Theben

Historical background

Thebes in Upper Egypt, Waset in Egyptian, was the capital of Egypt in the Middle and New Kingdoms and the city of the god Amun. The temples of Karnak and Luxor stand on the east bank, the Valley of the Kings with the pharaohs' tombs on the west bank of the Nile. In Greek and Roman times the city was impoverished but drew ancient travellers who visited the Colossi of Memnon.