ENSURING A LEGACY

From temples to tombs, bigger was definitely better in the eyes of the pharaohs and their gods

- RHIANNON DAVIES

KARNAK

This temple complex in the city of Thebes is famously home to the temple of Amun, a god who was almost universally honoured by pharaohs. Scores of Egyptian rulers expanded the temple, with Sety I and Ramesses II building and decorating the Great Hypostyle Hall - the inscribed pillars of which are shown left.

RAMESSEUM

Built by Ramesses II, this mortuary temple was meant to be a staggering site at Thebes. Featuring a 17-metre-tall statue of Ramesses, the temple's walls were carved with his military achievements. However, time hasn't been kind to the temple and much of it has crumbled, with remnants littering the ground.

DID YOU KNOW?

ON THE MOVE