Overview:

The Temple of Montu at Medamud (modern Egyptian Arab. مدمود, Medamud) is an Ancient Egyptian temple located in the northeast corner of the modern village of Madamud in the Theban Necropolis, some 20 km (12 mi.) north of Luxor. The temple's ancient name was "Hetb-Netjer-Ra", "Mansion of the God Ra". It was dedicated to the Theban god Montu and was the center of activity at Medamud for the 18th dynasty. The oldest surviving part of the temple dates to the reign of Amenhotep III (1417–1379 BCE). Later parts of the complex were developed under Ramses II, and the hypostyle hall was added by Seti I. Ptolemy IX (116-107 BCE) and Ptolemy XII (80-51 BCE) added to the Temple and re-dedicated it to Montu. The most visible remains of the Temple complex are the pillars of the hypostyle hall and the outer façade, but many of the larger blocks and sculptures have been scattered or reused in other structures. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

The Temple of Montu at Medamud is one of the best-preserved and most famous Theban temples in Ancient Egypt. It stands in the modern village of El-Medamud, along the Nile near modern-day Luxor. The temple is dedicated to the god Montu, the falcon-headed warrior god who was the patron deity of Medamud. It dates back to the 18th Dynasty and was built around 1390 BC under the reign of Amenhotep III. The temple has many prominent features, including a pillared gate, a main court, hypostyle hall, a small shrine, and a large pylon or gateway. The temple features images of the king Amenhotep III and his wife Tiye carved directly into the walls. The court contains four seated statues of Amenhotep III and his wife Tiye. The hypostyle hall contains a number of well-preserved columns that have Egyptian hieroglyphics inscribed on them. The small shrine is dedicated to the god Montu and is adorned with a statue of him. The large pylon or gateway features an intricately carved relief of the god Montu and his symbols, including a reed and a falcon. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

Initially destroyed, the Temple of Montu at Medamud was a part of the Hathor Temple located near the ancient Pharaonic city of Thebes, in Southern Egypt. The Hathor Temple is believed to have been built during the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, (approx. 1970-1759 BC). The Temple of Montu at Medamud was added at a later stage, by pharaoh Amenhotep I, during the New Kingdom period between 1550-1080 BC. It was the first temple dedicated exclusively to the God Montu, who was the original falcon-headed god of war. Pharaoh Amenhotep I built additional shrines and courtyards to the temple and covered it with carvings of the God Montu's head wearing a white crown with a feather imbedded on it. The temple continued to be used until the end of the New Kingdom period, when it was damaged during the invasion of the Hyksos. In the Late and Ptolemaic period, the temple was refurbished with red and yellow plaster, and hosted many festivals and rituals. In modern times, the temple was completely destroyed in the 19th century AD to make room for the construction of a Coptic Christian Church. Some of the columns and statues were salvaged and now can be seen in the museums of Cairo and in Luxor. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Temple of Montu at Medamud is one of the oldest standing temple structures in Egypt. Historians believe that the temple was first established in the 20th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. 2. This temple is dedicated to the god Montu, and serves as one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Montu worshippers. 3. The temple itself incorporates ancient Egyptian architectural traditions, while also featuring many unique features. Among these are detailed wall reliefs, a large courtyard, and four large obelisks that line the entrance. 4. Inside the temple are a number of secret chambers and passageways, although historians are uncertain as to what purpose they served. 5. The Temple of Montu at Medamud is also home to a set of hieroglyphs that offer insight into the fascinating religion and culture of ancient Egypt. 6. Although the temple is now in ruins, it remains an important site for historians and Egyptologists who come to learn more about the country's rich religion and history. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era