The temple stands near a large bend of the Nile River, in the region that was called Nubia in ancient times.

Not only was the Amun temple a main centre of what at one time was considered to be an almost universal religion, but, along with the other archaeological sites at Jebel Barkal, it was representative of the revival of Egyptian religious values.

[2] After a military campaign into Nubia, Thutmose III founded the fortified city of Napata as the southern limit of Egypt.

[6] Although early Meroe rulers had their own capital, government officials took a coronation journey to the Amun Temple of Jebel Barkal.

The earliest mention of this temple is in Thutmose III Jebel Barkal Stele, referring to it as, "[Amun's] Resting place of Eternity.

It tells the story of a battle at which Amun is said to have to sent a "star" to aid Thutmose, which has been variously interpreted by modern scholars as an omen or divine intervention.

The use of brick-like stone blocks called talatat, help date this expansion to Amenhotep IV as he invented the bricks and was mainly used during his reign.

The construction can be divided into two phases, with the first having an antechamber, open forecourt with ten faceted columns, and the first pylon, a large gate or entrance to a temple, being built.

Another notable improvement to the temple was the green glazed titles that were added to the roof and floor under the portico in front of the pylon.

During the Nineteenth Dynasty reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II, the structure included the Second and Third Pylons, a hypostyle court, a hall with annexes, a chapel, and a pronaos and naos complex.

Ramesses II father, Seti I, is believed to have started these additions to the temple, and was also responsible for the 10 columns that replaced the porticos.