Statue of Ramesses II at Luxor Temple
in Egypt
The ancient Egyptian temple at Luxor along the East Bank of the Nile was built to honor the gods. Construction began in 1200s B.C. and was added on to by succeeding dynasties. Note the fales beard whick was a symbol of nobility: the longer the beard, the more noble the wearer. A beard whick curled up on the end denoted a god. This statue must have been created while Ramesses was still alive. After his death he became a god, and any statue created then would have depicted him with the curled beard.
-photo by Michael Keefe
A typical Egyptian house is nestled among the palm trees on the banks
of the Nile. The roof is made of hay (it dosen't rain). Though many houses
have electricity, there is no plumbing. They use the Nile for drinking,
washing, bathing, and irrigation. It is common for the people to add on
to the house as the family grows and makes more money. Notice the men sitting
outside the house.
-photo by Michael Keefe