Medinet Habu (Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III)

What to expect at Medinet Habu (Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III)

Medinet Habu is the mortuary complex of Ramesses III, last of the great warrior pharaohs. Because it was buried in silt for centuries, its reliefs are extraordinarily deep-cut and many retain original blue, red and yellow pigment on ceilings and upper walls. The exterior walls carry the famous scenes of the Sea Peoples battles — the earliest depiction of naval warfare in world history — and the whole precinct is surrounded by massive mudbrick fortification walls.

Despite being right next to the Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu stays quiet: you can genuinely be alone in the hypostyle hall even mid-morning. This makes it the single best-value West Bank stop. Combine with Deir el-Medina and the Ramesseum for a workers-and-warriors day that skips the coach crowds entirely.

Questions about Medinet Habu (Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III)

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