Historic Events

Throughout history, Luxor, also known as Thebes, has been venerated as a site of great spiritual meaning and bountiful wealth. Beginning with the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom, these aspects of Thebes are seen in ancient traditions in Karnak temple where visitors are to walk around a Scarab beetle, a symbol of the god Khepri, to be gifted good luck. Today, tourists still take part in this memorial to Ancient Egyptian spirituality, which also includes bathing in the water behind the temple. It was thought that no other city could match Thebes for her military power and esteemed beauty; this remains today with standing monuments, temples, and sites of gardens and palaces, as well as the colourful images of feasts and festivals which line the inside of temples. In the same way modern tourists visit Luxor to experience the enchanting views, sunsets, and monuments ancient tourists as visited Thebes for the beauty of the city. This included Babylonians, Minoans from Crete, Mycenaeans, and the Hittites of Anatolia. Whilst Thebes experienced a period of decay following the victory of Ramses III over the Sea Peoples, the city maintained legendary status due to the long history and spiritual meanings.

           Thebes was invaded by Assurbanipal, an Assyrian emperor who installed a Libyan prince on the Egyptian throne. Despite this, Thebes still attracted ancient tourists, such as Herodotus, the Greek historian who spoke to the ‘One hundred gates of Thebes’, a description which has not been deciphered. Alexander the Great also visited Thebes, and built an extension on the Temple of Amun, and partook in the Opet Festival. Christian monks set their monasteries in ancient monuments, such as the Temple of Hatshepsut (now known as Deir el-Bahri, ‘the northern monastery’), because of their interest in the spirit of the city. Clearly, the ancient monuments of the city are of huge significance to local history, as they have been maintained despite many changes in power and politics. This speaks to the respect and admiration visitors, and even invaders, of Luxor have for the heritage of the city.