Mortuary Temple of Mentuhotep II

Long before Hatshepsut built her famous terraces, King Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II chose Deir el-Bahari as his final resting place. His temple was a revolutionary structure that combined a pyramid (or mound) with a terraced temple, symbolizing the Primeval Mound of Creation. It marks the reunification of Egypt and the dawn of the Middle Kingdom. [1]

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Deir el-Bahari (South) Middle Kingdom 11th Dynasty

Quick facts

A fast snapshot of Mentuhotep II's temple—its builder, its unique layout, and its rediscovery.

Location

South of Hatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahari. It sits in the same bay of cliffs but is much older. [1]

Dedicated to

Montu-Ra (the war god), Amun, and the cult of the deceased king Mentuhotep II himself. [2]

Construction

Built during the 11th Dynasty (c. 2055–2004 BC), marking the start of the Middle Kingdom after a period of civil war. [3]

Unique Feature

It featured a central edifice that was likely a pyramid or a flat-topped mound (mastaba) built on a raised terrace. [1]

Highlights

The "Bab el-Hosan" (Gate of the Horse) leading to a subterranean cenotaph, and the tombs of the king's wives and daughters. [2]

Visiting

Included in the general Deir el-Bahari ticket. Visitors can walk around the ruins, though access to the inner hypostyle hall is often restricted.

Encyclopedic guide

Explore the "Akh-Sut" (Splendid are the Places), the monument that redefined Egyptian royal architecture.

The Prototype

When Mentuhotep II reunited Egypt, he chose to build his mortuary complex in the dramatic bay of Deir el-Bahari. His temple was unlike anything built before. It combined the Theban Saff-Tomb (row of columns) with the Old Kingdom Pyramid complex. Five hundred years later, Hatshepsut would copy his terraced design but on a grander scale. [1]

Ruins of Mentuhotep II Temple
The ruins of Mentuhotep II's temple (foreground) next to the soaring colonnades of Hatshepsut (background). Though ruined, its layout is clearly visible.

Key Features

  • The Central Edifice: A massive square structure on the upper terrace. Archaeologists debate whether it was a pyramid or a flat mastaba representing the Primeval Mound. [2]
  • The Hypostyle Hall: Behind the central edifice lies the oldest known hypostyle hall in Egypt, with 80 columns. [3]
  • The Royal Tombs: The complex includes shrines and tombs for the king's wives and daughters (the "Priestesses of Hathor"), incorporated into the temple. [1]

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions about Mentuhotep II's temple.

It is 500 years older. Also, it was built partly of limestone which was later quarried by subsequent pharaohs (including Hatshepsut herself in some theories, or Ramses II) to build other temples. It was also damaged by earthquakes. [1]
"Copy" is a strong word, but she certainly "quoted" it. Her architect Senenmut aligned her temple perfectly with Mentuhotep's and adopted the terraced design to create continuity and link her reign to the glorious ancestor who unified Egypt. [2]
Generally, no. The subterranean passage is unstable and dangerous. However, the entrance pit is visible in the forecourt, and the story of Howard Carter's horse is a favorite of local guides. [1]

Sources & further reading

References supporting the historical data, architectural details, and dates presented in this guide.

  1. Arnold, Dieter. The Temple of Mentuhotep at Deir el-Bahari. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1979.
  2. Winlock, Herbert E. Excavations at Deir el Bahri: 1911–1931. Macmillan, 1942.
  3. Wilkinson, Richard H. The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson, 2000.
  4. Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities (Egypt), Deir el-Bahari. View

Note on visiting: Opening hours and ticket prices are subject to change by the Ministry of Tourism. Please check official sources prior to your visit.

Last updated: February 17, 2026