Medamud

Medamud is located on the Nile's east bank, 5 km north of the karnak temple. Early excavations revealed the remains of an irregular enclosed space dating from the First Intermediate Period and erected around two oval structures considered to be the primeval mounds (Kemp 2006: 134). During the Middle Kingdom, the site became increasingly important when Senwosret III built a new temple dedicated to the falcon‐god Montu, protected by a large enclosure. Several inscribed and decorated doorways from this period have been discovered. They show the king, either officiating in front of the god or celebrating his Heb‐Sed. Thutmose III was the first king from the New Kingdom to transform the temple, although only partially. Other pharaohs followed his example later by enlarging the main building. During the Ramesside Period, interest in the place started to decline. Interest was rekindled in the Ptolemaic era, with a new building program instituted at the site. A small temple was first built close to the main one, then, spurred on by ptolemy v epiphanes, a more impressive one was erected on the axis of the old sanctuary. A portico, a monumental gate, and three kiosks were added later. In the Roman era, the emperor Augustus finally initiated the construction of a large wall to protect the sacred area. This construction was completed by his successor, Tiberius, who added a large gate to mark the entrance, the last monumental edifice erected in pharaonic style at Medamud.

Ancient history · Archaeology · Art · Dome (geology) · Emperor · Excavation · Frieze · Front (military) · Inscribed figure · Kingdom · Period (music) · Ptolemy's table of chords · African history and culture analysis · Ancient Egypt and Archaeology · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Classics · Geology · History · Paleontology