Karnak Temple Called 'Place of Kings and Giants' by Medieval Arabs. Medieval Arab scholars called Karnak 'Korn' meaning 'place of kings and giants' 16th and 17th century European travelers called it the largest ruin structure ever witnessed Unlike many ancient landmarks, Karnak was never fully lost; locals always knew where the ruins were located
Karnak was known as Ipet-Isut ('Chosen of Places') to the ancient Egyptians. The modern name derives from Arabic 'Karnak,' meaning 'fortified village,' after the nearby village. Unlike many ancient sites, locals always knew where the ruins were. During antiquity, parts were dismantled and used as building material throughout the Nile Valley. Earthquakes and other natural phenomena toppled columns into the dirt. 16th and 17th century European travelers marveled at its scale.
Key Facts
- Medieval Arab scholars called Karnak 'Korn' meaning 'place of kings and giants'
- 16th and 17th century European travelers called it the largest ruin structure ever witnessed
- Unlike many ancient landmarks, Karnak was never fully lost; locals always knew where the ruins were located
- During antiquity, parts were dismantled and used as building material throughout the Nile Valley
- Earthquakes and other natural phenomena knocked the columns into the dirt
- Rebuilding uses most of the original stone, but much remains missing
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