DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.9059#0226
KARNAK-THE SOUTHERN RUINS.
209
XXVIth dynasties. Again, quite to the' north
stands an edifice dedicated, like the grand
temple of Karnak, to the principal personage
of the Theban triad. This edifice was founded,
and probably entirely constructed by Amenophis
III. Under the Ptolemies, the front part of the
monument, including the chamber which is sur-
rounded with columns, was repaired in conform-
ity with the style of the period, as was also, in
the same manner and at the same time, the
monumental portal to the extreme north.
Already, in front of the temple properly so
called, Rameses II. had raised the two granite
obelisks, of which nothing but the debris is now
to be seen. The temple itself is in a state of
utter ruin ; in certain parts the walls have dis-
appeared to their very foundations, in others
the}- have preserved onl}r a foot or two of their
original height. However, one entire gateway
may still be seen standing, as well as a few
remains of rather high walls at the south-west
corner.
IV. The Ruins to the South. — We now
retrace our steps southwards, that is to say
towards Luxor whence we started, and continu-
ing along the wall which bounds the grand temple
209
XXVIth dynasties. Again, quite to the' north
stands an edifice dedicated, like the grand
temple of Karnak, to the principal personage
of the Theban triad. This edifice was founded,
and probably entirely constructed by Amenophis
III. Under the Ptolemies, the front part of the
monument, including the chamber which is sur-
rounded with columns, was repaired in conform-
ity with the style of the period, as was also, in
the same manner and at the same time, the
monumental portal to the extreme north.
Already, in front of the temple properly so
called, Rameses II. had raised the two granite
obelisks, of which nothing but the debris is now
to be seen. The temple itself is in a state of
utter ruin ; in certain parts the walls have dis-
appeared to their very foundations, in others
the}- have preserved onl}r a foot or two of their
original height. However, one entire gateway
may still be seen standing, as well as a few
remains of rather high walls at the south-west
corner.
IV. The Ruins to the South. — We now
retrace our steps southwards, that is to say
towards Luxor whence we started, and continu-
ing along the wall which bounds the grand temple