Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor

In the southern colonnade, scenes of Hatshepsut’s expedition to Punt are depicted. Although Punt’s location is unclear, it likely lay on Africa’s east coast, south of Egypt. The end wall, for example, shows a Punt village with dome-shaped houses on stilts, surrounded by birds and animals. Moreover, men cut trees, including incense and ebony, and carry tribute back to Egypt.

Furthermore, a famous relief depicts Ity, the “Queen of Punt,” a grotesquely fat woman who was Parahu’s wife, Punt’s chief. The original is now in the Cairo Museum; however, it has been replaced here by a reproduction. On the western wall, sailing boats prepare to bring tribute back to Egypt, including incense trees, cattle, baboons, and a panther. Additionally, fish swim in the water below. Further along, transplanted incense trees appear in Karnak’s gardens, where officials weigh and document the produce before presenting it to the queen to offer to Amun.

Similarly, the northern colonnade begins with a Chapel of Anubis, mirroring the Hathor Chapel. Colorful scenes, for instance, show Hatshepsut in the presence of the jackal-headed god. In some places, Hatshepsut’s figure has been removed; however, Tuthmose III’s figure remains in offering scenes to Amun, Anubis, Wepwawet, Sokar, Osiris, and other mortuary gods.

In the northern portico, scenes show the queen’s divine birth, affirming her right to rule. The shallow, worn reliefs, likewise, depict Hatshepsut’s mother, Ahmose, united with Amun. Khnum, the creator god, shapes the queen and her ka on a potter’s wheel. The goddess Hekat, overseeing childbirth, then leads Ahmose to the birth room. Hatshepsut is presented to Amun and other deities. Seshat, with Hapi, records her name and reign length. Additionally, the register above shows her coronation, first by Tuthmose I, then by Horus and Set.

The ramp to the third terrace is flanked by Horus falcons. The Polish-Egyptian mission, after extensive work, restored the upper terrace starting in 1961. It was, however, closed to visitors until 2002. Osirid statues of the queen once adorned the portico pillars before the third terrace; some, nevertheless, have been restored.

After passing through a massive pink granite doorway, visitors enter a columned courtyard. The wall north of the doorway, for example, shows scenes from the ‘Beautiful Feast of the Valley.’ Barques carry statues of Tuthmose I, II, III, and Hatshepsut. Priests carry barques of the Theban Triad, while offering-bringers, dancers, and musicians follow. The northern chambers of the upper terrace are also dedicated to the solar cult of Re-Horakhty. One chamber, in particular, houses a large alabaster altar for sacrifices exposed to the sun. Other niches and chapels, including those dedicated to Anubis and Hatshepsut’s parents, branch off from these chambers. These areas, with well-preserved paintings, remain, however, closed to visitors.

Meanwhile, the southern side of the upper terrace court is dedicated to the royal mortuary cult. The south wall, for instance, depicts royal statues in boats with attendants and offering scenes to various deities. The southern chambers, which are still closed, include cult chapels for Hatshepsut and her father, Tuthmose I, with similar decorations.

At the center of the upper court lies the sanctuary of Amun, the temple’s focal point. It is cut deep into the mountain rock. This sanctuary, currently closed, housed the barque of Amun during the ‘Valley Festival.’ Two chambers, furthermore, depict Hatshepsut, her daughter Neferure, and Tuthmose III worshipping various gods. Later, Ptolemy VIII Euergetes added a third chamber, dedicated to Imhotep and Amenhotep, son of Hapu, who were revered as healing deities. Consequently, the third terrace later became a sanatorium.