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The Ancient World

What's left of the Egyptian, Roman, and Greek empires, including: Ancient Egypt; Roman Philadelphia; Knossos; Greek acropoli and monuments.
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The illuminated face of Ramses II welcomes the visitor to Luxor Temple, Egypt. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun-Min, Mut, and Konsu, Luxor Temple standing in the center of town is lit up at night. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Egypt Egyptian Karnak Luxor Amon Amun tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities ruins temple tomb pylon wall column pillar ramp ancient 'ancient Egypt' Thebes Theban Thebian Mut Konsu Amun-Min Khonsu obelisk pylon wall Ramses 'Ramses II' statue colossus colossi night illumination lights dark 'after dark' nighttime
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The illuminated face of Ramses II welcomes the visitor to Luxor Temple, Egypt. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun-Min, Mut, and Konsu, Luxor Temple standing in the center of town is lit up at night. © Rick Collier






Egypt Egyptian Karnak Luxor Amon Amun tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities ruins temple tomb pylon wall column pillar ramp ancient 'ancient Egypt' Thebes Theban Thebian Mut Konsu Amun-Min Khonsu obelisk pylon wall Ramses 'Ramses II' statue colossus colossi night illumination lights dark 'after dark' nighttime

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  • Medinet Habu -- the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, near Luxor, Egypt. The sanctuaries at the back of the temple are not as complete as the first courts, but the carving and heiroglyphics covering every available surface here are remarkable. The temple is remarkable for its excellent state of preservation and extremely deep heiroglyphic carvings. The original paint and coloration in many parts has been protected by the very deep carvings and solid construction, so still shows in many parts. The heaviness of construction and depth of carvings was considered a sign of the pharoah's great importance and wealth. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Egypt Egyptian Habu 'Medinet Habu' Luxor tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities Thebes Theban Thebian Nile 'Nile River' temple tomb monument souvenir shop town village 'Valley of the Kings' necropolis Ramses 'Ramses III' heiroglyph heiroglyphic painting decoration sanctuary
  • Medinet Habu -- the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, near Luxor, Egypt. The sanctuaries at the back of the temple are not as complete as the first courts, but the carving and heiroglyphics covering every available surface here are remarkable. The temple is remarkable for its excellent state of preservation and extremely deep heiroglyphic carvings. The original paint and coloration in many parts has been protected by the very deep carvings and solid construction, so still shows in many parts. The heaviness of construction and depth of carvings was considered a sign of the pharoah's great importance and wealth. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Egypt Egyptian Habu 'Medinet Habu' Luxor tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities Thebes Theban Thebian Nile 'Nile River' temple tomb monument souvenir shop town village 'Valley of the Kings' necropolis Ramses 'Ramses III' heiroglyph heiroglyphic painting decoration sanctuary
  • Medinet Habu -- the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, near Luxor, Egypt. Small chapels and temples are clustered around the original Ptolemaic pylon at the temple entrance. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Egypt Egyptian Habu 'Medinet Habu' Luxor tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities Thebes Theban Thebian Nile 'Nile River' temple tomb monument souvenir shop town village 'Valley of the Kings' necropolis Ramses 'Ramses III' Ptolemy chapel
  • The Colossi of Memnon. These were originally constructed as statues flanking the entrance to the mortuary temple of Amenophis III, but the temple was subsequently plundered by later pharoahs so nothing remains. Later fractured by an earthquake, in Greek and Roman times these statues were occasionally heard to "sing" when the breeze would rise at dawn. The statues were subsequently repaired at the orders of Roman emperor Septimus Severus in 199 AD. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Egypt Egyptian Habu 'Medinet Habu' Luxor tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities Thebes Theban Thebian Nile 'Nile River' temple tomb monument souvenir shop town village 'Valley of the Kings' necropolis Memnon colossus colossi 'Colossi of Memnon' Amenophis 'Amenophis III'
