Temple of Thuthmosis III, Luxor (must see)

The Temple of Thuthmosis III honors the sixth pharaoh of the 18th dynasty under whom Egypt greatly expanded its territories. Over the course of 17 military campaigns Thuthmosis III defeated northern Syria and conquered Nubia. Despite his triumphant rule, his temple was only discovered in 1961 while restoration work was carried out in between the temples of Hatshepsut and Mentuhotep II. It is a small temple and construction probably began in the 43rd year of his reign under his vizier Rekhmire and was most likely completed under the reign of Amenhotep II. Construction of the temple coincided with the campaign of destruction led by Thuthmosis III against the memory of his step-mother Hatshepsut.

It is thought that there was no cult dedicated to the memory of Thuthmosis III at this temple, rather it may have been built so close to that of Hatshepsut to undermine her popularity. Another temple dedicated to the worship of the cult of Thuthmosis III was built elsewhere. Archaeologists have uncovered remarkable multi-colored bas reliefs at the site, some of which are now seen in the Luxor Museum. Much of the temple was destroyed by rock falls from nearby hills, but a visit to the site is still worthwhile when combined with a visit to the Temple of Hatshepsut.