PJ's Studio: Karnak, Egypt

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Karnak, Egypt

We have so many beautiful photos from our trip to Egypt in 2000 it’s definitely time to share some more.

These are from Karnak.

It is the largest religious complex ever made, covering 200 acres. Its size is truly astonishing.

The great temple at the heart of Karnak is so big that St. Peters, Milan and Notre Dame Cathedrals would all fit within its walls.

And the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 columns at 54,000 feet (16,459 meters) is the largest room of any religious building in the world.

The complex which was the center of worship of Amun-Re, chief god of Thebes,

also has spaces dedicated to Mut and Khonsu.

It was built from 2055 BC to 100 AD, with over 30 pharaohs contributing to the site.

Between 1838 and 1840, the Scottish painter David Roberts included Egypt in his tour of the middle and near east. Upon his return he turned his sketches into lithographs. Here is what the entrance to Karnak looked like in his day.

And here is what it looks like now.

A book of his work entitled “Yesterday and Today Egypt” features similar juxtapositions, as well as excerpts from Roberts’ diary. Not surprisingly he often comments about the heat. 😉