Karnak: The Precinct of Amun-Re 1980 BCE–320 CE

The Precinct of Amun Re consists of the four temple enclosures that comprise the Karnak temple complex near Luxor in Egypt. There is reference to the site as sacred dating back over four millennia, but the first attributable building work was commissioned by Senusret I in the 11th Dynasty (c. 2134–1991 BCE). Many earlier constructions were demolished or overhauled as successive dynasties sought to make their imprint on the sacred site. The commanding Great Hall was begun by Seti I and completed by his son Ramesses II in the 18th Dynasty (c. 1550–1298). Ramesses II also completed the Eastern Temple, the only part of the site where commoners were admitted to worship, and Ramesses III commissioned the Temple of Khonsu. The Sacred Lake was used by the resident priesthood to purify before performing religious rituals. Embellishment continued until the Ptolemaic era: the first pylon, and enlargement of the Ptah temple dates to this period.