The Travel Bug: Wonders of Egypt #9/12 (Luxor - Others)

We arrived in Luxor after passing through the Esna Lock. That's the gate that allows vessels move from the higher water level down to the lower level downstream.

Colossi of Memnon & Valley of Kings

On the West Bank (left side of the Nile, symbolises area of the afterlife) lie the Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of Kings. Of the Colossi, nothing remains except these 2 sitting statues of Amenhotep II. It's quite impressive to see them just standing there with nothing else around. The Egyptian government is supposedly restoring some of the temple ruins at the back, but judging from the way it looked its going to be a long time before its completed.

The Valley of Kings started because the land was too rocky to create the usual pyramid style tomb which requires flat land. Therefore they began building their tombs in the limestone hills of Thebes. The location was known only to the reigning King, the tomb architect and the Priests. Those working on the tomb were blindfolded and brought to the location without actually knowing where it is. Unfortunately most of the tombs were robbed (with the exception of King Tut's) and the remaining treasures have largely been brought to the Egyptian Museum. At any one time, about 9 tombs are open to visitors, although many may choose a 3 ticket option instead. Photographs are not allowed inside, probably to protect the beautiful paintings along the walls. Some looked like they had just been painted yesterday.

Hapchetsut

The Temple of Hatshepsut was built into the cliff by the last Egyptian Queen Hapchetsut (Cleopatra was not Egyptian).

In order to get power, she apparently married the young rightful ruler Thutmose III whom she locked up. He later escaped, came to power and destroyed much of the insides of the temple.

To gain acceptance by the people, she apparently dressed as a male.

Luxor Temple

The original entrance of the small Luxor Temple on the East Bank is not used because the area is difficult to access by tourists. Hence a new one was "created. 2 Obelisks used to stand there, but one has been given to France. Apparently the second one was also "promised" to them, but so far they have avoided having to give it over.

The larger statues looked really lovely lit up at night.

Christians also occupied the temple before. Unfortunately the photograph below is really blurry, but if you look carefully, you can see the remnants of paintings of a Christian scene below on the left.

Closed Papryus were used as the capital of the pillars, in contrast with the more common Open ones.

There were not many smaller statues left inside, these are some of the few.

To be continued...