Luxor
is thus unique among the main Egyptian
temple complexes in having only two pharaohs
leave their mark on its architectural
structure. The temple fell into disrepair
during the Late Period and Alexander the
Great claims to have undertaken major
reconstruction work "to restore it
to the glory of Amenhotep's times"
in the 320s BC. During Rome's domination
of Egypt it was converted into a centre
for the imperial cult. By the time of
the Arab conquest, the temple was largely
buried underneath accumulated river silt,
to the extent that the Mosque of Abu Haggag
was built on top of it in the 13th century
(much reworked since, but one of the minarets
dates back to the original construction).
Image from the temple at Luxor, showing
Amenhotep III's vanity in depicting his
wife as Neith, who was the mother of Ra,
king of heaven, but remained permanently
a pure virgin.
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