  • The "front" entrance to Luxor Temple, Egypt, is illuminated at night. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun-Min, Mut, and Konsu, Luxor Temple stands in the center of town. The statues are of Ramses II, to whom the first court in the temple is dedicated. There were originally two obelisks here -- the second was removed and now stands at the Louvre in Paris. Originally joined by a road to the Temple of Amon at Karnak, Luxor was temple was considered the "harem of the south," the home of Amon's wife Mut and son Khonsu. Once a year, a ceremonial procession took the statue of Amon from Karnak to spend the night with his family at Luxor. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Egypt Egyptian Karnak Luxor Amon Amun tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities ruins temple tomb pylon wall column pillar ramp ancient 'ancient Egypt' Thebes Theban Thebian Mut Konsu Amun-Min Khonsu obelisk pylon wall Ramses 'Ramses II' statue colossus colossi night illumination lights dark 'after dark' nighttime
  • Luxor Temple, Egypt. Night time illumination. This row of Sphinx statues, lit up at night, originally lined the road that once led from Luxor to Karnak temples. Originally joined by both the Nile River and a road to the Temple of Amon at Karnak, Luxor was temple was considered the "harem of the south," the home of Amon's wife Mut and son Khonsu. Once a year, a ceremonial procession took the statue of Amon from Karnak to spend the night with his family at Luxor. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Egypt Egyptian Karnak Luxor Amon Amun tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities ruins temple tomb pylon wall column pillar ramp ancient 'ancient Egypt' Thebes Theban Thebian Mut Konsu Amun-Min Khonsu carving Ramses 'Ramses II' statue sphinx road night illumination lights dark 'after dark' nighttime
  • The illuminated face of Ramses II welcomes the visitor to Luxor Temple, Egypt. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun-Min, Mut, and Konsu, Luxor Temple standing in the center of town is lit up at night. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Egypt Egyptian Karnak Luxor Amon Amun tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities ruins temple tomb pylon wall column pillar ramp ancient 'ancient Egypt' Thebes Theban Thebian Mut Konsu Amun-Min Khonsu obelisk pylon wall Ramses 'Ramses II' statue colossus colossi night illumination lights dark 'after dark' nighttime
  • Statues of pharoah alternate with columns in the Court of Ramses II at Luxor Temple, Egypt. The lights come on at nightfall, adding drama to the passages and courtyard within the temple. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun-Min, Mut, and Konsu, Luxor Temple stands in the center of town and is illuminated every night. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Egypt Egyptian Karnak Luxor Amon Amun tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities ruins temple tomb pylon wall column pillar ramp ancient 'ancient Egypt' Thebes Theban Thebian Mut Konsu Amun-Min Khonsu obelisk pylon wall Ramses 'Ramses II' statue colossus colossi night illumination lights dark 'after dark' nighttime
  • The illuminated face of Ramses II welcomes the visitor to Luxor Temple, Egypt. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun-Min, Mut, and Konsu, Luxor Temple standing in the center of town is lit up at night. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Egypt Egyptian Karnak Luxor Amon Amun tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities ruins temple tomb pylon wall column pillar ramp ancient 'ancient Egypt' Thebes Theban Thebian Mut Konsu Amun-Min Khonsu obelisk pylon wall Ramses 'Ramses II' statue colossus colossi night illumination lights dark 'after dark' nighttime
  • Giant statues (colossi) of Ramses II welcome the visitor to Luxor Temple, Egypt, and are illuminated at night. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun-Min, Mut, and Konsu, Luxor Temple standing in the center of town is lit up at night. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Egypt Egyptian Karnak Luxor Amon Amun tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities ruins temple tomb pylon wall column pillar ramp ancient 'ancient Egypt' Thebes Theban Thebian Mut Konsu Amun-Min Khonsu obelisk pylon wall Ramses 'Ramses II' statue colossus colossi night illumination lights dark 'after dark' nighttime
  • Luxor Temple, Egypt, makes a spectacular scene, dominating the town when illuminated at night. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun-Min, Mut, and Konsu, Luxor Temple standing in the center of town is lit up at night. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Egypt Egyptian Karnak Luxor Amon Amun tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities ruins temple tomb pylon wall column pillar ramp ancient 'ancient Egypt' Thebes Theban Thebian Mut Konsu Amun-Min Khonsu obelisk pylon wall Ramses 'Ramses II' statue colossus colossi night illumination lights dark 'after dark' nighttime
