Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis in Egypt

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Portal to the Heritage of Astronomy

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1979
Size of heritage: 7,390 ha
- Buffer zone: 444 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 32,600°
Latitude: 25,733°

Summary

Thebes, the city of the god Amon, was the capital of Egypt during the period of the Middle and New Kingdoms. With the temples and palaces at Karnak and Luxor, and the necropolises of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, Thebes is a striking testimony to Egyptian civilization at its height.

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Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, located in the Governorate of Qina, Egypt, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This site encompasses the ancient city of Thebes, which was the capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms, and its surrounding necropolis, including the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.

History

Ancient Thebes, known as Waset in ancient Egyptian, was established around 3200 BCE and flourished as the political and religious center of Egypt for over a thousand years. It reached its peak during the 16th century BCE when it became the capital of the New Kingdom. The city was dedicated to the worship of the god Amun, and its grand temples, such as the Karnak and Luxor Temples, were built to honor him.

The necropolis of Ancient Thebes, located on the west bank of the Nile, served as the final resting place for pharaohs, queens, and nobles. The Valley of the Kings, discovered in the 18th century, contains the tombs of many pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Ramses II. The Valley of the Queens, adjacent to the Valley of the Kings, houses the tombs of royal wives and children.

Current State

Today, Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis stands as a testament to the grandeur and architectural prowess of ancient Egypt. The site attracts millions of visitors each year who come to marvel at its well-preserved temples, tombs, and statues.

The Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious sites in the world, is a major highlight of the site. Its vast open-air hypostyle hall, with its towering columns, is a sight to behold. The Luxor Temple, located on the east bank of the Nile, is another remarkable structure that showcases the architectural brilliance of the ancient Egyptians.

The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens continue to captivate visitors with their intricate tombs and stunning wall paintings. Although many of the tombs have been looted over the centuries, the remaining artifacts and decorations provide valuable insights into the religious beliefs and funerary practices of ancient Egypt.

Address
Distance: 3,3 mi
Ali Ibn Abi Taleb Street
856854 Luxor
Egypt

Time Information

Checkout: 12:30 - Checkin: 07:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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Nour el Gourna

Address
Distance: 0,8 mi
Memnon Street
85952 Luxor
Egypt

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin:
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 0:00
Weekend: closed

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Hotel Kareem

Address
Distance: 2,6 mi
Gezira, El Bairat, West Bank
Luxor
Egypt

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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Rating: 5 of 5
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Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is located beneath the cliffs at Deir el Bahari

Published: September 18, 2014
Length: 34:18 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Xandra Dekker

The Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Djeser-Djeseru ("Holy of Holies"), is located beneath the cliffs at Deir el Bahari on the west bank of the Nile near the Valley of the Kings in...