Tag: ancient Thebes

While the iconic Pyramids of Giza often dominate the imagination when thinking of Egypt, the city of Luxor, ancient Thebes, holds an equally breathtaking concentration of monumental treasures. Situated on the banks of the Nile River in Upper Egypt, Luxor is often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum. It served as the vibrant capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom (roughly 1550–1070 BC), a period of immense power, wealth, and architectural ambition. A visit here transports you back millennia, offering unparalleled insights into the religious beliefs, daily lives, and funerary practices of the pharaohs. This guide delves into three of Luxor’s most unmissable sites: the sprawling Karnak Temple complex, the elegant Luxor Temple, and the mysterious Valley of the Kings.