Medinet-Habu Temple
The Medinet-Habu Temple was founded by Ramses III. The stately temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu is notable for preserving a large part of its original temple structures. Excavations have revealed the layout of the temple, including all its sections, fortifications, and interior constructions in considerable detail.
Located on the west bank of the Nile, in the western part of ancient Thebes (now Luxor), Medinet Habu remains an important religious center and a strong pharaonic stronghold in Upper Egypt. The temple resembles more a fortress than a typical temple due to its high defensive walls and narrow entrances and corridors controlling access.
It is considered the second-largest temple after the Karnak Temples in Luxor. Here, the king inscribed records of his military campaigns against enemies to the north.
The temple building is well preserved, measuring approximately 66 meters wide and 24 meters high. The inscriptions depict the king’s campaigns in northern Syria, including scenes of captured enemies in chains and scribes counting the number of fallen foes.
The entrance is designed to resemble the gates of Syrian fortresses. The military base in Syria was called “Majdal,” and this design gave the temple a fortress-like appearance similar to a castle. Above this gate is a place resembling a resting place for Ramses III.
The entrance leads to a columned courtyard containing 24 columns, five shrines, a burial chamber, and statues of King Ramses III in an Osiris-like pose. To the left of this courtyard are the royal palace and the “Window of Appearance,” from which the king would present golden necklaces to leaders and worshippers.
Recently, the Ministry of Antiquities restored the golden niche in the Medinet-Habu Temple to reveal the beauty and splendor of the original temple’s colors.