The complex is a vast open site and includes the Karnak Open Air Museum. It consists of four main parts, of which only the largest is currently open to the general public. The term Karnak often is understood as being the Precinct of Amun-Ra only, because this is the only part most visitors see. The three other parts, the Precinct of Mut, the Precinct of Montu, and the dismantled Temple of Amenhotep IV, are closed to the public. There also are a few smaller temples and sanctuaries connecting the Precinct of Mut, the Precinct of Amun-Re, and the Luxor Temple.

The key difference between Karnak and most of the other temples and sites in Egypt is the length of time over which it was developed and used. Construction of temples started in the Middle Kingdom and continued into Ptolemaic times. Approximately thirty pharaohs contributed to the buildings, enabling it to reach a size, complexity, and diversity not seen elsewhere. Few of the individual features of Karnak are unique, but the size and number of features are overwhelming.

circa 2000 BCE- 500 CE

Theban Triad
The Karnak temple complex was dedicated to the Theban Triad is a triad-group of Egyptian gods most popular in the area of ancient Thebes (modern day Luxor), Egypt. The Theban triad consisted of Amun, his consort Mut and their son Khonsu.

The gods of the Theban Triad were favored by both the 18th (circa 1550/1549 to 1292 BCE) and 25th Dynasty (circa 754-656 BCE). At the vast Karnak Temple Complex, these gods constituted the primary objects of worship. Other temples and shrines also exist throughout Egypt, such as the one at Deir el-Hagar, close to the Dakhla Oasis and Medinet Habu. Amenhotep I, the pharaoh who built Karnak, was often depicted amongst these gods.

circa 2000 BCE- 500 CE

Middle Kingdom (circa 2000–1700 BCE)
The origins of the Karnak Temple Complex can be traced to the Middle Kingdom when the earliest structures dedicated to the god Amun were established. During the reign of Senusret I (circa 1971–1926 BCE) of the 12th Dynasty, a small temple or shrine was constructed in the area that would later become the heart of the Precinct of Amun. This period marked the initial recognition of Amun as a significant deity in Thebes, laying the foundation for the site's subsequent religious prominence.

New Kingdom (circa 1550–1070 BCE)
The Karnak Temple Complex reached its zenith during the New Kingdom, becoming the largest and most significant religious center in Egypt. The Precinct of Amun was extensively expanded under Pharaohs such as Thutmose I, who added the first pylons, and Hatshepsut, who constructed the Red Chapel. Amenhotep III contributed monumental columns and statues, while Thutmose III built the Festival Hall and enhanced the processional route linking Karnak to the Luxor Temple. Ramesses II added colossal statues and pylons, further solidifying Karnak’s role as a national cult center. The Precincts of Mut and Khonsu, closely associated with the divine family of Amun, were developed during this period, with Hatshepsut dedicating a temple to Mut and later rulers contributing to the Khonsu temple as part of the Theban triad's worship.

Third Intermediate Period (circa 1070–664 BCE)
During the Third Intermediate Period, the influence of Karnak diminished as political power fragmented across Egypt. However, the temple complex remained an active religious site. The Libyan and Kushite pharaohs of the 22nd and 25th Dynasties, respectively, contributed to the maintenance and renovation of the temple. Notable additions included the statues and reliefs of the Kushite kings, who sought to legitimize their rule by associating themselves with the cult of Amun.

Late Period (circa 664–332 BCE)
In the Late Period, Karnak experienced a resurgence in construction under rulers such as Nectanebo I and II of the 30th Dynasty. These pharaohs built new structures, including an enclosure wall and processional ways lined with sphinxes, reinforcing the complex’s religious and ceremonial importance. The temples of Mut and Khonsu also saw restorations, and the sacred lake within the Precinct of Mut was expanded and adorned to enhance its ritual function.

Ptolemaic Period (circa 332–30 BCE)
Under the Ptolemies, the Karnak Temple Complex continued to function as a major religious center, though its role was gradually overshadowed by Alexandria. The Ptolemaic rulers made contributions to the complex, focusing primarily on maintaining existing structures. They embellished the temples with reliefs combining Greek and Egyptian elements, aligning themselves with the pharaonic tradition to solidify their legitimacy in the eyes of the Egyptian priesthood.

Roman Period (30 BCE–4th Century CE)
During the Roman period, Karnak remained an active cult site, though its significance waned as Christianity gained prominence in Egypt. The temples were adapted for local administrative and ceremonial purposes, and some areas of the complex were repurposed for Roman imperial cult worship. However, much of the complex fell into gradual decline as traditional Egyptian religion diminished.

Medieval and Modern Periods
By the early medieval period, the Karnak Temple Complex was largely abandoned, with its stones repurposed for other construction projects. Rediscovered by European travelers and archaeologists in the 19th century, the complex underwent systematic excavations and restoration efforts to uncover its architectural and historical significance. Today, the Karnak Temple Complex is invaluable for understanding ancient Egyptian religion, politics, and architectural innovation, with its Precincts of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu serving as key focal points for scholarly study.

circa 280 CE

Precinct of Amun-Re
The Precint of Amun-Re is the largest precinct of Karnak Temple Complex, which is surrounded by a rectangular enclosure wall, orientated to the four points of the compass. Inside it there are the levelled remains of previous ramparts, which show that the sacred precincts had been extended. The Temple of Amun was built on a mound that symbolized the first land to emerge from the primordial swamp. The Amun complex incorporated a Sacred lake, which was supposed to represent the swamp in which the sun-god Re first manifested himself.

circa 280 CE

Precinct of Montu
The Precinct of Montu, located near Luxor, Egypt, is one of the four main temple enclosures that make up the immense Karnak Temple Complex. It is dedicated to the Egyptian god Montu. It is located to the north of the Amun-Re complex and is much smaller in size.

circa 280 CE

Precinct of Mut
Located to the south of the newer Amen-Re complex, this precinct was dedicated to the mother goddess, Mut, who became identified as the wife of Amun-Re in the Eighteenth Dynasty Theban Triad. It has several smaller temples associated with it and has its own sacred lake, constructed in a crescent shape. This temple has been ravaged, many portions having been used in other structures. Following excavation and restoration works by the Johns Hopkins University team, led by Betsy Bryan (see below) the Precinct of Mut has been opened to the public. Six hundred black granite statues were found in the courtyard to her temple. It may be the oldest portion of the site.

circa 280 CE

Temple of Amenhotep IV
The Temple of Amenhotep IV was an ancient monument at Karnak in Luxor, Egypt. The structures were used during the New Kingdom, in the first four years of the 18th dynasty reign of the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten, when he still used the name Amenhotep IV. The edifices may have been constructed at the end of the reign of his father, Amenhotep III, and completed by Akhenaten.