Temple of Luxor built by Amenhotep III, 18th Dynasty pharaoh, completed during reign of Ramses II in 19th Dynasty

Pink granite obelisk, 82 ft high, flanks gateway to temple - one of  twin obelisks (other one re-erected in Place de la Concorde in Paris)

Grand colonnades make it the most impressive ancient monument in Egypt

One of the two enormous seated colossi of Ramses at entrance

Ramses II and  wife Nefertari in temple discovered by Gaston Maspero in 1881 in remarkably good condition

Entering court of Amenhotep III with double row avenue of 14 papyrus bud columns

Ramses II statues between columns, once holding a village and Roman camp

Fawzy points out the meaning of the well-preserved ancient hieroglyphics

This one is particularly popular and obviously touched often!

Head of Atum, god of Heliopolis who created himself on top of hill of eternity

Another black granite statue in temple built inside out

Sculptured walls of crusaders in the battle of  Qadesh

Paint that is still adhering to the granite in the ancient temple

Many scenes of Ramses II depicting victory over Hittites in battle of Qadesh

Phenomenal detail in carved hieroglyphics preserved for centuries under sand

Abu al-Haggag Mosque, built by Arabs in 13th C, left intact

Avenue of the Sphinx (dromos) running 1 mi- Luxor and Karnak Temples