The Precinct of Mut at South Karnak

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This richly illustrated guide explores the Egyptian temple and its goddess, Mut, as narrated by leading archaeologists involved in the excavations. Mut, known as the consort of Amun-Re and mother of Khonsu, originally held a more independent role as the daughter of the sun god, similar to Hathor. Like other lioness goddesses, she was the “Eye of Re,” embodying both benevolence and danger. In human form, Mut safeguarded the king, while as Sekhmet, she posed a threat to Egypt if not appeased. The Mut precinct served as a significant religious center from the Eighteenth Dynasty through the Roman Period, with indications of an earlier temple. It expanded under the Kushite king, Taharqa, reaching its current size by the fourth century BCE, featuring three major temples, several chapels, and a village within its vast enclosure walls. Notably, hundreds of Sekhmet statues adorn the site. In 1976, the Brooklyn Museum initiated the first systematic exploration of the precinct, and since 2001, it has collaborated with an expedition from Johns Hopkins University, both teams working toward a shared objective. This guide aims to highlight the importance of the goddess and her temple precinct.