| Moving pass the two seated statues of Ramses II, we walked through the Colonnade of Amenhotep III. Along one of its walls were statues of Tutankhamen (Boy King Tut) and his wife as Tutankhamen had enhanced these walls during his short reign. Beyond the colonnade was the Court of Amenhotep III. Upon entering, we were impressed with the double rows of tall papyrus columns that surrounded much of the court. It was interesting to hear that the University of Chicago, our older son�s alma mater, had been instrumental in their restoration. From our guide, we also learned that the university had been involved in restoration work at Karnak Temple, at the Sphinx next to the pyramids, in the diggings at the Valley of the Kings, and had contributed new theories to the science of Egyptology. On the opposite end of the court was the hypostyle hall built by Amenhotep III with its 32 papyrus columns. |
