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How was the Luxor Temple expanded by Amenhotep III, Tutankhamun, Horemheb, and Ramses II?
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Egyptian art and architecture
Anubis weighing the soul of the scribe Ani, from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, c. 1275 bce.
The Luxor Temple was developed over several reigns, with each pharaoh contributing to its architectural evolution:
- Amenhotep III: He initiated the construction of the templeās main portions, including an open court with lotus-column colonnades, an offering hall, a shrine for the ceremonial boat, an inner sanctuary, and a room celebrating his divine birth. He also planned the temple's majestic processional colonnade, which features 14 massive pillars with papyrus-flower capitals.12
- Tutankhamun and Horemheb: These pharaohs completed the temple and decorated the processional colonnade planned by Amenhotep III with intricate reliefs depicting processional scenes.12
- Ramses II: He significantly expanded the temple by adding a wide outer peristyle courtyard and a new entrance featuring two great pylons. He also placed colossal statues of himself and a pair of obelisks in front of the pylon; one of these obelisks remains at the site today, while the other was relocated to Paris in the 19th century.312
These additions transformed the site into a major religious complex, reflecting the architectural styles and political priorities of the 18th and 19th dynasties.12