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Karnak Temple, also called Karnak Complex or Temples of Karnak, is the second primary temple located on the eastern bank of the Nile in Luxor City. The Arabic word "Karnak" means "fortified village." Sesostris I, also called Senusert I, started building the temple. Many additions were made by different kings until the Ptolemaic period. The area around the temple was called "Ipet Isut," which means the most selected of places and the main place of worship for the Theban Triad: Amun, his consort Mut, and their son Khonsu.
Karnak Temple has ten pylons built on two axes, separated by courts and halls. The temple also has a number of shrines and small temples within its enclosure. It is noticeable that some kings recorded their significant military victories on the temple's walls, such as Ramses II, who led the Egyptian army in the battle of Kadesh in Syria, and Sheshonq I, who invaded Jerusalem and forced its ruler, Rehoboam, to surrender.