Overview
The El-Tod Temple (Arabic: معبد الطود) stands on the east bank of the Nile, about 20 kilometres south of Luxor, in the village of Tod. The ancient Egyptians knew the place as Djerty, and the Greeks later called it Tuphium. It was a cult centre of Montu, the falcon-headed war god of the Theban region. Its long life as a sacred site makes it a rewarding stop for travellers who want to go beyond the major Luxor monuments.
Building here began in the Middle Kingdom, when kings such as Mentuhotep II and Senusret I are associated with early shrines. In the New Kingdom, rulers including Thutmose III added to the sanctuary. What visitors see today is mainly the Ptolemaic temple, with Roman-era work, built over earlier foundations. Reused blocks and relief fragments show how successive dynasties kept renewing the god's house on the same sacred ground.
Tod is also famous for the Tod Treasure, discovered in 1936 by French archaeologists beneath the Middle Kingdom temple. Metal chests inscribed with the name of King Amenemhat II held silver objects, ingots and lapis lazuli cylinder seals, evidence of far-reaching trade contacts in the ancient world. The finds were divided between the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Louvre in Paris, while the temple preserves the setting of this remarkable discovery.
What to see
- 01The Ptolemaic temple of Montu, with Roman-era additions and surviving relief decoration
- 02Reused blocks and fragments from earlier Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom building phases
- 03The foundation area where the famous Tod Treasure was found in 1936
- 04The setting on the Nile's east bank, with a quiet village atmosphere and few crowds
Visitor tips
- Confirm current access and opening arrangements locally or through your hotel or a licensed guide before travelling, as the site is less visited than central Luxor temples.
- Visit in the morning and bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes, since shade and facilities may be limited.
- Combine Tod with nearby sites such as Armant or Esna, and see the Tod Treasure finds at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Frequently asked questions
Where is El-Tod Temple?
It is in the village of Tod on the east bank of the Nile, about 20 kilometres south of Luxor, on the way toward Armant and Esna.
Which god was worshipped at Tod?
The temple was dedicated to Montu, the falcon-headed war god associated with the Theban region, and to deities linked with his cult.
What is the Tod Treasure?
It is a group of silver objects, ingots and lapis lazuli cylinder seals found in 1936 in chests naming King Amenemhat II. The finds are divided between the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Louvre.
