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Sacred Lake at Karnak, Egypt. This is part of the complex of temples at Karnak that were dedicated to the Ancient Egyptian god Amun. The construction took place over many centuries, at the order of a succession of pharaohs. The lake was dug at the time of Tuthmosis III (circa 1504-1450 BC). It is 120 by 77 metres and has steps descending into the water. It was home to the sacred geese of Amun, and the water was used in rituals. The ruins in the background are of gateway structures called pylons. These are known as the 8th pylon (centre right) and the 9th pylon (upper left, undergoing reconstruction). There would have been courtyards between the pylons. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/) === ===