Avenue of Sphinxes, Luxor

The Avenue of Sphinxes is a historic thoroughfare linking the Karnak Temple to the Luxor Temple in ancient Egypt. Originally constructed for ceremonial purposes, it served as the route for significant events such as the Opet Festival, royal processions, and coronations. Stretching over 2,700 meters, the avenue was adorned with statues of both human-headed and ram-headed sphinxes, symbolizing the deity Amun.

In its prime during the Pharaonic era, approximately 1,300 sphinx statues lined the avenue, although only around 300 remain today due to destruction over subsequent periods. Referred to as "Wat Nathr" by the ancient Egyptians, meaning the path of God, and "Ta-Mitt-Rahat" or Al-Kebbash Road within the Karnak temples, this road holds significant historical and religious importance.

The avenue is divided into three main sections. The first part, dating back to the reign of King Tutankhamun, features sphinxes with lion bodies and ram heads. The second section, from the era of Amenhotep III, includes statues of whole rams, relocated during the reign of King Herihor. Lastly, the third part, with smaller statues resembling lions with human heads, is associated with King Nectanebo I.

These statues, carved from single blocks of sandstone, rest upon stone bases inscribed with the king's name, titles, and praises. Despite the passage of time and the loss of many sphinxes, the Avenue of Sphinxes stands as a testament to ancient Egyptian grandeur and religious tradition.