Luxor is a city in southern Egypt on the east bank of the Nile River. It stands on the site of ancient Thebes, the pharaohs' capital during the 16th and 11th centuries B.C. Today's city is surrounded by two massive, surviving ancient monuments: the graceful Luxor Temple and, a mile north, Karnak Temple. The Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens royal tombs are located on the river's west bank.