  • After dark spectacular lighting makes it easier to pick out the obelisk and statues of Ramses II in front of the first pylon (outer gate), with the lit mosque just behind the wall atop Luxor Temple, Egypt. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun-Min, Mut, and Konsu, Luxor Temple standing in the center of town is lit up at night. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Egypt Egyptian Karnak Luxor Amon Amun tourist tourism history historic antiquity antiquities ruins temple tomb pylon wall column pillar ramp ancient 'ancient Egypt' Thebes Theban Thebian Mut Konsu Amun-Min Khonsu obelisk pylon wall Ramses 'Ramses II' statue colossus colossi night illumination lights dark 'after dark' nighttime
  • The primary Roman theater at Gadara, now Umm Qais, in northwest Jordan. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Jordan 'Umm Qais' Ottoman Roman Gadara Gadarenes Bible Biblical ruin ruins 'ancient world' archeology 'archeological site' amphitheater theater classical
  • An Ottoman town tops the acropolis over Roman ruins and street at the biblical town of Gadara (home of the Gadarenes). Now called Umm Qais, in northwestern Jordan. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Jordan 'Umm Qais' Ottoman Roman Gadara Gadarenes Bible Biblical ruin ruins 'ancient world' archeology 'archeological site' classical street column columns crypt acropolis vault column street
  • The Roman "main street," the Decumanus Maximus, at the biblical town of Gadara, now called Umm Qais in northwestern Jordan. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Jordan 'Umm Qais' Ottoman Roman Gadara Gadarenes Bible Biblical ruin ruins 'ancient world' archeology 'archeological site' classical street column columns 'Decumanus Maximus'
  • At the Theater. Two women chat, seated at the top row of the Roman theater in the oldest, Islamic section of Amman, Jordan. What is now Amman was once the city known in the classical world as Roman Philadelphia. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Jordan Amman Rome 'Roman Empire' 'Roman Philadelphia' ancient antiquity tourism tourist 'Roman forum' city Islamic buildings apartments 'city center' history historic classic classical
  • The Roman theater frames a view of central Amman, Jordan, rising to the Citadel and remains of the Roman Temple of Hercules on the hill beyond. Columns and trees just outside the theater mark the site of what was once the on of the largest fora in the Roman Empire. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Jordan Amman Rome 'Roman Empire' 'Roman Philadelphia' ancient antiquity tourism tourist 'Roman forum' city Islamic buildings apartments 'city center' history historic classic classical citadel Hercules 'Temple of Hercules' acropolis panorama panoramic view
  • The remains of the Roman temple of Hercules, located at the Citadel atop the central hill in Amman, Jordan. The temple was originally built in the time of Marcus Aurelius. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Jordan Amman Rome 'Roman Empire' 'Roman Philadelphia' ancient antiquity tourism tourist 'Roman forum' city Islamic buildings apartments 'city center' history historic classic classical citadel Hercules 'Temple of Hercules' acropolis panorama panoramic view ruin ruins archaeology archaeological column columns capital capitals
  • Remaining capital standing at the site of the Roman Temple of Hercules, at the Citadel, Amman, Jordan. © Rick Collier<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Jordan Amman Rome 'Roman Empire' 'Roman Philadelphia' ancient antiquity tourism tourist 'Roman forum' city Islamic buildings apartments 'city center' history historic classic classical citadel Hercules 'Temple of Hercules' acropolis ruin ruins archaeology archaeological column columns capital capitals
  • Giza, Cairo, Egypt -- The three famous pyramids at Giza, surrounded by the "queen's pyramids" and with the remains of the funerary temple of Khafre (Khephren) (featuring the Great Sphinx) are spectacularly illuminated during the famous sound and light show at Giza. © Rick Collier / RickCollier.com<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> travel; vacation; destination; Egypt; Cairo; Giza; pyramids; "Pyramids at Giza"; Cheops; Khufu; Khafre; Kephren; Chephren; Menkaure; Mykerinus; "Queen's pyramid"; Sphinx; "Great Pyramid"; "Great Sphinx"; necropolis; temple; temples; light; night; "light show"; "sound and light"; show; presentation
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