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Medinet Habu

The Medinet Habu is dedicated to Ramses III, who is the most significant figure in the 20th dynasty of the new kingdom. This temple is known for its well preserved colossal structure and detailed inscriptions of historical events on walls. Located on the west bank of the Nile river in Luxor. Let’s read about its history, interior structures and religious significance.

Location of Medinet Habu

Temple is located on the west bank of the Nile river which can be accessed easily by any type of vehicle, even bicycle. It is only 6 km away from the valley of kings which will take you only 10 minutes to reach there. There are many tour operating companies as well that can take you there. 

History of Medinet Habu

Medinet Habu built for the pharaoh Ramses III as a mortuary temple, who ruled Egypt from 1186 to 1155 BCE. Habu temple was built during the 12 century and served as a religious and fortified center dedicated to god Amun. There are also showcases of invaluable records that show the launch of military campaigns against the sea people from there. These were the navel raiders that threatened Egypt security during the late Bronze age.

The temple is considered as a mortuary temple but in ancient times it was also important related to economic or political affairs. As, it was a vital hub for the officials, priests and officials members for workshops. The storage room along the temple shows that it was also a place for food protection, production and distribution. As during the reign period of pharaoh Ramses III, he has too faced many political challenges like labor strikes and economic instability which mentioned in papyrus. The carvings of these struggles and protecting Egypt borders showed the king's efforts to maintain orders for Egypt's prosperity in his time. Later, this monument was used as a fortress for the settlements as well which makes it more historuc and well preserved.

Architecture of Medinet

The Medinet Habu structure is similar to other mortuary temples spanning 66,000 square meters and covered with massive walls. It is the second largest temple on the west bank of nile river in luxor. There are massive statues, grand pylons and incredible carved columns that show the advanced skills of ancient Egyptians. It also has a hypostyle hall, forecourt and inner sanctuaries where they worshiped other deities along Amun-Ra. 

There is a mortuary temple dedicated to pharaoh Ramses III and this is the central structure of Medinet Habu. There are detailed hieroglyphic inscriptions, cravings describing the victories of pharaoh in wars, religious activities explanations and offerings to the deities. Like other temples this mortuary also has the chapel, storage room and sacred lake which shows the legacy of the pharaoh and his religious beliefs.

Especially, the story of the war of Ramses III against the sea people narrates the combat scenes on walls. The wall inscriptions show many scenes about the daily life, administration, economy of Egypt, religious rites and victory processions. 

Royal Palace and Enclose walls 

Medinet Habu complex is surrounded with the massive mudwalls which protects the temple and shows the administrative functions. There is a Royal palace of Ramses III adjacent to the temple which has a throne room, private chambers and reception halls.It seems that the pharaoh resided there during his visits to the complex and also shows the opulence of his era.

Day trip to the 

Valley of Queens, 

Habu & Ramesseum

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Funerary and Religious Spot

Medinet Habu was a worship place but it is also a place of funerary ceremonies. The priest held their religious ceremonies as well to ensure the translation of the afterlife of pharaoh. As, the water of the sacred lake was used for the purification rituals.

Tips for Visitors of Medinet Habu

Here is some helping information if you are going to visit te Medinet Habu which will enhance your experience:

• Try to visit the monument in the early morning or evening time to avoid the loving heat of Egypt. If you visit Mednite Habu during the months of October to April it will be charming and more relaxing.
• You are going to experience the massive pylons, inspiring historical events, carvings and statues. 
• Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen if you love your skin 😀.
• There are some Medinet Habu nearby attractions as well where you can go and explore other monuments like valley of kings, hatshepsut temple and colossi of memnon.

Nowadays, Medinate Habu attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world due to its best preservation and architecture and inscriptions on walls that explains ancient history events. By visiting the temple you will get a glimpse of ancient Egyptian traditions, religious beliefs and advanced skills. Visiting these monuments which are not only a temple, you will learn a lot about history which makes it worth visiting. Let us know if we are missing something about this great temple !