Rameses III regularly copied the works of Rameses II, and the plan of his memorial temple was closely modeled after the Ramesseum. It is much better preserved, however, and visiting Madinat Habu before visiting the Ramesseum helps one better appreciate both monuments; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'calibri','sans-serif'">It is occasionally remarked that Madinat Habu’s construction and decoration is of poor quality, that its large and deeply cut hieroglyphs are “grotesque” and “tasteless.” One prominent architectural historian described its columns as “gigantic sausages.” Even the eminent American Egyptologist, James Henry Breasted, expressed disappointment that this monument had survived so well preserved instead of the more aestheticallypleasing temples of Dynasty 18. In spite of such statements, there is much in Madinat Habu to appreciate, in part because its colors are better preserved than in any other temple at Thebes except Queen Hatshepsut’s at Dayr al-Bahari

 From" The Illustrated Guide to Luxor" by kent R.Weeks ,published by the American University in Cairo Press. Copyright © 2005 White Star S.p.a