Luxor: Uncommon Medinet Habu Temple

With the many temples and tombs around Luxor, we were being particularly selective, so 1) we don't get dizzy 2) get the most return for our investment on entrance tickets. Medinet Habu.Temple was selected for its particularly good state of preservation.

Medinet Habu Temple is really the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III, built during 12th century BCE.The temple complex still has the complete wall around it, many bas-relief scenes of battles, including one naval battle, and hunting, and columns with original paint work.

Attached to the temple is the remains of the Ramesses III's part-time royal palace, though hardly anything is over a meter tall. After all the tombs and mortuary temples, I was beginning to think that the pharaohs only cared about death not living. I hadn't seen any evidence or reference to palaces until this site, even though it really pales in comparison to the temple.

Medinet Habu is different from other temples. The main entry gate is a 4-side tower and looks like a fortified/castle tower. First below is the temple entrance viewed from the outside - gate at right. Second, the entrance tower viewed from inside the temple.




The first courtyard.






Some reliefs.










Columns.










Our Tuk-Tuk Driver is perhaps a Rolling Stones Fan?

Egypt: Around Luxor

From Aswan, we took a train to Luxor. It was Orthodox Easter week, plus the ongoing Ramadan, and the temperature was 90+F, moving towards 102F. I began to learn to ignore all the negative aspects of traveling in Egypt, and really focus on being awed by all the temples and tombs.

On the Train from Aswan to Luxor.
















Arriving at Luxor Station.




There were many tour groups in Luxor. Below is a Horse Carriage Convoy. ;-)


Locals enjoying the evening after breaking their fasts.


Luxor Temple at night as seen from our hotel terrace. And the moonrise.




Some shots near the Coptic Christian Quarter. A few were taken on the Saturday before Orthodox Palm Sunday.














The view from our hotel room window.


Sunset and moonrise as seen from our hotel terrace.








The streets of Luxor.




Early morning walk along the Nile Promenade.


















Our visit to the Luxor Museum.