Exploring Egypt’s timeless treasures through side-by-side images of ancient discoveries and their modern-day beauty.
Egypt is home to some of the world’s most fascinating archaeological treasures, from magnificent tombs and temples to ancient artwork that has endured for millennia.
These sites offer a rare window into the lives of the pharaohs, their gods, and the mysteries of the afterlife.
In this list, we take you on a visual journey, presenting one image from the moment these incredible discoveries were first uncovered, alongside a modern-day view of how they stand today.
Tomb of Khaemwaset
📍Luxor
Khaemwaset, a lesser-known son of Ramesses III, was laid to rest in a tomb adorned with vibrant, well-preserved scenes. Although much of his life and death remains shrouded in mystery, his tomb offers a glimpse into his world. It follows a linear layout, with vivid depictions of Ramesses III introducing his son to the gods, along with passages from the Book of the Dead.
The entrance features a vestibule with an astronomical ceiling, showing Ramesses III in full ceremonial attire, while Khaemwaset is depicted in a tunic, sporting the sidelock of youth, symbolising his age. Inside, the tomb's walls are filled with colourful scenes of Khaemwaset and his father in worship, honouring gods like Ptah, Thoth, Anubis, and Ra-Horakhty.
A striking image within the tomb shows a lion-headed "Lord of Fear," armed with a knife, standing as a guardian to protect Khaemwaset in the afterlife.
Temple of Montu
📍Medamud
Originally constructed during the Middle Kingdom, this temple was dedicated to Montu, the falcon-headed warrior god of Thebes, revered as a symbol of military power and divine kingship.
Over the centuries, the temple underwent significant renovations, particularly under Amenhotep III, and was further expanded and modified during the Greco-Roman period.
Despite the passage of time, the site still retains its ancient dock and boasts well-preserved reliefs, inscriptions, and a sacred lake. Beneath the waters, archaeologists have uncovered pottery and artifacts dating back to the temple’s earliest construction phases.
Karnak Temple
📍Luxor
Referred to as Ipet-Sut (“The Most Select of Places”) by the Ancient Egyptians, the Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor evolved over 1,000 years, primarily between the Twelfth and Twentieth Dynasties. Built between 2055 BC and 100 AD, it was the largest and most significant religious site in ancient Egypt, dedicated to the Theban triad: Amun, Mut, and Khonsu.
At its heart stands the Temple of Amun-Ra, the largest religious building ever constructed. The complex’s most iconic feature, the Great Hypostyle Hall, boasts 134 massive columns, built under Seti I. Though Karnak’s influence waned after Memphis rose to prominence, later rulers repurposed sections of it. Despite this, it remains one of the most awe-inspiring monuments of the ancient world.
Luxor Temple Grande Colonade
📍Luxor
The Colonnade of Amenhotep III stands as one of Luxor Temple’s most impressive features, with seven pairs of towering papyrus columns rising 52 feet (16 meters) high. Their open-flower capitals still uphold the massive architrave blocks above, showcasing the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture.
The colonnade’s walls display reliefs inscribed with the names of various pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Horemheb, Seti I, Ramesses II, and Seti II. Originally, Tutankhamun adorned the eastern walls, but his successor, Horemheb, later erased his name and claimed the space for himself—a practice common in Egypt’s royal history.
Tomb of Sethos
📍Valley of the Kings, Luxor
Discovered in 1817 by Giovanni Belzoni, the Tomb of Sethos I (KV17) is one of the most magnificent and well-preserved in the Valley of the Kings. Stretching 137 meters, it is the necropolis’s longest and deepest tomb, adorned with vibrant paintings, intricate hieroglyphs, and funerary texts like the Book of the Dead and Book of Gates.
The burial chamber’s astronomical ceiling represents Sethos I’s divine journey, while the tomb as a whole showcases the artistry and beliefs of the New Kingdom. Despite damage from looting and environmental factors, it remains a stunning testament to ancient Egyptian craftsmanship.
