
the symbolism of the inner sanctuary relates to the Egyptian creation myth and represents the primeval mound as it emerges from the water to become the earth.
The creator god lived in a hut on top of the primeval mound, here the Egyptian design of optical illusions again comes into play.
as you move through the temple complex the floor gradually slops upward reaching the highest point at the inner sanctuary at the same time the ceiling is gradually slopping downward, Only the Pharaoh and the high priest could enter the inner sanctuary
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