Karnak Temple: 3,000 Years of Construction from 2,000 BC Through Ptolemaic Period. Complex took almost 3,000 years to evolve, starting around 2,000 BC through the Ptolemaic period Alexander the Great's Macedonian Greek followers worshiped Amun, merging their names with Amun Akhenaten (formerly Amenhotep IV) changed the state cult from Amun to Aten (the sun disk)
Karnak covers 200-247 acres! The Great Hypostyle Hall has 134 massive columns once painted in vibrant colors, with Ramesses II military reliefs. Over 3,000 years of construction from around 2,000 BC through the Ptolemaic period.
Key facts:
- Complex evolved over roughly 3,000 years, starting around 2,000 BC through the Ptolemaic period
- Alexander the Great's Macedonian Greek followers worshiped Amun, merging their names with Amun
- Akhenaten (formerly Amenhotep IV) changed the state cult from Amun to Aten (the sun disk)
- Akhenaten shut all Karnak chapels and moved the capital to Akhetaten (Amarna)
- After Akhenaten's death, his city was destroyed and its stones used to rebuild Karnak
Key Facts
- Complex took almost 3,000 years to evolve, starting around 2,000 BC through the Ptolemaic period
- Alexander the Great's Macedonian Greek followers worshiped Amun, merging their names with Amun
- Akhenaten (formerly Amenhotep IV) changed the state cult from Amun to Aten (the sun disk)
- Akhenaten shut all Karnak chapels and moved the capital to Akhetaten (Amarna)
- After Akhenaten's death, his city was destroyed and its stones used to rebuild Karnak
- Complex covers 200 to 247 acres
- Great Hypostyle Hall contains 134 massive columns once painted in beautiful colors
- Some walls still reveal detailed military reliefs honoring Ramesses II
Related site: Karnak Temple Complex — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: I Took a Sleeper Train to the Largest Temple in Egypt by Wandering Wolf