24th July 2012
Armant Town - Luxor
Once the ancient Greek settlement of Hermonthis. The history goes back much further than this time. It thrived during the Middle Kingdom and was extended during the 18th Dynasty. Cleopatra Vll made it the capital of the surrounding area.
Nothing is left of Cleopatra’s temple but the temple dedicated to Montu still exists. Montu is represented by the Buchis ball and were buried in the Bucheum near the temple of Montu.
In ancient times, Armant was part of the Palladium of Thebes, which was sacred land placed under the protection of Montu. This is an area consisting of Hermonthis, North Karnak, Medamud and Tod
Today Armant is a large town some 12 miles south of Luxor on the East bank. It is a non tourist town and has a population of around 11,000. There is an industry there by the Nile but just like any other none tourist town, very few people speak English, so it was difficult asking questions. It looked like a plaster or cement factory. When trying to ask the men outside the factory as to what they made and even pointing and indicating to the white powder or dust all over their hands, legs and clothes, it was impossible to get an answer.
There is a thriving market and many shops in the town, all quite busy. The people were very friendly and very polite. I stopped of at a few cafes where I could sit and watch the local life pass by. Naturally the waiters of the cafes and especially the young men, make a fuss of me because it is unusual for them to see visitors.
Armant Town - Luxor
Once the ancient Greek settlement of Hermonthis. The history goes back much further than this time. It thrived during the Middle Kingdom and was extended during the 18th Dynasty. Cleopatra Vll made it the capital of the surrounding area.
Nothing is left of Cleopatra’s temple but the temple dedicated to Montu still exists. Montu is represented by the Buchis ball and were buried in the Bucheum near the temple of Montu.
In ancient times, Armant was part of the Palladium of Thebes, which was sacred land placed under the protection of Montu. This is an area consisting of Hermonthis, North Karnak, Medamud and Tod
Today Armant is a large town some 12 miles south of Luxor on the East bank. It is a non tourist town and has a population of around 11,000. There is an industry there by the Nile but just like any other none tourist town, very few people speak English, so it was difficult asking questions. It looked like a plaster or cement factory. When trying to ask the men outside the factory as to what they made and even pointing and indicating to the white powder or dust all over their hands, legs and clothes, it was impossible to get an answer.
There is a thriving market and many shops in the town, all quite busy. The people were very friendly and very polite. I stopped of at a few cafes where I could sit and watch the local life pass by. Naturally the waiters of the cafes and especially the young men, make a fuss of me because it is unusual for them to see visitors.
On the way to Armant
Swimmers in a nearby canal on the edge of town.
A clever little guy who could walk quite away on his hands
