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Why
Karnak is special
The Temple of Karnak in Luxor, Egypt is enormous - the world's
three largest cathedrals combined would fit into it.
Karnak temple was the spiritual center of the Egyptians. It took
millennia to build and enhance, though most of the work was done
by the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (1570-1100 BC).
Great Hypostyle Hall
The most imposing element of the Temple of Karnak is the
3,000-plus-year-old Great Hypostyle Hall inside the Temple of
Amon-Ra. The room is larger than a football field and is easily
one of the grandest spaces ever erected. Its forest of 134
rocket-size columns (many still stand) dwarf Karnak Temple
visitors. They once supported a high stone-slab roof that kept
light out, creating a darkish ambiance that added to the
mystique of the ceremonial processions of pharaohs and high
priests.
Second Pylon
Another majestic component of the Karnak Temple is the Second
Pylon (see photo). It served as a pageantry gate leading to the
Great Hypostyle Hall and as a barricade to unauthorized mortals
(only the elite could enter).
What leading travel books say about Karnak
At the zenith of its supremacy, Karnak's wealth was staggering.
Egypt
Rough Guide
Each pharaoh tried to outdo the preceding one in making Karnak
even more magnificent.
Egypt
Insight Compact Guides
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