Tell Me about Medinet Habu
Egyptian Temples & Tombs | admin | March 19, 2010 at 7:04 amKnown as the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, Medinet Habu is its Arabic identity. Located in Theban Necropolis (Luxor) in Egypt at 4 miles from Valley of the Kings on the Western Nile Bank, it is a vast complex considered after the temple of Karnak in size. Its well maintained state certainly deserves more admiration and visitors than what it is obtaining currently. Although the great pharoahs’ tombs are in the Valley of the Kings, they built grand mortuary temples in their memory and to honor the sacred cult. Ramses III (1186-1155 BC) was the second pharaoh of the Dynasty XX and his tomb is in Kings Valley 11, but Medinet Habu is dedicated to him.
Considered quite holy even before Ramses, the location, even today, is believed by the local farmers to hold miraculous powers. Since its early time, the statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu along with other deities made Medinet Habu its abode. During invasions, it safely protected all the inhabitants of Thebes (now Luxor). Since then, Djeme, the Copic town was perched inside its walls, which was responsible for the Christian Church in its Second Court.
Medinet Habu Attractions
- Magnificent Views:
You can have the spectacular views of the complete temple complex either from atop the mound in its southeast or from a hot-air balloon ride. Further, look for an unlocked stairway (done so by a guard) taking to the First Pylon for best vista. The reliefs are fairly seen in the shadows of the early morning or late afternoon. - Main Facade Outside:
Located on the southeast, this is an uneven portico holding the Ptolemaic Pylon on the right. Added in 3rd century B.C., it is adorned with a branched sun-disc. - Migdol Gate:
Perched left to the facade, the gate has amazed Ramses. Besides, there are two statues of Sekhmet who was believed to aid in sending the prayers to Amun God. - Small Temple:
This is at the right of the Migdol Gate built before the Ramses’ temple on a site that witnessed the rising of the ancient mound from the waters of Chaos that resulted in the creation of god Re-Atum. Erected and incompletely adorned by the female pharoah Hatshepsut, her images in the temple were ruined by her successor. - The Chapels of the Votaresses:
Perched on the left across the Small Temple, this is the long worshipped site of the votaresses, the priestesses of Amun. The forecourt and the shrine dedicated to Amenirdis, the sister of King Shabaka hold remarkable reliefs. - Sacred Lake:
Located in southeast of the complex, this is where the infertile women used to bathe and pray at night to Isis for children. - First Pylon:
The reliefs depict the false scenes of Ramses conquering the Nubians (left) and Syrians (right). Its inner wall depicts real, but overstated campaigns. Further towards the left, a scene where a giant Ramses dispersing the Libyans using his chariot is seen. - First Court:
Until recently housing the Coptic-era mansions, this is the first area of your visit from the First Pylon. It is dotted by columns whose right holds the Osiride statues of Ramses III focused by queens reaching the knees. The left side of the court is attached to the ruined dwelling of the King – the Royal Palace. - Second Pylon:
In its exterior, reliefs depict Ramses directing six rows of hostages to Amun (left) and Mut with a lengthy inscription, in right, of his conquests in Asia Minor. The ceiling holds winged cobras and sun-discs. - Second Court:
The Coptic folk built a Church here, removed the pillars, and plastered the reliefs with mud. Now uncovered, the reliefs show the annual festivals of Min and Sokar. - Hypostyle Hall:
Located beyond the Second Court, it is now roofless with five chapels devoted to Ramses III, Ramses II, Ptah, Osiris, and Sokar. On the opposite wall, there are protected chambers of gems whose reliefs show the balancing of gold and other valuables.
Medinet Habu is opened daily from 6 am to 5 pm in summer and 6 am to 4 pm in winter. The entry fee is £E20.
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Medinet Habu is the name commonly given to the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III, an important New Kingdom period structure in the location of the same name on the West Bank of Luxor in Egypt.
Aside from its intrinsic size and architectural and artistic importance, the temple is probably best known as the source of inscribed reliefs depicting the advent and defeat of the Sea Peoples during the reign of Ramesses III.