SJEDS Travels to Egypt

Luxor Temple is located along the banks of the Nile, in the middle of the busy and modern town of Luxor. In ancient times Luxor was known as Thebes. The temple is located on the main street that parallels the Nile, and the ancient structure juts up amid shops, apartment buildings, and businesses. At night the temple is lit up, and the lights and their shadows cast an eerie sight in the middle of a modern city.

Luxor Temple is quite small in comparison the Karnak Temple and was largely built by only one pharaoh, Amenhotep, III, a New Kingdom ruler. The temple was built in honor of three gods; Amun, Mut, and Chons. During ancient times many festivals were held in Thebes, with the most important festival, Festival of Opet, held at the Temple of Luxor. The festival originally lasted 11 days but over time grew to 27 days. Much food and drink was consumed during this time, and when the festival reached its peak, 11,000 loaves of bread, 85 cakes and 385 jars of beer were consumed.

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