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Which parts of ancient Thebes lay on the east and west banks of the Nile River?
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Thebes
Temple of Hatshepsut at Dayr al-Baḥrī, Thebes, Egypt.
Ancient Thebes was situated on both sides of the Nile River, with its layout divided by function:1
- East Bank: This area served as the main part of the city. It was the site of major temples, including Karnak and Luxor, where pharaohs constructed grand religious monuments.12
- West Bank: This side functioned as the necropolis, or city of the dead. It contained royal mortuary temples, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the Tombs of the Nobles. Additionally, it housed the residences of the priests, soldiers, craftsmen, and laborers who served the royal necropolis.13