Luxor

Luxor wasn’t always called Luxor. In ancient times, it was known as Thebes—the glorious capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom period (c. 1550–1070 BCE). Often referred to by the Egyptians as Waset, it was a spiritual and political epicenter for over 500 years, housing the most powerful pharaohs, monumental temples, and sacred rituals in the empire.

Thebes rose to prominence after the fall of the Middle Kingdom’s capital at Itjtawy. It became a stronghold during Egypt’s reunification and went on to become the heart of pharaonic power. Many of the rulers buried in the Valley of the Kings ruled from Thebes, including Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Seti I, and Hatshepsut—some of Egypt’s most iconic names.

Its religious significance was also unmatched. The city was considered the home of Amun-Ra, the king of gods, whose temple complex at Karnak grew into one of the largest religious sites in the ancient world. Massive annual festivals like the Opet Festival were celebrated here, involving elaborate processions between Karnak and Luxor Temples along the Avenue of Sphinxes.

As centuries passed, Thebes slowly declined due to foreign invasions, shifting trade routes, and the rise of new capitals like Alexandria and later Cairo. The city was eventually renamed “Luxor” during the Islamic era—derived from the Arabic word Al-Uqsur, meaning “The Palaces,” a nod to its impressive ruins.

Today, Luxor is a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains one of the richest archaeological zones on the planet. Excavations continue to uncover new tombs, statues, and secrets that keep rewriting what we know about ancient Egypt.