How did the Avenue of Sphinxes connect Karnak and Luxor Temple?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

The Avenue of Sphinxes served as a grand ceremonial processional route that connected the Temple of Luxor to the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak. Stretching approximately 1.86 to 2 miles (3 km) in length, this path allowed for the movement of sacred barks between the two major temple complexes.213

Historically, this route was central to the Opet festival, during which the god Amon was said to travel from Karnak to Luxor on his state barge, escorted by the people of Thebes. The avenue was lined with sphinxes and functioned as a vital link between the southern and northern halves of the ancient city's religious landscape. In the 21st century, significant projects were undertaken to excavate and preserve this historic connection.123