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Construction work began in the 16th century BC.
Approximately 30 Pharaohs contributed to the buildings,
enabling it to reach a size, complexity and diversity not seen elsewhere.
Thebes was a center of cult of Amun and Karnak had become the most important
sanctuary of Amun and Ra.
There are two axis which define the architecture of Karnak.
1 west to east axis - orbit of the sun, this axis is characterized by its' length and the colossal size of its columns.
2- north to south axis - direction of the Nile,
Architectural Layout of West - East axis: (from west to east)
1) A short avenue of sphinxes leads to the temple's first pylon.
2) First Pylons - these were never finished, built the 30th Dynasty Nubian Pharaoh Nectanebo I.
3) First Court - in the center of this court are the ruins of the kiosk of Taharqa (690-664 B.C.),
On the right-hand side of the court, in front of the second pylon, stands a small temple built by Ramses III.
4) Second Pylons - built by Seti I, with two standing statues of Ramses II.
5) The most celebrated Great hypostyle hall constructed in the New Kingdom by Ramses II
A number of columns supported a flat stone roof. Forming the chief and largest inner space of the temple,
6) Third Pylons - constructed by Amenhotep III, his stela describes the principal monuments that he had built in honor of Amun
7) The Obelisk Court - This small court has Four obelisks, erected by Thutmose I and Thutmose III.
This court is also an intersection point with the north - south axis of the temple.
8) 4th & 5th Pylons - constructed by Thutmose I,
between the pylons a hypostyle hall, with columns made of cedar wood was constructed by Thutmose I.
The cedar columns were replaced with stone columns by Thutmose III,
Hatshepsut erected two obelisks inside this hall
9) Central court - an open area
10) Festival Temple - constructed by Thutmose III, including the unusual feature of tent shaped columns
11) The inner Sanctuary of Amun
Architectural Layout of North - South axis: (from north to south)
7) The Obelisk Court - the intersection with the west - east axis (mentioned above).
12) Pyramidion - constructed by Hatshepsut
13) the first court of the temple's north - south axis
14) 7th pylons - constructed by Thutmose III
15) the second court -
16) 8th pylons
17) the third court
18) 9th pylons
19) the fourth court
20) 10th pylons - two colossal limestone statues
21) Avenue of Sphinxes - connected the temple of Amun (north) to the precinct of
Mut (south)
22) the precinct of Mut
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Architecture