Madinet Habu: The Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III

Madinet Habu Temple is the mortuary temple of Ramesses III, located on the western bank of the Nile in Luxor. A fortified wall encircled the entire complex, which included the earlier Temple of Amun built by Hatshepsut and the Mortuary Temple of the Divine Adoratrice of Amun. An adjacent palace was also within these walls. Ramesses III likely lived in this palace and had his funerary temple built before his death. The Temple of the Divine Adoratrices honored the deceased daughters of pharaohs who held this religious title.

Religious Significance and the Death of Ramesses III

The Temple of Amun was the destination for the yearly pilgrimage of the Karnak Barque of Amun. This procession brought the barque from Karnak, to the Luxor Temple, and then across the Nile to this temple. Every 10 days, Amun of Luxor (from Luxor Temple) traveled to and from the Temple of Amun at Medinet Habu. This likely coincided with the start of each “decan,” as shown in ancient star charts. A canal and boat landing facilitated these processions. Ramesses III is believed to have died in the upper chambers of the gate. He was likely assassinated in a royal plot.

Temple Structure and Preservation

The temple itself follows a customary design with three courts. The first court was the most public. The second and third courts required increasingly higher levels of purity for entry. The paintings on the walls of the first and second courts still retain their color. Over the centuries, various factions claimed the fortified temple. They preserved many of the murals by covering them with whitewash or plaster. This action, while covering the art, ultimately protected it from decay and the elements.

Madinet Habu Temple photos