Karnak at Luxor

Comparable to Angkor Wat in prominence and size, the Temple of Karnak at Luxor is currently believed to be the world's largest surviving religious structure. As kings were considered gods, they required an area given the same attention as other gods, and Karnak definitely fulfills this ideology. Gigantic monolith pylons and statues adorn the temple symbolizing the Karnak's physical residence and needs, including an obelisk weighing 328 tons.

Attention to interior lighting effects is evident throughout the temple, exemplify focus on fine details and craftsmanship. Most recently, a 3,500 year old door to the afterlife unearthed near the temple. Known as a false door that allows the deceased and his wife to interact with the world of the living.

Egyptian culture is renowned for building on large scales unfathomable even by today's engineering capabilities, and Karnak has been deemed one of the many Egyptian god mansions built on a large scale for both political and religious purposes. Here, kings are immortalized in stone walls of a sacred temple which lasts throughout the ages; reminding us again of the incredible and massive building capabilities, influenced by religious belief, of the ancient Egyptians.

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