The religious centre of ancient Thebes, situated on the east bank of the Nile, where the great temple of Amun was constructed. This complex of buildings, the work of some 2000 years, includes the Hypostyle Hall with 134 columns each c.24 m (79 feet) high. It was begun by Ramesses I and completed by Seti I and Ramesses II. A road lined with statues of sphinxes linked the site to nearby Luxor.