The Temple of Luxor - Court of Amenhotep II

The Court of Amenhotep II

The Colonnade

Originally built by Amenhotep II, the court was later decorated by Tutankhamen and Horemheb. The Colonnade consists of 14 columns with papyrus capitals. In the entrance to the Colonnade are two statues bearing the name of Ramesses II but the feathers of Tutankhamen. What is left of the walls bear wonderful reliefs of Tutankhamun reign and a celebration of the re-establishment of the Amun orthodoxy.

The Court

The east and west side of the court has well preserved double rows of papyrus columns with bud capitals, though originally the columns were on the north side as well. The Hypostyle Hall, on the south side, had four rows of eight columns. Reliefs are on both side of the south wall depicting the coronation of Amenhotep II by the gods. A roman altar, dedicated to Constantine, is located to the left of the central aisle.

The Antechambers

The reliefs of Amenhotep II were whitewashed and painted over in the 3rd or 4th century. The stucco is crumbling, and just recently, beginning to show the reliefs underneath. The second antechamber has four columns (versus eight in the first antechamber) and reliefs of Amenhotep II offering incense to Amun.

Sanctuary of the Sacred Boat of Amun

The chapel inside the chamber was rebuilt by Alexander the Great and bears his reliefs, while the chamber walls bear the reliefs of Amenhotep II. A small hall is to the east which opens onto the Birth Room, which was built because of Amenhotep II's claim that he was the son of Amun. Amenhotep II claimed that Amun disguised himself as Tuthmosis IV, entered the queen's chambers and breathed the child into her nostrils.

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