The largest temples were a complex network of buildings. many, like those at Karnak and Luxor, had colossal statues that guarded their gateways, and vast courtyards. The innermost shrine of the deity was reached by passing through columned halls.
Most temples were very wealthy. The pharaohs gave them huge estates and booty from wars, to thank the deities for their aid. Each temple also received taxes from people living on its lands, which were paid in goods such as grain, gold, beer and wine. In turn, these were used to pay the people who worked in the temple.
As well as the musicians, cooks and craftsmen who prepared offerings for the deity, the temples employed many officials to administer the taxes and storehouses. At the time of Rameses III, the temples and estates of the God Amun had a quater of a million hectares of land in Thebes and employed over 80000 workers.
The temple was like a small town, with a constant hustle and bustle of people at work. There were offices, storerooms for food, law courts, libraries, stables and a school. There were also workshops for craftsmen such as carpenters, masons and goldsmiths. There was also a doctor to care for the sick, although they tried curing people with amulets and magic spells, doctors also prescribed medicines and ointments. [2]