The Temple Complex of Medamud, East Bank, Luxor, Egypt.

in
Association with Q.E.A

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Temple of Medamut, East Bank, Luxor, Egypt

By

Dr John R Ward KT & PH Ma Maria Nilsson

The Sirius Project

&

The Historical Preservation Society

 

Approximately 5 Km North East of Karnak temple complexes, lie's the ruined archaeological site of Medamut on the outskirts of the village of Madu (Metu). Over the years the site has witnessed various changes in the symbolic nature of architectural design which provides us with a great insight into the architectural development of ancient Egypt. The Old Kingdom remains that lay beneath the ruins were subterranean in design, fitting with most of the ideology of the time, with respect to religious practices; most probably there were already remains of pre-dynastic cult centre or even habitation, unfortuanlty without proper excavation on the site we will never know. Again as with most sites in Luxor, Medamut is no exception when it comes to the rising water table. The blocks that litter the ground in the area of the Old kingdom subterranean structure are heavily damaged by the rising water table, therefore it would be sensible to assume that any evidence that was once there has long since perished in the moist sediments of the area.

Given its location, on the established trade routes with the East, we would suggest that the primitive temple complex of the Old Kingdom possibly served as a stopping station en-route to the Red sea area through Wadi Hamamant, it is also likely again referring to the pre-dynastic period that a settlement in the area might have been possible if the river Nile was indeed closer than it is now, we are aware of the Nile's capability of changing is course with the buildup of sediments and increased rain fall higher up in Africa which contributes to the overall height of the Nile in the valley. Without proper excavation and investigation into the sediment levels and thorough examination of the strata, it is only open to theorize upon the actual true events leading to the formation of this particular site. Therefore its origins are left open to debate until such time that we are able to ascertain its origin.

Turning back though to the actual site as it is today, it still provides us with a wealth of information, pertaining not just the Ptolemaic period but also to the Middle and New Kingdoms alike. Surveying the site one can easily make out the distinct layout of the temple complex with its associated rooms and subsidiary buildings. There is a fine example of a sacred lake at Medamut with the dressed walls in situ, its height though in relation to the main temple is somewhat high given its close proximity to the temple walls themselves, this would suggest that there was already then a problem with the water table in the area. As mentioned, a canal system connected Medamut with that of its associated counterpart at the Precinct of Montu in Karnak. Therefore the height of the surrounding countryside had to be level but we would suggest given the height of the quay at Medamut, that the overall elevation of the site was that much higher to that of the surrounding countryside.

The sphinx lined processional route led from the quay towards the kiosks of Ptolemy XII then proceeding through into the courtyard that has been decorated by Antonius Pius, this then paves way to the main temple and the inner sanctuaries (a mixture of various Pharaohs and Emperors). Most of the lower reliefs are still visible and show that this temple was heavily embellished with a reverence with the fine artistic talent that had been employed at this temple. Many of the Ptolemaic and later Greco/Roman emperors placed their own embellishments upon the already dressed walls of this once beautifully adorned temple, possible usurping previous rulers. But for some reason the temple fell into disrepair and fell victim like so many temples to the hands of the local inhabitants who eager to build for themselves strong and affordable accommodation re-used the block work and used the site as a place of reclamation. Fortunately, there survives enough material today to allow us to paint a pretty accurate picture of how the temple may have looked and its layout.

Given the size of the actual site, there must have been a considerable amount of priests and their accompaniments living at Medamut and the ceremonies that were undertaken here would have been spectacular to witness. The royal barges that would have sailed the canal system to ferry the visiting God/s from Karnak and vice-versa would have been a sight to behold from the surrounding agricultural fields. With their pomp and ceremony it would have brought an abundance of colour and sound to a hard environment where crop was most probably the main purpose of the day.

It is sites like Medamut that excite us the most as they lie just on the outskirts of the main necropolis's having just in some cases a canal system connecting them to the main areas of commerce and wealth. They would have had to of been self sufficient to the point of exclusion from their main counterparts, where in case of attach, natural disaster or civil unrest they were in a position to not just protect themselves from the outside world but also as a place of first defense and retreat for that matter. They did not lack any of the refinements that prevailed in the major temples and in some instances such as Medamut the artistic talent employed to embellish and adorn the walls were in fact somewhat finer in detail with a sense of priority and self awareness that is sometimes lacking in the major temples, where we can evidently see that a mass production has taken place and with this a haste and a lack of pride has been employed in the work carried out.

Due east of Medamut lies a Wadi (valley) which runs directly to the Red sea, as we mentioned before. Montu being the God of War could have provided Medamut with a purpose of being a place of dedication before leaving the Theban Necropolis on its way to either wage war or protect the boundaries of Mother Egypt from her enemies. It is hoped that we will be able to investigate further the wadi's of the Eastern desert later next year.

Dr John Ward KT & PH Ma Maria Nillson.

Historical Preservation Society

 

*(Q.E.A would like to remind all of its guests and anyone considering visiting The Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Dayr Al Madina and The Nobles that we throughly discorage any flash photography within the tombs and please keep your visits within the tombs to a minimum. This is so that the tombs and there beautiful contents can be preserved and marvelled at by future generations. Q.E.A is sure that will also agree)