Karnak
is best described as a city of temples. It is situated very close to Luxor.
In ancient times the 
place
was called Ipet-Isut, meaning "She who counts the sites."
Constructions have been made here for 2000 years, all for the purpose of
praising the highest god of them all, Amon-Re, the Lord of light and war.We
arrived at the Amon temple's first pylon, the first gate, through an avenue
of sphinxes, creatures with a lion's body and the head of a ram. In ancient
times, the avenue extended from the Luxor temple 3.5 km away. Between these
temples annual processions were held and statues of Amon-Re were carried
for the people to view and worship.The
most magnificent experience in Karnak is the great Hypostyle Hall with its
134 pillars of sandstone 
in
beautiful harmony. A hypostyle is a great hall with a
roof supported by huge pillars. The 6000 square meters are enough to encompass
the cathedral of Notre Dam. The pillars were painted in gold and bright
colours. They reached "up to heaven", according to Ramses II.
This is truly a place for Gods.
First published: Monday 20th May, 1996.
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