| The
site is difficult to comprehend as it is not a single
temple. It has grown from an initial core, with each succeeding Pharaoh
adding another court or temple, and tearing down others. Their
was a temple at Karnak in the Old Kingdom.
Amun became the most important
Egyptian God when the hereditary rulers of the nome at Thebes
reunified Egypt by defeating the Hyksos, founding the New Kingdom
Dynasty.

Karnak is a "must see" for
any tour of Egypt. We suggest at least two visits. You
should take a morning and wander through the site soaking
up the atmosphere, and then you should consult your hotel
and book tickets for one of the Sound and Light shows.
Karnak at night has an
entirely different feeling. The shows are in a different
language each night, so you must adjust your schedule to
get the correct one for you. We found the Sound and Light
show very informative, if a little long.
Wear or bring a
wrap, and don't forget the insect repellent. I would also
recommend that you bring a small flashlight in case you
need to leave early.
Then, you might
like to return for a third visit after you visit the
Valley of the Kings and try to relate the various
pharaohs to the portions they built.
Details of Karnak
are shown below. Click on the pictures to see them full
sized.
Details bottom
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