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



Village Along the Nile near Kom Ombo, Egypt

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