World Voyage – Egypt (Part 3) Karnak Temple Complex

January 23, 2023

Karnak Temple Complex

The Karnak Temple Complex, commonly known as Karnak meaning “fortified village” comprises a vast mix of temples, pylons, chapels, and other buildings.

The key difference between Karnak and most of the other temples and sites in Egypt is the length of time over which it was developed and used. Construction at the complex began around 2000–1700 BCE and continued 305–30 BCE. Approximately thirty pharaohs contributed to the buildings, enabling it to reach a size, complexity, and diversity not seen elsewhere. The deities represented range from some of the earliest worshipers to those worshiped much later in the history of the Ancient Egyptian culture.

The Great Hypostyle Hall is an area of 50,000 sq ft with 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows. They theorize that these columns may have been lifted to these heights using levers.. A common alternative theory regarding how they were moved is that large ramps were constructed of sand, mud, brick or stone and that the stones were then towed up the ramps. If stone had been used for the ramps, they would have been able to use much less material. The top of the ramps presumably would have employed either wooden tracks or cobblestones for towing the megaliths. every square inch of which is covered with hieroglyphics. This massive temple complex is the largest in the entire ancient world.

As I strolled through the avenues of ram-headed sphinxes I tried to image both the builders of these beautify creatures and the people who worshiped them. Taking a moment to reflect allowed me to focus on the immense effort that it had taken to create such a magnificent temple.

My biggest learning of the day was that to build the walls here and the pyramids in Cairo they built mud and stone ladders up the side of the buildings and removed them after the final stone was placed. They actually had a partial mud ladder remaining at the temple complex. How is it that I had never read about this before??? The picture that is the featured image is of the mud ladder. I am so in awe of how smart the Egyptians were. I wonder what the people a 1000 years from now will think when they uncover what we have created!

As the sun started to set we headed back to the bus for our long trip home. We arrived back at the ship at 10pm, a 16-hour day that was filled with incredible experiences. Travel is not easy but it is so worth it to get to experience the things that I read and dreamed about as a child. The little girl who dreamed of being an adventurer is living her dream. I am so blessed!!!