The Luxor Temple

Right in the heart of modern day Luxor and close to the Nile, the Luxor Temple is a striking symbol of the changing face of Egypt. It was largely built by the New Kingdom pharaoh Amenhotep III on the site of an older sanctuary dedicated to the Theban triad. It was added to over the centuries by Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Alexander the Great and various occupying Romans. In the 13th century, an arab mosque was built in one of the interior courts.

In a similar style to that found at Karnak, the path to the pylon is lined with sphinxes. Inside is the mosque and a colonnaded hall that leads to the main court. It is so easy to lose yourself amongst the history and majesty of such a place, despite the periodic intrusion of the modern bustling city on its doorstep.

In the afternoon I stopped by the Mummification Museum to learn everything you could ever want to know about mummies, mummification and the journey into the afterlife. The displays provide a fascinating pictorial insight into the whole process and journey, as well as displaying the materials and tools that were used by the ancient Egyptians.