Overview
Merit Amun Temple is the popular name for the archaeological site in Akhmim, in Egypt's Sohag Governorate, associated with Queen Meritamun, a daughter and later Great Royal Wife of Ramesses II. In antiquity Akhmim was known as Ipu or Khent-min, and the Greeks called it Panopolis. It was the main cult centre of the fertility god Min. Today the site lies within the modern town, set below street level, and preserves the remains of a Ramesside monument connected with Ramesses II's building work for Min.
The site is best known for the colossal limestone statue of Meritamun, discovered in 1981 by Egyptian archaeologists. Standing roughly eleven metres tall, it is widely described as one of the largest statues of a queen ever found in Egypt. The figure is carved in the idealised style of the Ramesside court and most likely belonged to the monumental setting of the temple. Its scale reflects both the prestige of the queen and the importance of Akhmim during the reign of her father.
The name Meritamun means "Beloved of Amun". She is also known from her tomb in the Valley of the Queens at Thebes, which shows how prominent she was at court. Akhmim itself remained an important religious and economic centre long after the New Kingdom, through the Ptolemaic, Roman and early Christian periods. A visit here gives a rare look at royal Ramesside art in Upper Egypt, away from the better-known monuments of Luxor and Aswan.
What to see
- 01The colossal limestone statue of Queen Meritamun, about eleven metres tall
- 02The excavated area below street level, showing how the ancient site sits within modern Akhmim
- 03Remains and fragments linked to Ramesses II's temple for the god Min
- 04The wider setting of ancient Panopolis, once a major cult centre of Min
Visitor tips
- Confirm opening hours and ticket arrangements locally or with the Sohag antiquities authorities before you go, as they can change.
- Bring sun protection and comfortable shoes. The site is open-air and has uneven ground, and the statue is best photographed in softer morning or late-afternoon light.
- Combine your visit with other sights in Sohag and Akhmim, and consider a local guide, since signage and background information on site may be limited.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Merit Amun Temple located?
It is in the city of Akhmim, in Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt, on the east bank of the Nile. The site lies within the modern town.
Who was Queen Meritamun?
Meritamun was a daughter of Ramesses II and later became one of his Great Royal Wives. Her name means "Beloved of Amun", and she was buried in the Valley of the Queens at Thebes.
How tall is the statue of Meritamun at Akhmim?
The limestone statue is roughly eleven metres tall. It was found in 1981 and is often described as one of the largest statues of a queen discovered in Egypt.
