"Necropolis of Thebes" Necropolis of Thebes by MM212

Necropolis of Thebes Travel Guide: 61 reviews and 196 photos

Hatchepsut's Temple - Festival of Hathor

As one of the richest archeological sites in the world, Thebes and its necropolis count among Egypt's main attractions. Following the tradition of Ancient Egypt, the Necropolis of Thebes is located at the edge of the desert on the west bank of the Nile, while the city of Thebes, modern day Luxor, is on the east bank. The west, where the sun sets, symbolises death and the afterlife, whereas the east, where it rises, symbolises the beginning of life. Therefore, most of Ancient Egypt's necropoli are located on the west bank (e.g., Giza, Saqqara, etc.).

Although this area was used as a burial place as early as the Old Kingdom, it was not until the New Kingdom (after 1500 BC) that kings and queens of Ancient Egypt chose it as the burial place of choice. This coincided with the golden age of Egyptian art and architecture resulting in magnificent tombs embelished with exuberant decorations and luxurious objects, and built alongside majestic funerary temples. Many of these temples have not survived the test of time, but the few that have stand to astonish the most doubtful of visitors. A trip to Luxor is as close as one gets to time travel, to a world so different from our own... be ready for the journey!

This page describes the sites and tombs in western Thebes, while other separate pages focus on the city of Luxor and the Complex of Karnak.

Egypt December 2007 Itinerary:
Cairo - Saqqara - Pyramids of Giza; Luxor - Karnak - Necropolis of Thebes; Aswan - Philae - Kalabsha; Abu Simbel; Cairo again.

Last visit to Necropolis of Thebes: Dec 2007
Intro Updated Mar 7, 2008
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Reviews (41)

The gardens at Al Moudira Hotel - Necropolis of Thebes

Where to stay when visiting Hotels (1)

Although there are a few hotels on the west bank of Luxor (i.e., the Necropolis of Thebes), most visitors tend to stay... more travel advice

Pastel coloured village - Necropolis of Thebes

Gurna and other local villages... Favorites (2)

Over the centuries, several small local villages with pastel coloured houses developed all over the Necropolis of... more travel advice

Hot Air Balloon Ride Favorites (2)

While I did not try it, a hot air balloon ride above the Necropolis of Thebes seems like a fun idea. It is popular among... more travel advice

Ptolemaic period construction - Necropolis of Thebes

Madinet Habu - Temple of Amun Things to Do (37)

Built in the 15th century BC by Pharaoh Thutmosis III, the Temple of Amun is the oldest temple in Madinet Habu. It is... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Travelling around the Necropolis of...

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Comments (3)

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hunterV Feb 28, 2008 at 4:43 AM

Momo, you have a wonderful page here!
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Feb 22, 2008 at 12:23 PM

Thank you Momo for bringing back memories about this magnificient place. Unfortunately I didn't see the Ramesseum, Madinet Habu. Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Artisans. Very interesting tips with wonderful pics.
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VZ-Pam Feb 16, 2008 at 5:17 PM

very detail descriptions , good job !