Photo Gallery

Egypt - Medinet Habu - The young Egyptian admire ancient Egypt

In Qurna, on the left bank of the Nile across from Luxor, a market is held once a week. Like so many other markets of this kind in Egypt and other countries in the Middle East, this market is visited by hundreds of people—sellers and buyers alike—and the atmosphere is perfect for attracting tourists. At these markets, you can find a little bit of everything: fruits, vegetables, and spices, which are an integral part of the locals’ daily diet. – 1984

Detail from the older part of Luxor Temple, 18th Dynasty. According to the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, only the pharaoh was authorised to conduct religious services. This is why the temple reliefs always depict the king interacting with the gods, even though in reality he was represented by a large group of priests. In this section, Amenhotep III (1391–1353 BC), protected by the falcon Horus, offers sacrifices to the god Amun-Re (presumably on the right). These are placed on a tray held in the king’s hands and on a sacrificial table before him. They include drinks and food: water or wine, various types of bread, vegetables, chicken legs and plucked geese. The offering was presumably also enhanced with spices. On the sacrificial table, a slender libation vase and an elegant incense burner can also be seen, from which small flames rise, ready for the priestly rites that will take place in private. The floor is also strewn with flowers, which form part of the traditional offerings. – 1984