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How is the modern city of Luxor connected to ancient Thebes?
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Thebes
Temple of Hatshepsut at Dayr al-Baḥrī, Thebes, Egypt.
The modern city of Luxor is directly connected to ancient Thebes as it occupies a portion of the original site of the ancient city. Specifically, Luxor encompasses the southern half of the ruins of Thebes, which grew up around the Temple of Luxor.123
The connection between the two is both geographical and historical:
- Site Occupation: Luxor is situated on the east bank of the Nile River, where the main part of ancient Thebes was located.12
- Architectural Legacy: The modern city grew around the ancient temple complex, which was originally connected to the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak by an avenue of sphinxes.3
- Cultural Continuity: Some local traditions in Luxor, such as the feast of the local saint Sheikh Yūsuf al-Ḥaggāg, feature processions that resemble ancient rites like the Opet festival.3
Today, Luxor and other major Theban sites—including the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens—are collectively recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.12